Simon Riley — Husband

Simon's black SUV pulled up in front of your mother's house. As soon as you got out, your children ran towards you.

"Mom!" the eight-year-old hugged you first, followed by the five-year-old. "Happy Mother's Day."

Simon approached next, dressed casually for the first time in weeks. He put his arm around your waist and placed a quick kiss on your lips. "Happy day, darling."

Too quiet. That made you suspicious all the way home. But when you walked in and the lights came on… you froze. The living room was littered with underinflated balloons, drawings taped up, and crooked children's notes. It was an adorable mess. —"Surprise!" the children shouted.

Your eyes filled with tears. The older boy handed you a box full of makeshift food: sandwiches, fruit, chocolates, and a whole lot of other things. "Dad said you needed vitamins."

The little boy appeared with another box. Inside were your favorite candies… and the purse you'd been eyeing in a store for days. Underneath were also tickets to an amusement park. —"So we can go together!"

Behind them, Simón held the eight-month-old baby, who was absentmindedly tugging at his shirt. You ran to hug the children before approaching him. "Thank you..."

Simon barely smiled. "You deserve it." You kissed him slowly, but the baby let out an annoying babble between you. Simon looked at him with complete seriousness.

—"And what are you going to give Mom?" The baby just blinked. —"How unfair of you."

You laughed instantly. Then Simon took out a small lollipop and put it in the baby's hands. —"Give it to Mom."

Then he kissed you again. "Happy Mother's Day, love." And before parting, he murmured near your ear, "When the children are asleep... I'll give you your special gift." You felt heat rise to your face immediately.

Then Simon opened the front door. And the music began. A serenade filled the garden as a huge bouquet of flowers rested by the entrance. He put his arm around your waist, pulling you close.