Page 42 of Big Bad Single Wolf Dad

In the back, the kids are going crazy, and we both get pulled into the demands to exit the car and get inside as soon as possible.

“Okay, okay,” I say, laughing. “We’re coming.”

It doesn’t take long to get inside, and once we’re there, the kids disappear. Sarah and I watch as they scramble into fairy castles, climb up magical trees, and clamber onto the backs of dragons, giggling all the way.

It’s not just the kids who get the joy of a surprise, though.

“I hope you packed sandwiches or something because I’m so hungry,” Sarah says, her hand clutching at her stomach.

I grin. “Have I ever let you down before?” I ask jokingly.

But the words seem to do something to Sarah. Her face suddenly shifts, and she looks deep into my eyes for a moment, as if searching for something.

“No,” she finally says, and I get the impression there’s something happening here that I’m not privy to.

I don’t get the chance to ask though, because Sarah suddenly snaps out of it with a look of sheepishness.

“So how about those sandwiches then?” she asks as if trying to cover whatever just happened.

I decide to let it slide. And besides, I’m excited to show her the second part of the surprise.

“Actually, I’ve done one better than that,” I tell her, motioning for her to look behind us.

In the Magic Land cafe, intended for parents to chill out while the kids play, a single table sits among the others, covered in a red tablecloth with a single red rose in a vase perched atop it.

Waiters in full tuxedos wait with dishes on silver platters while a couple of other parents look on in awe.

“Oh, my God, Greg,” Sarah gasps, her eyes wide.

“If it’s too much, we can scrap it,” I tell her, not wanting her to feel uncomfortable.

But she turns to me with a smile. “Are you kidding? This is amazing!”

She rushes toward the cafe, dragging me along by the hand with exactly the same enthusiasm that the kids showed when they ran into the play area. Her reaction brings a huge smile to my face.

“I thought I’d arrange for a selection of meals,” I say as I push her seat in behind her. “We can either opt for fancy French cuisine or some gourmet versions of your favorite foods.”

I sit down opposite her, hoping she likes all of this.

Sarah grins. “This is crazy,” she says. “You really thought of everything, huh?”

I grin too, knowing she has no idea. I’ve been meticulously planning this outing for days, ever since Mike and I finished our little chat, and it’s really felt like a labor of love.

I know Sarah’s a smart woman. She’s not the kind of person that can be won over just by throwing money around. Not that I’d want to win her heart that way, either. No, this outing was intended to be thoughtful. I wanted the kids to be happy, too, and glancing over to the play area I see they are.

“I just wanted today to be special,” I tell her. “So, what’s it going to be? French delicacies or gourmet favorites?”

All I want is to watch her enjoy herself and hope that she feels the love I’ve poured into this date.

“Gourmet favorites, of course,” she says with an excited smile.

The smile softens for a second as she adds something that makes my heart swell a little.

“We can save the fancy French food for another time,” she says, and I wonder if that’s an allusion to the trip I mentioned.

I don’t want to push my luck, though, so instead of asking, I just give her a little nod.

“Whatever you like,” I say, before gesturing to the waiter.

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