Jackson walked into his apartment upset one night. Ramona who was sitting on a couch near the front door got up and said, "Hey. You're late. Is everything all right with work?" A frustrated Jackson threw a bag he had on the floor and said, "No. I was let go today." Ramona's eyes widened as she covered her mouth and said, "Oh my God? Did something happen? Did you do something wrong? Did someone else do something wrong?" Jackson sat down and sighed as he said, "It's the stupid managers that did something wrong. They tried to expand and grow the company too quick. Bought too much extra office space and equipment and weren't able to make profit to cover it. But when the business started to tank, did they fire the managers that made the bad decisions? No. They fired the guys that did the actual real work." Ramona sat right near Jackson and held his hand as she said, "I'm so sorry sweety. I know this might be really tough for you."

Jackson then looked right at Ramona as he said, "It's just... it's only tough for me because I know this is gonna be tough for you. We can't live on just your paycheck alone. And with Jewel starting kindergarten soon, we're gonna need to pay for all of her school supplies, and of course pay for either after school care or somebody to constantly drive her to one of our parent's places or..." Ramona then put a finger on Jackson's mouth and said, "Shh. Jackson. We'll be okay." Jackson then moved Ramona's finger away and said, "I don't want it to be okay. I want to be the provider you and Jewel deserve. I should be better than what I am now. I... I need to talk a walk and cool down. Excuse me." Then Jackson got up and quickly walked out of the house. Ramona remained sitting in the apartment alone with a concerned and worried look on her face.

The next evening Jackson was walking up a stair case towards his apartment as he was talking on his cell phone. As he walked slowly, Jackson said into the phone: "So basically I'm not qualified enough? Well... thanks for nothing." Jackson then hung up the phone as he muttered himself, "Ugg. I am such a failure. I am the worst husband and father ever." Jackson then opened the door to his apartment when suddenly he heard Ramona yell, "Surprise!" Jackson's eyes widened as he saw a big banner set up in the house that said: "WE LOVE YOU", while Ramona and his preschool age daughter Jewel were wearing party hats and throwing confetti at him. A confused looking Jackson said, "What's all this?" Ramona then said, "We wanted to throw you a surprise party." A still confused Jackson said, "For what?" Jewel then ran over to Jackson and hugged him by the legs as she said, "For being the best daddy ever." Jackson still looking confused said, "But... why? I still haven't found a new job. And I..."

Ramona then walked towards Jackson and said, "I know. And I know you'll keep trying hard to find a new one. But Jackson, you don't need a new job to be a better man. You already are one. You constantly have sweet things to say about me, and listen to my thoughts when I want to share them." A smiling Jewel then said, "Yeah. And you always come to see me play T-Ball and sing even when the other kids' dads don't." Ramona then put a hand on Jackson's shoulder and said, "And you've always been completely loyal to me and this family through every problem and difficulty we've faced. A lot of other guys would've high-tailed out long ago. But you never have. You stayed no matter how rough things got for us. That is what makes you a better man." Jackson finally made a big smile as he said, "You know... you two really are the best family a guy could ask for me." Ramona smirked as she said, "I know." Jackson and Ramona then kissed one another as Jewel wrapped her arms around both of her parent's legs.

THE END