Today was Drew’s birthday. It was November 4th. But unfortunately this year he wasn’t home with you and your four-year-old daughter Ivy like he usually was — this year Drew was in Dubrovnik, Croatia, filming the final season of Outer Banks.

But just because he wasn’t home didn’t mean you wouldn’t see him. You had already planned a surprise with Madelyn months ago — you and Ivy were going to surprise him when he was with his cast members in the café to celebrate his birthday.

Ivy was just as excited as you were the whole time. She missed Drew a lot, so did you — even though he had only been gone for a few weeks. You booked the flight and the hotel for one night because you were coming a day earlier.

A few days before your departure you bought Drew a gift — a bracelet with Ivy’s and your initials, and a camera he once mentioned in a conversation. Ivy made him a birthday card with a sweet drawing of the three of you. On top of it there were a few words written

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST DADDY IN THE WORLD!” — of course you helped her with that part.

The last days passed quickly — you packed your things, packed the gifts safely so nothing would break during the flight.

Finally the last day before his birthday rolled on which meant you drove with Ivy to the airport and checked in. You had to wait a bit before you could go to the gate. You were a bit afraid of the flight — not because of you but because of Ivy. It was her first time flying and such a long flight made you a little worried.

But to your surprise the flight went pretty well. Ivy got spoiled by the stewardess and she actually slept almost the whole flight. You had to change planes once in London and then you could fly on to Croatia. After so many hours you finally arrived in Dubrovnik.

When you arrived it was already dark outside, almost midnight. So you went to the hotel as quickly as possible which you had booked to sleep.

In the morning it was hard to get up because you had jet lag, but the thought that you would see Drew soon made the tiredness feel less. After you woke Ivy you went to the hotel’s restaurant to have breakfast.

After breakfast you both went back to your hotel room to get ready. You wore jeans combined with a blouse and Ivy wanted to wear a dress for Drew’s birthday.

You packed the presents into a bag before leaving the hotel room and walking a bit around to show Ivy a little of Dubrovnik just because you waited until Madelyn texted you that you could go to the café.

And then finally Madelyn texted yo

{{user}} you can come now everything is ready I will wait for you at the entrance

When you told Ivy that you were going to the café to see Drew she became even more excited.

As planned Madelyn was at the entrance of the café and waited for you. When you arrived she first greeted you and Ivy with a big hug.

“You ready?” Madelyn asked, looking between you and Ivy.

You held Ivy’s hand tightly and nodded as you reached the café door. The chatter and laughter from inside were audible. Drew was sitting with his cast members, leaning back in his chair, completely absorbed in conversation.

After you pushed the door open, Ivy walked to him, tugged gently at his sleeve, and looked up with wide eyes. Drew froze mid-sentence. He blinked, then his mouth opened as if he had lost his voice.

“What are you doing here?” he whispered, his voice full of shock, as he picked Ivy up in his arms.

“Surprise!” Ivy said softly with a giggle and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

You stepped closer, a small smile forming on your lips, before speaking. “Happy birthday, babe.”

Drew’s gaze locked with yours as he hugged you tightly and pressed a lingering kiss to your temple, Ivy giggled between you both. Drew shook his head, still smiling in disbelief. “This… this is the best birthday ever,” he whispered, his eyes shining as he held you close.