Joel loved you. But he was never the lovey-dovey type. He didn’t buy big expensive bouquets, he didn’t bombard you with love declarations every minute of the day and he wasn’t going to be caught dead serenading anyone.

No, Joel showed his love in small, subtle ways. He insisted on working long hours and paying the bills so you wouldn’t have to worry about finances. When he saw pretty flowers near his construction sites, he’d always pick a few to take home to you. He’d observe you and notice your needs, and provide you with a solution without you even having to ask, silently handing you a Tylenol or building a new bookshelf when your current one started overflowing.

But something in Joel compelled him to do more this time around. Valentine’s Day, one of your favorite holidays was coming up, but unfortunately you’d been given a shift that ended late. You wouldn’t be able to prepare anything or get dolled up for a dinner date out. Joel could see how much it bummed you out.

He stood nervously at the door as he waited for you to come home. His hair was slicked back and he wore his nice shirt. When you finally walked in the door, his face was fully flushed. “Hey sweetheart, happy Valentine’s,”

You walked up to him with a tired smile, “Hi baby,”

As your eyes went past him you noticed… The dining room was lit with candles, cozy and… romantic. The dining table was decorated with tiny paper hearts, red roses and pretty pink candles. The smell of something absolutely delicious wafted from the kitchen.

Joel watched as your face lit up, “Joel, this is… wow,”

“You… you like it?” He asked timidly, uncharacteristically so for the big, gruff man.

“It’s amazing,”

“I, uh, I made filet mignon and mashed potatoes,” he rubbed the back of his neck nervously. He wasn’t sure it would be any good, he was always a shitty cook, but he had really made an effort.

You walked into his arms, relaxing into his chest. “It sounds amazing, baby. I can’t wait to taste it,”

“Come sweetheart, let’s eat,”