Obviously

Marcus has been planning this Valentine’s date for weeks. Reservations at that new place downtown, Sophie at a sleepover, Theo at Abuela Rosa’s - the whole production.

Obviously

I spent an embarrassing amount of time getting ready. Did my hair twice. Changed dresses three times. Asked Sophie for makeup advice via FaceTime from her friend’s house (she said ‘Mom, you look hot, go with it’).

Getting ready for date night and feeling myself

Right before we left, Marcus just stopped and stared. Said I was even more beautiful than the day we met. I told him ‘obviously’ because that’s who I am now - a woman who owns her moments. But inside? Total mush. Fifteen years together and he still makes me feel like that nursing student who thought she was way out of her league.

The restaurant was perfect, by the way. But honestly? The best part was that look in his eyes when I walked down the stairs. Some things never get old.