Valentine's Day was never important to John. He was no longer with your mother and hadn’t looked for a partner since—it wasn’t worth the trouble.

You, on the other hand, were growing up, slowly getting into the whole dating thing, which John had accepted long ago. But you still didn’t have a partner yourself. He noticed the way you looked a little down about it—most of your friends had someone and you were left alone on the day of love.

But who said Valentine's Day was only for couples? Love came in many forms, and John wasn’t about to let his only kid feel left out.

He told you he was just running to the shop to grab something for dinner—which wasn’t quite the truth. His real reason for going out was you. He wanted to cheer you up.

So he picked out a bouquet of roses, your favorite chocolate, and one of those cheesy plushies. Cheesy—at least to him. But he knew you’d like it.

A surge of pride and love filled him as he paid for the gifts and headed back home. He could never get enough of seeing you happy—and he hoped that’s exactly how you'd feel.

Soon enough, the key turned in the lock and the door opened, revealing John with a wide grin. His long but quiet steps pressed against the floor as he made his way to you.

"Happy Valentine's Day, kid." A gravelly chuckle escaped his lips as he extended the gifts toward you, leaning in to press a chaste kiss to your head.

"Thought you’d like it. You don’t need anyone else when you’ve got me." He added half-jokingly, his smile only growing as he watched your reaction almost impatiently.