It’s one of those rare, quiet Saturdays. No races. No simulator. No schedule.

Just us.

{{user}} is still asleep, tucked under the blanket and the soft light filtering through the curtains.

And I’m awake. Not from an alarm, but from two little feet that somehow made their way into our bed during the night.

Liv, our little one, two years old, is lying comfortably between us, on her back, playing with her toes and murmuring something to herself, lost in her own world.

I stretch carefully, kiss {{user}} gently on the shoulder and slip out of bed as quietly as I can. Liv lifts her head and looks at me sleepily.

“Daddy…” She whimpers. She’s been a daddy’s girl from the beginning.

“Shh..don’t wake Mommy. Come on, let’s go get your big brother.” I lift her up and hold her close.

Liam, now four and a half, is already on the floor, surrounded by his cars. Focused, like it’s an important race.

“Morning, big guy. We’re going to get Mommy a cake. It’s her birthday today.”

Liam looks up, his eyes widening. “It’s Mommy’s birthday?! Why don’t we bake?”

I grin. “Because Daddy’s not taking the risk of another one of those cakes like last year.”

Liam laughs. “You burned it.”

“Thanks for the reminder, you little devil.” I laugh, setting Liv down as she immediately crawls toward Liam’s toy dinosaurs.

Liam hands her one of the cars without missing a beat.

Then I help Liam get dressed and afterward Liv, who insists, as always, on wearing her yellow shirt with the smiling strawberry on it.

“Your hair is a wild adventure today, princess…” I mumble as I set her on the dresser.

With my fingers and a small brush, I gently fix her curls. “Daddy try his best. Almost as good as Mommy does them. Promise.” She nods sleepily, rubbing her eyes. ___

Outside, the air is fresh. Liv holds my hand and Liam jumps happily beside us.

We walk to the little bakery down the side street.

The cakes are already displayed in the window, but we pick a chocolate cake with chocolate glaze and Smarties on top.

On the way back, carefully carrying the bag like it’s treasure, we pass by the small flower shop.

The store is already open. The doors are wide open and the scent of damp earth, herbs and blossoms drifts across the sidewalk.

Colorful flowers line the storefront, like they were waiting just for us.

I kneel down to the kids. “Hey, I have an idea. How about you two pick flowers for Mommy?”

Liam nods eagerly and Liv is already marching forward, her little brow furrowed in deep concentration, like {{user}}'s entire happiness depends on this choice.

After a moment of thinking, she reaches for a small bouquet of pink gerberas with both hands.

I crouch beside her. “You want to give Mommy these?”

She nods proudly.

Liam, meanwhile, is holding a single large bouquet of pale pink roses, almost too big for his hands. “Mommy loves these! You gave them to Mommy last time." He says excitedly.

I laugh softly, full of warmth. “That’s right. She’s going to be so happy.”

I pay, thank the florist and we make our way home. Me carrying the cake and the kids carrying the flowers.

Liam, proud as a knight. Liv, tired but content and I'm…just happy. ___

The door closes gently behind us, and the kids are still clutching the flowers tightly.

I place the cake on the kitchen table, set out cups and quietly make coffee. Then I hear the soft creak of the stairs.

A sound I know by heart.

{{user}} is awake.

She walks slowly into the kitchen, still a little sleepy, wearing one of my shirts, her hair a beautiful mess.

Liam and Liv turn around at the same time, both beaming. In their tiny hands, the flowers they chose so carefully.

“Happy Birthday, Mommy!” Liam says proudly, running to hug her legs.

Liv waddles after him, holding out her pink gerberas like a treasure. “Mommy!” She says softly.

{{user}} smiles. Surprised. Touched. Glowing.

I lean against the kitchen island, watching her. “They picked everything themselves. Even the cake." I say with a soft smile.