Birthday Surprise

The circumstances surrounding my birthday were rather unusual this year. Jeff found out a few weeks prior that he would have to go out of town for a meeting. He was very apologetic (especially since he was gone during our anniversary earlier this year) but there was nothing he could do. I have worked the last two years on my birthday so I was not upset, though I do admit to being disappointed that he would be out of town.

Dominika decided that a girl's night out was in order and suggested dinner and a movie the night before. With her sister available to babysit the kids, it was the perfect idea and we made our plans. The day before my birthday rolled around, the kids and I took Jeff to the station and said goodbye since he would leave straight from work with his boss to go to the meeting. Overnight bag in hand, he boarded the train to the sounds of the kids yelling at the top of their lungs, "Bye Daddy! We LOOOOVE you!!"

At lunch time Dominika arrived at the house with food for everyone and hung out with me for a bit while the kids played. We finalized the evening's agenda and discussed attire (we're female, we get to coordinate, right?). I was leaning more towards a "comfy" look rather than getting dressed up, but she talked me out of it (not that she needed to twist my arm - I love getting dressed up). After all too short a time, she and Ava loaded up and headed home.

I got the kids bathed and fed, then proceeded to get ready as well. As soon as the babysitter arrived I headed out the door. I called Jeff to let him know where I was headed, to tell him to travel safely, and that I would talk to him when I got home. Then I called Dominika to let her know that I left late, but was on my way. I arrived at the restaurant and waited in the entry way for Dominika who was also running behind. There was no sign of her, but after a few minutes of waiting, the hostess approached me to ask if I was meeting someone. I said yes, and was told that the person was already here. She lead me around the corner, and pointed to a table with a very handsome man sitting at it.

I was shocked and completely thrilled to see Jeff! He sat at our table wearing a fresh change of clothes and a big smile across his face as he waited for me to join him. At this point all of the scheming was revealed. Knowing we would be short on time because of the early movie time, he had asked me what I was going to get for dinner when I was on the phone with him, then just ordered when he was seated. Our food arrived as I sat down and placed my drink order. He explained that three days earlier the meeting had been canceled. Instead of telling me about it, he asked Dominika to plant the idea of a girl's night out, intending all along to switch places. Dominika arranged for Sami to watch the kids, and Jeff enlisted my brother, Patrick, to pick him up from the station and drop him off at the restaurant, along with his completely unnecessary travel bag. Everything from venues, menus, travel routes, babysitting, wardrobe, surveillance, and travel routes was coordinated.

He was very pleased with himself and his co-conspirators, and their combined efforts were not in vain. I was never more surprised to see anyone. He even printed out a list of movies and their times along with brief reviews so that I could pick one. The food was delicious, the movie was entertaining, and the company - perfect.