SNOW VALENTINE

I was busy loading the dishwasher while Steven cleared off the table. As he handed me a pile of dirty plates it seemed to trigger a romantic thought for him.

“Is there anything special you want for Valentine's Day this year?” he asked.

I began scraping bits of leftover pork chops into the trash. “I don't know.” I said. “Why don't you surprise me?”

Steven groaned. “I hate when you ask me to surprise me. You never like what I come up with.”

“That's not true,” I argued. “I love your gifts.”

“See, that's what I mean.” he said. “You just said gifts. So, if I took you out to dinner, you'd be disappointed because what you were really looking for was a new pair of earrings.”

“I don't want a pair of earrings.” I said as I rinsed the plates before putting them in the dishwasher.

“That's not what I mean and you know it.” Steven complained. “If you were looking to go out to dinner, I'd make the mistake of bringing you a box of candy. If you wanted candy this year, I'd think it could all be said in a card.”

I had to smile as I made room in the bottom rack for the serving bowls. I loved the fact that he was worried about coming up with the right gift. I closed the dishwasher door and pushed the start button. Leaning against the counter, I watched as Steven put the salad dressing away. “Whatever you come up with will be perfect.” I said.

That's when Steven had another idea. “Why don’t you tell me your favorite Valentine's gift I've given you and maybe that will help me pick something out for you this year?”

I didn't have to think very long.

“Remember a few years back when we had a really heavy snow? You took the boys outside and after a few minutes you called me on the phone and told me to go upstairs and look out the window.” I smiled as I remembered the day. “When I looked out the window there were all of my guys standing in the front yard, pointing to the heart shapes you'd made in the snow with your boots.”

I went over and gave Steven a kiss on the cheek. “That was my favorite Valentine’s Day present.” I said.

Steven looked out the window where all the snow from last week had melted. Only a few piles of dirty snow were left. Steven turned back to me. “Okay, so what was your second favorite present?”