On the ride home, Justin dozed off. Bill thought about Sarah's party and wished that Susie could be there. He looked up at the moon lit sky and said, "Susie, I miss you so much, I hope that you can see how big our children are getting, it's so hard to believe Sarah will be sixteen." He looked over at Justin and said, "Your baby boy is so grown up, where has the time gone?" When he pulled into the driveway and turned the motor off, Justin woke up. Bill said, "Come on son, we're home." Sarah met them at the door and said, "Where have you two been? I was so worried." Justin looked at his dad and they both laughed. Sarah said, "What's so funny?" Then they both laughed again and said nothing. Sarah looked at the two of them as if they had lost their minds and said, "Whatever." Justin laughed and said, "Told you so." Bill laughed and said, "Okay buddy, go get cleaned up for bed now." "Alright" Justin chuckled again and said good night to his dad, "I love you Dad" "I love you too, Sport," Bill said. Have a good night."
 

Bill woke the next day to the sound of the radio alarm. The song it was playing was Susie's favorite, Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You." As he lay there listening, he thought how fitting it was to be playing now, on Sarah's birthday, it was as if Susie was right there with him. Then Sarah came running in saying, "Dad, Dad." "What is it, honey? What's the matter?" Bill said. Sarah said, "Nothing Dad, I'm just excited. It's my birthday, finally!" "I know honey," he said, "And it's going to be a good one too." "I can hardly wait," Sarah said as she gave Bill a big hug. "I just wish Mom could be here to see it." She said with tears falling down her cheeks. Bill hugged her tightly and said, "I am sure she's watching from heaven, Sarah. Now lets don't be sad, she wouldn't want that." "I know," she said, wiping the tears from her eyes, "It's just that I miss her so much." "Me too," Bill whispered, "Me too." Now let your dad get showered so we can get this day started." "Okay!" she said, "I'll let you get ready. Thanks Dad, I love you." "I love you too, Sweetie, see you in a little while." Then Bill headed for the shower.

After his shower he headed downstairs to the kitchen. He smelled bacon cooking, "mmmm" he said. "It sure smells good in here." Sarah laughed and said, "I cooked you some breakfast, Dad. Sit down and I'll get you some coffee." "Okay" said Bill, as he sat down at the kitchen table. "But I should be cooking you breakfast, Sarah. It's your birthday today, not mine." Then he chuckled. "It's okay Dad, you spoil me enough as it is." she said as she placed his plate in front of him. Then she kissed his cheek and said, "Thanks for being so good to me, I love you. Now eat your breakfast." "Okay, you talked me into it," He said with a big smile. " After breakfast I need to go to the church, I have a few appointments, then I'll be back in plenty of time for the party." "Okay, but don't you dare forget!" answered Sarah. "I could never do that. I'll be there." He said as he went out the door.