Valentine's Day was always something I looked forward to, but this year, it felt different. Maybe because of the little things Luigi had done over the past few weeksâunexpected sweet gestures, moments where I'd catch him looking at me with that soft smile of his, like I was the only person in the world.
I was at our house, prepping dinner for later that night. I was trying to make it special, something that would show how much I cared, even though we always had the quiet moments that were more meaningful than anything extravagant. I had the kitchen smelling like fresh herbs and garlic, my favorite scents, and the radio was playing something slow and romantic.
I thought I had all the time in the world to finish. Luigi had texted me earlier that morning, saying he'd be home late because of work, with a few errands to run afterward. But as I was stirring the pasta sauce, I heard the door open.
"Y/N?"
I turned to see Luigi standing there in the doorway, his work clothes replaced by something more relaxed, his hair slightly messy from the wind. He looked differentâcalmer, almost like a weight had lifted off his shoulders.
"What are you doing here so early?" I asked, surprised but happy to see him.
He grinned, taking a few steps inside, and the first thing he did was pull out a bouquet of flowers from behind his back. They were soft pink roses, the kind I loved. "I couldn't wait to see you. I got off work early, so I thought I'd surprise you."
My heart melted right then and there. He had a way of making every moment feel special, no matter how small. I was already caught off guard by the flowers when he continued.
"And these," he said, pulling out a little velvet box from his jacket pocket. He opened it to reveal a delicate necklaceâsimple, elegant, with a tiny diamond pendant that caught the light in the most beautiful way.
"Luigi," I whispered, my hand instinctively reaching for the necklace. "You didn't have to."
"I know," he said, his voice soft. "But I wanted to. You deserve everything, honey"
I blinked, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to form. I wasn't normally a cryer. He was always so thoughtful, always so generous with his love, and it never failed to make my heart race. After four years together, I couldn't believe how lucky I was to have him in my life.
"And this," he added, handing me a small bag filled with gifts. I opened it to find a few of my favorite thingsâchocolates, a candle I'd been eyeing, a new journal to write in.
"You spoil me," I said, my voice barely above a whisper as I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him into a tight hug.
"I just love you, Y/N. You make my life better every single day and you make my back feel better." He said in a chuckle.
"I couldn't not spoil you." His voice was warm, like a safe place I always wanted to return to.
He kissed the top of my head, his arms wrapping around me as I closed my eyes, taking in the moment. We'd been through so much togetherâups and downs, laughs and tearsâbut I knew, in that moment, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
I pulled back just enough to look up at him, feeling the weight of his love in the way he looked at me. "I love you, too," I said, my voice barely above a breath.
His smile softened, his fingers brushing over my cheek as he leaned in to kiss me. It was slow, gentle, like the kiss itself was meant to remind us how much we had grown together. I felt every ounce of care, every bit of respect, in that kiss. And it wasn't just a kissâit was everything.
"I'm so lucky to have you," he murmured against my lips, pulling back just slightly.
"No," I said, shaking my head softly. "I'm the lucky one."
He chuckled, his eyes never leaving mine. "We're both lucky then."
And in that moment, as I stood in his arms with the warmth of the kitchen and the love between us, I realized that no matter what happened nextâwhether it was a wedding or more years togetherâwe had already built something beautiful.
"I think I might actually marry you one day," I teased, my eyes sparkling with mischief.
He laughed, his arms tightening around me. "Good thing you already agreed to it."
We stood there, wrapped up in each other, knowing that this love wasn't just for todayâit was for always.