history: A few years ago I came home to an unexpected party for my birthday.  My wife (who was my girlfriend then) had planned it all with my friends without me knowing. A few years ago_comma_ before we got married_comma_ my wife planned a party for me for my birthday completely without me knowing.
current: That sounds like a pleasant surprise! 
next: It really was!  I walked into my apartment to like 15 more people than I expected.