I looked up at him.
His face was relaxed, open, vulnerable in a way I rarely saw.
“You don’t have to say anything back,” he said gently. “I just wanted to let you know that I do. Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be waiting to hear it.”
My chest tightened, not with fear, but with the overwhelming honesty of him. There was no pressure in his voice, no expectation—just truth.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
I met his eyes and smiled, the answer coming easily. “Perfect. I’m feeling perfect.”
And I was. With our bodies joined in the most elemental of ways, wrapped in warmth and closeness, I drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep—one of the best I’d had in a long time. When I woke later, I was tangled in Caleb’s shirt and jacket, his scent surrounding me. He was still asleep, relaxed and beautiful in the early hours. Something playful stirred in me. I slipped the band off my wrist, careful not to wake him, and undressed him completely before kissing him awake and making love to him again.
When sunlight peeked through the windows the next morning, I slipped my wrist free once more and, trying not to wake him, grabbed his shirt and padded into the bathroom to freshen up. My cheeks flushed as memories of the night replayed themselves in my mind. I shook my head, smiling like a fool, completely undone and completely content.
While brewing hot water, my eyes landed on a duffel bag sitting neatly on the dresser. Curious, I peeked inside and laughed softly to myself. My pyjamas were folded there, along with a change of clothes for both of us, toiletries, and even makeup.My pyjamas didn’t make it onto me. He didn’t plan too well, after all. The thought made me smile even wider as I grabbed my clothes and toiletries.
The shower water trickled down my body, the heat washing away every trace of exhaustion. A minute in, I felt hands slide around me. I gasped softly as Caleb joined me, the water cascading over us. The heat between us intensified instantly as our lips met again. I wrapped myself around him, our bodies moving together effortlessly, his rhythm matching mine as if we’d always known how to find each other. We surrendered completely, immersed in each other all over again.
Later, Caleb ordered breakfast while I tidied the bedroom, shoving last night’s clothes into the duffel bag.
“So,” I teased, glancing at him, “you really did come prepared last night, huh?”
He winked. “I didn’t expect it to go the way it did.”
We ate breakfast at the same table by the window where we’d had dinner the night before. While sipping hot water and picking at fruit, he pointed to the gift bag sitting nearby. “What’s this?”
“Oh my gosh! I completely forgot.” I picked it up, hesitating briefly before handing him the card. I’d made it following an online tutorial,but it had ended up looking like something teenagers might exchange. “It’s not as amazing as what you planned for me,” I admitted, biting my lip. “I struggled to buy you something. You already have everything.”
He opened the gift first—a bottle of YSLLa Nuitparfum. His eyes lit up. “You know, I actually don’t have this one. I love it. Thank you.” He kissed me before opening the card.
The card was made from white, red, and black paper, decorated with glittery gold and red hearts. Two hearts folded into each other, and when it opened, two more appeared inside. Four hearts sat at each corner of the square, holding it together, each one carrying a message:
My heart is all yours!
You take my breath away!
I hope you know how grateful I am to have you in my life.
You have no idea how sexy you are!
In the center was a square that read:Happy Valentine’s Day!
“I know it’s really cheesy and dorky—” I started.
He cupped my face in his hands and kissed me, silencing every insecurity. “No one has ever made me a card before,” he said softly. “This is amazing. Thank you.”
After breakfast, we picked up Lucas and headed to the mall.
“I missed you, Mama!”
“I missed you too, my sweetheart,” I said, hugging and kissing him tightly.
Lucas excitedly told us all about his night with Martina and Taylor. Caleb and I surprised him with a movie and lunch.
Afterward, Caleb’s sister, Cat, called.
“We’re all at Nelson Park. Why don’t you guys join us?”
