Every 4-5 years, my husband goes all out in the romance department. One year it was a surprise anniversary trip to the place where we spent the first night of our honeymoon. One time he bought me a complete outfit (undergarments and accessories included) then arranged for a facial before taking me out to a nice dinner. On a couple of occasions, he’s cooked a romantic meal from scratch.
Last Sunday, for Valentine’s Day, I was treated to a romantic dinner at home involving much secrecy between my husband and his three co-conspirators. He did the menu planning, the shopping, and kept everything hidden until the big reveal. Being a bold man, he even tried all new recipes hand-selected from the Internet.
And it wasn’t just food, it was an entire experience. First, my boys needed transportation to a flag football game with our church, so that got me out of the house. Then when we got home, I was told to close 
my eyes and my youngest son led me by hand to my bedroom where I could change into something more appropriate to the evening than the sweats I had worn to the football game. While in my room, I found several roses placed strategically about. The one on the nightstand was the first to catch my eye, but the one tucked into my toothbrush holder made me laugh with delight.
Next, my husband came to collect me and led me to the dimly lit kitchen where soft music was playing and candles lit the table. One doesn’t normally have children tagging along during romantic dinners, but these weren’t just your average, run-of-the-mill children. No, these were slightly-trained wait staff.
My sons were instructed to wear collared shirts, which is a form of severe torture, I am given to understand. They submitted out of love, wearing pants and collars but they both kept their feet bare! My daughter put her artistic talents to work in decorating the plates. The appetizer consisted of chocolate covered strawberries and berry brochette made with raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and slivered almonds on French bread toast with cream cheese.
Peter – Serving up each course
Bethany – clearing away the dishes.
Wyatt – In charge of refilling drink glasses
The second course was a mozzarella pasta salad. Third was grilled chicken breast topped with bacon (there was supposed to be a sauce but there were a few issues that kept that from making it to the plate) with a side of grilled summer squash, broccoli with spicy cheese sauce, and cheesy garlic flatbread. All served on our fancy china with crystal glasses.
After three courses, we were all so full, we decided to take a break before dessert. During this break, my husband and children did all the dishes. Yes, I have proof!
Then we watched half a movie before taking intermission for that romantic dessert classic – banana splits! Mine is the one in front. Yummm!
So, is romance alive in America? Absolutely! And I love it!
- What are your favorite romantic gestures?
- Have you ever been surprised for Valentine’s Day?
Bonus!!!
Today only (February 18), my latest full-length novel, can be downloaded for only $1.99. It’s the first time this e-book has been on sale. The sale should be in effect for all e-readers. You can download the Kindle version here.
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I loved the rose in the toothbrush holder! That was awesome. As were the bare-foot waiters! At our house I’m usually the one to handle holidays like valentines. I had my 15 year old son pick out flowers for me when we made a trip to Costco. He picked out some beautiful tulips. And I buy the kids one of those little hearts that has 4-5 pieces of chocolate. Just enough chocolate to say Happy Valentines Day but nobody gets sick! When they were younger there were stuffed animals but after a while they thought they had plenty of those.
That’s so fun, June. Yes, I’m usually the one buying the valentine candy and leaving little surprises for the kids. So this year it was a huge treat for me to strictly be on the receiving end of Valentines. I felt like royalty. 🙂
“One doesn’t normally have children tagging along during romantic dinners, but these weren’t just your average, run-of-the-mill children. No, these were slightly-trained wait staff.” Slightly-trained wait staff!! Lol!
I’m completely charmed by all that your husband and kids did to make your Valentine’s Day special, Karen. The pictures are too cute!
Thanks, Becky. It was a fun night. 🙂
Sounds like a romantic and well planned evening. You have a very lovely and thoughtful family.
Yes, I do. I am so blessed. And like my husband says, if he only does this once every 4-5 years, it makes it extra special when it happens. He wouldn’t want me to get to such fabulous treatment – it would lose the special-ness. Ha!
It’s so wonderful to know there are families like yours out there. Children helping and being so willing to be a part of putting someone else ahead of their own agenda. I loved the roses, especially in the toothbrush holder. Would love to read the book also. Love anything with a western, romantic story.
Thanks so much, Dot! I hope you get a chance to try A Worthy Pursuit. If you like western romance, you should love it. 🙂
No wonder you write such great romances–you have great inspiration at your fingertips!
Yes, I do! 🙂 He inspires all my heroes to some extent.
Adorable!!
Thanks, Lenora. 🙂 I’m pretty proud of my man and the kids he gave me.
Wow, Karen. That man really went over the top! Glad it was such a pleasant day for you. That is great training for your boys on how to treat their future wives and a great example for your daughter in qualities to look for in a husband. Well done, indeed.
I agree, Rosie. It’s so important for both boys and girls to have positive male role models in their lives.
What a wonderful family achievement. Memories galore!
Yes, indeed. I had fun snapping all the pictures as the evening unfolded. 🙂
What a lovely Valentine’s surprise. Your family went all out.
Just purchased your book for Sweet Hubby Mine. We love your books. I have most of them in paperback. Delightful!