”Don’t forget, he has to be in bed no later than 9. Help him brush his teeth and his favorite book to fall asleep to…”

”Relax would ya? I think I can take care of my own son. This isn’t my first time with him.”

”I know, but-”

”Stef! I got this, enjoy your night off.”

I sighed, ”okay Mike. Thanks again, I’ll pick him up tomorrow. Just shoot me a text me when you guys are leaving the Padres game”

”I will.” And with that, he hung up.

I’m not going to get any more work done with my remaining 10 minutes, I’d better head out and get ready for tonight.

I shut my computer off, grabbed my phone as it simultaneously chirped. I looked down and blushed at the name on the screen. There was an image attached to the message.

”Can’t wait to see your beautiful face!” It read. Her gorgeous brown curls took over half my screen. Those eyes twinkling right at me, and that smile which perfectly complimented those cheek bones, lit up my screen. She had a drink in her hand, holding it up, clearly waiting for me to celebrate her birthday with her. This picture of perfection chose to be with me. I can’t believe it’s only been a month. I’ve been happier with her in that amount of time than I was when married to Mike for years!

I quickly replied I was leaving for work and will meet them at the bar. I pulled up to my place in no time; thank goodness I found this apartment near the station. I dropped all my stuff on the table, headed to my bedroom and quickly jumped in the shower. I put on the skinniest dark jeans I owned, pulled on my tall boots; a simple white v-neck shirt and leather jacket completed my outfit for the night. I hurriedly straightened my hair and applied a few swift strokes of mascara. I took a quick glance in the mirror, ”looking pretty good tonight officer” I muttered out loud. I made my way to the kitchen to grab the champagne from the fridge and the bag of rose petals. I double checked my set of keys to make sure her apartment key was part of it. Keys, wallet, cellphone; check. Finally ready to go.

Thank God for Jenny and Kelly’s help, I wouldn’t have been able to pull all this off myself. I turned on her street in less than 15 minutes and parked in her driveway. Grabbed the champagne and roses from the backseat and let myself in. The scent of apple cinnamon met me as I walked in, her favorite smell. Her place is so homey while being chic at the same time, pretty much how to describe Lena, warm and sophisticated.

I put the champagne in the fridge, grabbed two glasses out the cabinet and set it on her kitchen counter; ready when we get back. I gathered as many candles as I can find and placed one by the champagne glasses, a couple in the short hallway and finally, three on her nightstand. I pulled the red box from my jacket pocket, fixed the gold ribbon on top and placed it by the candles. ”I hope she likes this,” I thought. I quickly made a trail of roses from her mahogany sleigh bed back to the kitchen. I made my way to the front door, with hands on hips, I did a quick glance of my work. Perfect.

I felt a twinge of guilt not being able to join her and her friends for her birthday dinner, but work has been so insane it was hard to get out of it. Besides, her friends have planned this night even before we met, I would’ve felt even worse if she had to change her plans because of me; even though she tried to. In hindsight it worked out for the best. They kept her distracted and I was able to set up what I needed to. It was a half past 8 when I finally pulled up to a parking spot. I hate being late but her apartment had to look perfect.

Our first time had to be special.