Just a few hours before midnight, the small cabin behind Axel and Evelyn’s house glowed with warm light.
Rain tapped softly against the roof, turning the forest into a quiet, misty haven.
Inside, the dinner table was set beautifully with candles, wine glasses, and a plate of perfectly cooked steak and potatoes.
Evelyn had gone all out, wanting tonight to feel special.
After all, it was the last dinner before Axel’s birthday officially began.
The three of them sat around the table, forming their own small, cozy world.
Oliver stabbed his tiny fork into a piece of potato and chewed happily, "Mommy, this is so good. Better than the food at the Palace."
Evelyn blinked. She remembered never bringing him dinner at the restaurant called Palace. ’Or did I forget?’
"Palace? What Palace, baby?" She asked.
Oliver shrugged. "The one in my dreams."
Axel burst into laughter before saying, "He means your cooking is dream-level, sweetheart." 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚
Evelyn rolled her eyes and served Oliver more steak. "Alright, little prince, eat more..."
"Thank you, mommy."
The conversation flowed easily, warm and light.
Axel asked Oliver about his day, and as usual, he launched into a surprisingly detailed explanation.
"It was raining, Daddy. So I didn’t practice horse riding." Oliver frowned thoughtfully. "So I played in my playroom. But my teddy bear fell from the chair and didn’t get up again. He fainted."
Evelyn choked on her sparkling water. Axel tried and failed to stay serious.
"He fainted?" Axel asked.
Oliver nodded sincerely. "He needs more sleep. Just like you do."
Axel slightly frowned, "Me? Why me?"
"Because Mommy said you never rest."
Evelyn froze, fork halfway to her mouth.
Axel can’t help but chuckle as she looks at her.
"Mr. Knight, eat your steak..." Evelyn smiled innocently.
Dinner continued with laughter echoing inside the small cabin, filling the space with a warmth that settled deep into Axel and Evelyn’s chests.
When they were done, Evelyn slipped away quietly to the bedroom to prepare Axel’s gift.
Meanwhile, Axel stayed with Oliver, listening to him chatter about horses and how he wanted to grow tall and handsome like Daddy.
Later, Axel excused himself and headed to bed, pretending to be tired. He knew exactly what his wife and son were plotting, but he wanted to play along. For them, he would.
Up in the loft, Evelyn sat beside Oliver on the bed. The two huddled together, whispering about their master plan.
"Okay, sweetheart," Evelyn murmured. "At midnight, we take the chocolate cake, go into Daddy’s bedroom, and surprise him, right?"
Oliver nodded hard. "Yes! He will be shocked. And happy. And maybe cry."
Evelyn tried not to laugh. "Maybe."
"We must be quiet," Oliver continued, lowering his voice like a spy. "Daddy must not know."
"Yes. Daddy will never know." She nodded solemnly, even though she knew Axel was fully aware and waiting.
But halfway through their planning, Oliver began blinking slowly. His eyes grew heavy, his little body leaning into Evelyn.
"Mommy..." he mumbled. "I’m... not... sleepy... I’m just resting my... eyes..."
The next moment, his head flopped onto her shoulder.
Fast asleep.
Evelyn stared at him, both touched and torn.
"Oh no," she whispered. "Baby, not now."
She gently shook him. "Oliver? Sweetheart? Your mission?"
He snored softly.
She sighed and pulled out her phone, sending a message to Axel.
"Little boss fell asleep. What are we supposed to do now?"
His reply came instantly.
"Let him sleep. Come here. I want you here."
Evelyn blinked, shaking her head while smiling.
"But he will be sad if he doesn’t surprise you! He was so excited..."
Seconds later:
"Alright. Wake him later. We only need to sing and take a picture. Then, let him sleep after that."
"Yes. Good idea."

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