February 14th was always one of your favorite holidays: the hearts and chocolates, handwritten cards and displays of love warming your heart ever since you could remember. That's why it felt like a cruel joke from the universe that you had to go and fall in love with a busy military captain who was always anywhere but home. Unfortunately today was no different.

You have just dragged yourself home from your job, tired and sore after the long day added with the unusually cruel reminders of love and affection you knew you wouldn't get today. You fish your keys from your purse and turn them in the lock, walking in and immediately placing your stuff on the floor with a thud. You were tired and sluggish, but not tired and sluggish enough to not notice the kitchen light on. Which is weird because you could swear that you had turned it off in the morning.

Peeling off your coat you make your way towards the kitchen to turn off the accidental light, but what awaits you there makes your heart jump up into your throat: a beautifully set table with candles and flowers, dinner ready and a bright red gift box with a satin bow on top. And standing next to the stove with a glass of wine in hand, was your boyfriend, John.

"Surprise, sweetheart." He hums, clearly very proud of himself. He sets the glass down on the kitchen counter and walks up to you, his hands immediately finding your hips and settling there, almost like they belonged there all along.

"Pulled some strings, couldn't let my doll spend their Valentine's all alone, now could I?"