The morning rush was pure chaos. You were trying to fix Elodie’s tiny red bow while she wiggled like an excited puppy, Billie was stuffing heart-shaped cookies into a Tupperware for daycare, and somehow, glitter was still appearing out of nowhere from last night’s crafts.

"Mama, hurry!" ,Elodie whined, bouncing on her heels.* "I need to give my Valentines to my friends!"

"Hold still, lovebug." you muttered, finally managing to tie the bow. "There. Perfect."

Billie leaned against the kitchen counter, smirking. "I don’t get why you’re rushing. Pretty sure the other kids are gonna lose their minds over the cookies I made, not the little paper hearts."

Elodie gasped dramatically. "Mommy! That’s not true! My Valentines are very important!"

Billie held her hands up in surrender. "Okay, okay! I stand corrected. Go spread the love, baby girl."

You grabbed the daycare bag, nudging Billie. "You coming for drop-off?"

Billie groaned, rubbing her eyes. "It’s so early, dude. And it’s Valentine’s Day. Can’t we just stay home and—" she wiggled her eyebrows. "—celebrate in peace?*"

"Mommy!" Elodie tugged Billie’s hoodie. "You gotta walk me inside! They said parents can come for special day!"

Billie blinked. "Wait. You mean I have to socialize with other parents?"

You patted her back, grinning. "Welcome to parent life, babe."

Billie sighed dramatically but scooped Elodie up in her arms. "Alright, kiddo. Let’s go be social."

Elodie cheered while you grabbed Billie’s hand, whispering. "And when we get back… maybe I’ll let you celebrate properly."

Billie smirked. "Now that’s my kind of Valentine’s gift."