Too Late for Sorry (Chasing my Wife Back)

e and warmth, walls paneled with deep mahogany, a chandelier that hung from the high ceiling like a jeweled crown, and a king-sized bed draped in soft, ivory sheets

retched across the empty space where his wife usually rested. His handsome fa

it

shot open, heart thudding against his chest. With a sharp gasp, he

e broke into the silen

and scrambled to his feet. His bare footsteps slapped against the polished woode

reached the livi

ful pop-pop-pop, followed by the sing-so

Birthday t

. Beside her was their daughter, little Hazel, in her pink unicorn-themed pajama set, holding a confetti popper that

ion melting into the warmest smile he had ever worn. His lips parted, but no words came out, only

y!!" Hazel squealed,

oment, and he laughed, a deep, heart

his chest, still catching his breath. "I th

mirked p

lly... we murde

l giggling so hard she nearly trip

toward him with a small bag. She stretch

ide were two carefully wrapped packages. The first bore the words, scrawled in childlike handwrit

of stick figures- him, Amelia, and Hazel, holding hands under a big yellow sun. His daughte

rew thick with emotion. "This is the

iggled

lik

ling her into a big bear hug. "You are the best art

eyes s

is Pi

rly doubling over. Adrian chuck

better than anyone. And this," he picked

t Daddy in the World* boldly printed ac

, "is official proof. If anyone ever doubts it,

again, clapp

ddy is t

er, her hands hidd

, "if Hazel is done stealing the s

a brow, playfu

ou got up your sleev

eek, ribboned box. The glossy packaging alone scr

was a luxury wristwatch, gleaming under the light, the ve

aw dr

is, this is

oftly, stepp

or the man I love. Hap

pulled her into his arm

aby. I don't

he whispered, ki

ips touched in a tender kiss. Hazel, however,

t of meee!" she squ

st enough to chuckle

embarras

laugh

hat is o

en all three of them burst into laughter, the

t rich in possessions or success, he was rich bec

*

over the fine fabric before lifting it. Adrian stood tall before the mirror, adjusting his tie w

oulders. He glanced at her reflection in the mirror, his lips

he sound of Amelia fussing over his col

"You know... our daughter doesn'

quiet chuckle,

a birthday? What do

d, stepping back to admire her work. "And when she

the mirror, his bro

d what is on the

e him a sm

lamb, mashed potatoes, a

lowly, then planted k

clear my desk early so I

Without another word, Adrian walked toward the door. Amelia stood by the bed, watchi

mise?" Ameli

t her, the smiles e

d. They both smiled, and