My First Father’s Day Was Hijacked—But My Son’s First Word Saved It

I was pumped for my first Father’s Day, planning a sweet picnic with my girlfriend, Mia, and our baby, Lucas. But her brother’s selfish stunt nearly wrecked it, until a magical moment made it unforgettable. I was all smiles packing the picnic basket, sunlight catching the iced mango juice Mia adored. I’d planned a chill park day for our little family, with PB&J sandwiches, mashed pears for Lucas, and tiny matching sunglasses for him and Mia. After spoiling Mia on her first Mother’s Day with pancakes and a zoo trip, I wanted my day to feel special, too.

But when I got home, the vibe changed. Mia was rushing, zipping her bag. “What’s going on?” I asked, uneasy. She avoided my gaze. “My brother, Jake, called. He needs a favor.” My heart sank. “Seriously?” She sighed. “He’s taking his girlfriend to a dessert shop and asked us to watch Lily.” I stared. “It’s my first Father’s Day, Mia.” She mumbled, “It’s just a couple hours. He begged.” I kept my cool. “This was our day.” She snapped, “What, you’re mad about a kid?” I shook my head. “I’m mad Jake’s stealing our day, and you’re okay with it.”

A family gathered for an event | Source: Pexels

Jake never liked me, always jabbing at my job as a mechanic, smirking, “When’s he gonna get a real job?” He’d talk over me at family dinners, leave me out of photos, and only call Mia when he needed a babysitter or cash. Once, he dumped Lily on us and bolted. He saw me as a nuisance, and I wasn’t his biggest fan. “He’s doing this to mess with me,” I said. Mia scoffed. “That’s crazy.” Hurt, I grabbed Lucas’s carrier. “Fine, I’m taking Lucas to the park. You handle Jake’s kid.”

Mia didn’t argue as I left with Lucas and the picnic. At the park, I set up the blanket, popped Lucas’s sunglasses on, and grinned as he cooed. Feeding him pears, I heard, “Dada!” My jaw dropped. “Say it again, buddy!” He giggled, “Dada!” I recorded it, nearly crying. His first word, on Father’s Day! But my joy faded, knowing Mia missed it. Lucas’s babbles brought me back, and I smiled, soaking in our moment. That evening, I found Mia wiped out on the couch, drained from babysitting Lily.

“Back already?” I said, unpacking. She nodded quietly. “Check this out,” I said, showing the video. Her eyes teared up as Lucas said “Dada.” “I missed it,” she whispered. “Yeah,” I said, hurt. “I’m so sorry,” she said. “I didn’t expect this.” I shrugged. “You picked Jake’s favor.” Later, I heard her on the phone, furious. “Jake, you lied! The shop said you weren’t there. You used me!” She hung up, crumpled. “You okay?” I asked. She nodded. “Jake’s cheating on his girlfriend. He used Lily as an excuse.”

We sat in silence. “I hurt you,” she said. “I get it now.” I nodded. “You let Jake win.” She leaned into me. “I missed Lucas’s first word. I want to make it right.” I said, “Say no to Jake next time.” She agreed. Mia later shared she felt obligated to Jake, having raised him when their parents weren’t around. “It’s a habit,” she said. The next day, she gave me a framed video still, inscribed: “For Your First Father’s Day, When Lucas Spoke.” I grinned. “You deserved better,” she said. “I’ll do better.” The day was rough, but Lucas’s “Dada” and Mia’s promise made it ours.

 

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