My dad had only been out of rehab for his gambling addiction for a few weeks, and Angel’s birthday was the first time we’d had a chance to get together and celebrate anything as a family.

As I looked around the dinner table at the two men in my life—two friends who were back to laughing and joking together, the way they used to be—I knew that I’d made the right decision about when and where to share the news that I’d been keeping to myself for two long days.

“Your daughter has been torturing me, Calvin,” Angel said, as if he’d been reading my mind. “Maybe you can persuade her to spill her secrets.”

“Oh?” My dad raised his eyebrows as both men turned their attention to me. “Don’t you know it’s not wise to keep secrets from your husband, young lady?”

I rolled my eyes. “I thought that when I got married, you wouldn’t be able to call me young lady anymore, Daddy.”

“Nope,” he shook his head and smiled. “You’ll always be my little girl, no matter how old you get or how grown you think you are. I reserve the right to call you young lady for as long as I want.”

“Can’t really argue with that logic,” Angel chimed in, earning a mock-glare from me.

I couldn’t even pretend to actually be mad at either of them, though. Not today, of all days.

“So, you really wanna know what the secret it?” I asked, winking at Angel as I teased him just a little bit more.

I knew he hated surprises, but I was enjoying watching him try to figure this one out. I was going to enjoy the look on his face even more when I finally told him what it was.

“Yes,” he nodded. “Please don’t keep me waiting, Bella. You know I’m no good at suspense.”

“Well,” I began, “Angel—and Daddy—since I have you both here together, and since this is Angel’s special day, I thought it would be appropriate to celebrate by telling you both some news that I just found out myself a couple of days ago.”

“O-kay,” my dad drew out the syllables slowly. “We’re listening…”

“Angel, babe, you’ve made me so happy over the past year that we’ve spent together. Becoming your wife was the happiest day of my life, and I feel so blessed that we’ve found each other.”

He nodded, and I could see his eyes start to shine with the emotions that were welling up. “I feel the same way, baby. I love you so much.”

I couldn’t hold in the big smile that had been trying to break free any longer. “And I thought today would be the perfect time to tell you that God has blessed us again.” I nibbled at my lip for just a split-second as my eyes searched his. “Angel, my love, we’re going to have a baby. You’re going to be a father.”

“Oh my God,” both Angel and my father spoke in unison.

Then, without another word, they were both up and out of their chairs, pulling me into a big hug that was so full of love that all three of us started to cry.

It was the first time I’d seen my father or my husband so moved by emotion, and my heart felt like it might burst with joy to know that these two men would be a part of my baby’s life, that they had both struggled with their demons and come out on the other side as better, stronger men who would be there for me and for my unborn child every step of the way.

“So I guess this means it’s been a pretty good birthday?” I asked, laughing through the tears at my own silly question. Of course I knew the answer already, but it made me smile all over again just to hear the enthusiasm in Angel’s voice as he answered.

“It’s been the best birthday—the best day, period—of my life, baby.” He leaned in over my dad and kissed me on the top of my head. “And I owe every bit of happiness in my life, today and every day, to you. Only you, my beautiful, sweet, wonderful Bella. You’re going to be an amazing mother, and I’m so honored that you’ve made me a father.”

“We’re going to do this together,” I added. “Me and you.”

“And me,” my dad chimed in, laughing with us. “You’ve both blessed me with another chance at life, and now a chance to be a grandpa. And I thank you. Both of you.”

“That’s right,” Angel said. “We’re all in this together.”

“Together,” I echoed. “Forever.”

And in that moment, on that day, after all the struggling and against all the odds, I finally had my family back. A new family, with a bright future that we would all share.

Together.

Forever.