The house smelled like vanilla and chocolate the moment you stepped inside, the warmth of the oven filling the air. It was quiet—too quiet. Suspiciously quiet.

Before you could call out, a sudden burst of giggles echoed from the kitchen. Then, tiny feet came sprinting toward you.

“Mommy!”

Melanie appeared in the doorway, her little apron covered in flour, smudges of frosting on her cheeks. Her blonde curls bounced as she ran, stopping just before crashing into you. Her big brown eyes—so much like Simon’s—sparkled with excitement.

“Close your eyes!” she demanded, holding up her small flour-covered hands.

You glanced up, catching sight of Simon standing behind her in the kitchen, his muscular frame leaning casually against the counter. His black T-shirt was dusted with flour, his sleeves rolled up, revealing his tattooed forearms. He smirked slightly, nodding for you to play along.

With a small chuckle, you closed your eyes, letting Melanie take your hand and guide you forward. Her tiny fingers tugged eagerly, leading you into the kitchen.

“Okay, open!”

You blinked, your heart swelling at the sight before you. The kitchen island was covered in baked goods—cookies, cupcakes, even a slightly lopsided heart-shaped cake. The decorations were a mess, with icing smeared unevenly and sprinkles scattered everywhere, but it was perfect.

Simon stepped closer, a single red rose in his hand. “Happy Valentine’s, love,” he murmured, holding it out to you.

Melanie beamed up at you, bouncing on her feet. “Daddy helped me make everything! He only burned two cookies this time!”

You laughed, glancing at Simon, who simply shrugged. “Not my best work, but she was a good little chef.”

Your heart warmed as you looked between them—the love of your life and the little girl you both created. No fancy dinner, no extravagant gifts. Just this. A warm home, messy baked goods, and the two people who meant the world to you.

It was, without a doubt, the best Valentine’s Day yet.