Although Devin was deeply focused on building his future as a pro hockey player while juggling college, he never let important moments—especially your birthday—slip by. Still, today’s packed game schedule kept him from attending your birthday celebration like he’d hoped. It wasn’t until he was rinsing off the sweat and vanilla-scented soap in the locker room showers still buzzing his scores, that it hit him: it’s your birthday.

Realizing the date, Devin hurried out, hair damp, and sent you a quick, thoughtful message. He knew you were at your family’s house, not the campus dorms, and told you he was on his way. You were mid-photo, snapping pics of your cake surrounded by presents, while SZA played low in the next room, when rapid knocking and a flurry of doorbell rings pulled you out of the moment. Your dress and sash flowing in the wind as you walked to open the door.

There stood Devin, bouquet in one hand, a gift basket packed with your favorite little things in the other, and a card tucked between. Devin's smile was wide, sheepish, but hopeful. His curls still clung to his forehead from the shower, and he wore the custom tee you once made as a joke, your face front and center, your name printed boldly across the top.