One Valentine’s Day years ago, my husband asked me on a date. Now, as married people trying to keep our marriage fresh, we go on date night quite often. Sometimes it’s a romantic dinner out; sometimes it’s a romantic dinner in. Sometimes it costs money, sometimes it doesn't. A successful marriage is hard work and well worth it in the long run.
This particular time he took me out to dinner. It was very nice. I thought to myself how sweet my husband was as we were on our way home. As we pulled in the driveway, I noticed he looked a little nervous. Knowing my darling husband’s affinity for gas, I assumed the meal wasn't sitting right.
“I know this sounds weird, but I need you to stay in the truck for a few minutes.” I had no idea what the heck he was talking about. This particular Valentine’s was a little chilly outside and I had no intention of sitting in the truck to wait for the beautiful heat I knew was calling my name from inside the house.
“I don’t have a choice, She. Please just trust me and stay out here for a few minutes. I’ll come get you.” He must have read my face. But I’m no fool. It was obvious at that point he had something romantically diabolical going on, and I wasn't ABOUT to ruin it.
Sure enough, a few minutes later my husband came to retrieve his chilly wife. He came around to the door, opened it, took my hand, and looked like he was about to cry. I realized that I, too, started getting a little nervous.
As I got to the walkway and was looking down in an attempt to watch where I was going in the dark in very high shoes, I noticed rose petals. Lots and lots of them. And they went right under the front door. I stopped and looked up at Adrian, who REALLY looked anxious and weepy-eyed now. He got in front of me, still holding my hand, and he opened the door.
Now to some, what I’m about to tell you he did may sound cheesy. And I don’t care. That’s why he’s the best husband ever. He IS cheesy, and he IS romantic, and he owns it, and that, Ladies, and Gentlemen, is why you can’t stop reading this particular blog post. BOOM.
The door opened and it was dark, except for the ga-ZILLION candles. (Maybe it wasn't a gazillion, but it was a lot – like the way you only see it on soap operas or Lifetime moves) And Sade's “This Is No Ordinary Love” softly rang through the house, just like she was singing directly to to ME. I looked down at the rose-petal path. The smell of incense was the perfect touch as I looked at Adrian and he told me to “follow the path". Around the corner and inside the room we go…straight to the bathroom. Wait. That doesn't sound romantic. Let me say it another way. It led me straight to the Bath Room. There, a hot bubble bath was waiting, with rose petals sprinkled into it. On the side of the tub…the pièce de résistance – a glass of wine!!
You would think it stops there. But it doesn't. He washed my hair for me. He washed my feet for me. And he cried and told me how blessed he was to have me. And all the while, Sade sang her lungs out.
He had really worked hard for me - for us.
And then (of course) as the story goes…Bowchickabowbow!! (Now simmer down, Folks. We married-and-deeply-in-love people tend to do that sometimes.)
Go and enjoy your Valentine’s Day. If you have a Valentine, whether it's your spouse, your parent, a special person in your life - take the time to put a little hard work into the relationship. Trust me when I tell you the hard work will pay off in the long run.
Thank you for being my Valentine every day, Adrian. I love you so.