Right on time, the doorbell rings, and Dylan is standing on my front steps with a huge bouquet of red and pink dahlias and another bouquet of pink roses.
“Hi, beautiful,” he says.
“Hi,” I whisper.
“Some dahlias for the Queen Dahlia.” He hands me the dahlias. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
“Happy Valentine’s Day. These are stunning. Thank you. Come in.” I take the flowers and motion for him to come in. We stare at one another for a few long seconds, taking each other in, and then he steps forward and kisses me.
I sink into him.
“Oh, it’s so good to see you.” He pulls back and looks me over. “And you look gorgeous.”
He puts his hand on his heart and taps it. “You make this thing go nuts.”
I grin and lean up to kiss him again. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
He looks around while I get a vase for the flowers.
“I can’t believe you still haven’t been here,” I say.
“Your place is beautiful.” He grins. “It’s fun to see it in person rather than just the phone version. I love your style.”
“Thank you.” We smile at each other like lunatics.
“Where’s Chloe?” he asks.
“I’m surprised she hasn’t rushed out here yet. She’s excited to see you.”
His grin takes over his whole face. “Yeah?”
I nod, unable to stop smiling back.
“Chloe, it’s time to go,” I call. “Dylan’s here.”
She comes running out and goes straight to Dylan, almost colliding into him. She loves when she gets to FaceTime with him and has been asking (multiple times every day for weeks) when he’s coming.
“Dyyan!” She wraps her arms around his legs and squeezes.
I get a lump in my throat watching the two of them together. The sweet, easy way Dylan has with her is sodifferent from what she has with her dad. I can only hope that Christian will eventually learn to be a better father.
“There you are!” Dylan says, getting down on his knees to hug her. “Oh my goodness, you’ve gotten taller. Last time I saw you, you were here.” He holds up his hand. “And just look at you now.”
She rocks back and forth, grinning up at him bashfully.
He picks up the bouquet I didn’t realize he’d set down.
“I almost forgot. These are for you. Happy Valentine’s Day, Princess Chloe.”
She gasps when she sees the pink roses. “Thank you,” she says softly.
“That is so sweet, isn’t it, Chloe?” I say, meeting Dylan’s eyes.
She nods. “So sweet,” she echoes. “I yove them.”
I look at my watch. “We should get going. Grammy is excited to make a Valentine’s cake with you.”
“We get to make Vayentine cake,” she tells Dylan. “Me and Grammy.”
