Bikeriders Serenade

A Belated Birthday Surprise

Lucy sat on the edge of Lori’s bed, brushing a strand of hair from her daughter’s face. *I can’t believe I almost forgot her birthday,* she thought, guilt pricking at her. Lori, turning 10, didn’t seem to mind—she was just excited for her party.

Austin walked in, leaning against the doorframe, a soft smile on his face. “She’s not upset, you know,” he said, reading Lucy’s thoughts.

“I know, but…” Lucy sighed. “I just want it to be perfect for her.”

Austin crossed the room and placed a reassuring hand on Lucy’s shoulder. “It will be. You’ve thought of everything. Plus, the video? She’s going to love it.”

Lucy nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. The video, which they planned to surprise Lori with later that evening, was a collection of memories that showed just how special she was to them.

**The Party at the Park**

A few days later, Lori’s 10th birthday party took place at a local park. The warm Australian sun bathed the park in golden light as kids ran around, their laughter echoing through the air. Lori’s friends—those she’d met at the beach, the park, and while visiting Austin on set—chased each other through the playground, burning off energy. Timmy, ever the adventurous little brother, followed close behind, determined to keep up.

Lucy watched from a distance, her heart swelling with pride. *She’s growing up so fast,* she thought, sipping on her lemonade.

Austin walked over, smiling as he saw Lori having the time of her life with her friends. “She’s going to remember this day forever,” he said.

Lucy nodded, feeling content that they had pulled off the celebration. But she knew the best part was still to come.

**A Special Gift**

Later that evening, after the party had wound down and they had returned home, Austin and Lucy gathered the family in the living room. The warm glow of the setting sun filtered through the windows, creating a cozy atmosphere.

“Lori,” Austin said, pulling her close. “Your mom and I have one more surprise for you.”

Lori’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “Another surprise?”

Lucy smiled, sitting beside Lori on the couch. “Yes, one last special gift for our ‘little’ girl.”

Austin pressed play on the TV, and the room filled with the soft music of the video they had created. Lori’s eyes widened as scenes from her life began to unfold on the screen.

**Flashback: Lori's First Steps**

The video transitioned to a home video of a younger Lori, barely a year old, standing on wobbly legs in the middle of the living room. Austin’s voice could be heard in the background, filled with a mix of excitement and encouragement.

“You can do it, Lori! Come to Daddy!”

Lucy stood off to the side, her hands hovering nervously, ready to catch Lori if she fell. But there was a smile on her face—a smile filled with pride and anticipation.

Lori looked up at Austin, her little brows furrowed in concentration. She lifted one foot, then the other, taking her first shaky step toward her dad. Austin’s face lit up with pure joy as Lori continued, one step, then two. And then, she fell—right into Austin’s waiting arms.

The camera captured the moment perfectly: Austin’s laughter, Lori’s giggles, and Lucy’s relieved cheer. It was a moment of pure love and pride, frozen in time.

**Reflecting on the Journey**

As the video continued, showing more moments from their lives—cooking together, playing at the beach, Austin teaching Lori to ride a bike—Lori’s attention was fixed on the screen. She laughed at the funny moments and teared up at the sweet ones.

When the video ended, Lori turned to her parents, her eyes filled with emotion. “Thank you, Mommy. Thank you, Daddy. I love it so much.”

Austin and Lucy wrapped her in a warm embrace. “We love you, too, sweetheart,” Lucy whispered, kissing the top of her head.

As they sat together, surrounded by memories and love, Austin and Lucy exchanged a knowing glance. They had made their little girl’s 10th birthday unforgettable—just like they had always wanted.