After months of business trips, I was finally heading home on Christmas Eve, eager to surprise Sarah and the boys. As I drove down the snowy street, I noticed something off: Sarah’s car was parked, and the garage door was slightly open. But it was the sight of Tommy and Jake huddled in the car that made my heart sink.

“What’s going on?” I asked, stepping closer.

“They said we had to stay out here. Mom’s busy with some man,” Jake whispered, his voice trembling.

My mind raced. Was Sarah cheating on me? My chest tightened as I rushed inside, the boys following. I could hear muffled voices, one of them a man’s laugh. The door to the living room swung open, and—

“SURPRISE!”

The room erupted with cheers and laughter. Family, friends, and neighbors greeted me, and Sarah rushed over, throwing her arms around me. “Got you!” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

I froze, my mind still processing.

The boys beamed. “We stayed in the car like you said, Dad!”

Sarah laughed. “Mike helped set up the sound system. We all knew you were coming early.”

Relief washed over me, mixed with a dash of embarrassment. Sarah had planned the entire surprise.

Later, as we sat together, watching the Christmas tree lights twinkle, I realized the presents in my trunk seemed silly compared to this — the love and effort Sarah had put into bringing us all together.

“Unforgettable,” I murmured, kissing her head. “Merry Christmas.”