CHAPTER 1

Michelle Dessler slowly opened her eyes to a semi-dark bedroom. The light from the sunrise was beginning to peek in through the blinds. She took a breath as the realization of the date registered in her mind. It was Valentine's Day. Her and Tony's first Valentine's Day together and as a married couple. A slim smile spread across her face and she turned around onto her other side expecting to see Tony lying beside her. He wasn't there. As her lips quickly uncurled, she heard footsteps entering the room. She lackadaisically turned her head towards the door to find Tony walking in wearing a white t-shirt, sweat pants, and a confident, but casual smile. Michelle noticed a tray in his arms and a big smile promptly made its way between her bouncing, brown curls. She sat up swiftly and tucked one of them behind her ear.

"Good morning, sweetheart." Tony sat on the edge of the bed. "Happy Valentine's Day. You woke up just in time." Michelle examined the contents on the tray; a plate of French toast and scrambled eggs, four strips of bacon, and a mug of coffee.

"You made me breakfast?" Michelle didn't normally eat big breakfasts, but she loved these special moments between her and Tony. Plus she enjoyed seeing his pleasure when he prepared her something special. They both knew he was the cook of the house and he loved spoiling her.

Tony set the tray on her lap and leaned in, kissing her tenderly on the lips. Then, while adjusting the components on the tray, as if reading her mind, he began to speak to her softly, "I know you don't normally eat big breakfasts, but I thought you might like this. It's a special occasion."

She couldn't hide the smile on her face. "No it's great, sweetheart. I love it. And I'm starving." She grabbed a fork and began poking at the eggs. Tony made his way around to his side of the bed and sat down next to her. "Do you want some?"

"Nah, it's alright. Maybe after I finish my coffee." Tony grabbed his Cubs mug from the nightstand beside him and took a few sips.

Michelle leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you."

Tony let a crooked smile slip from his lips and let out a slight chuckle. "You're welcome, Michelle." He sat there for a moment just staring at her; appreciating her cute little nose, her pouty lips, and those crazy morning curls. There was nothing on the earth that he loved more than his Michelle. He felt like the luckiest man in the world just sitting next to her, taking in her presence. He watched her as she swirled around a bite of French toast in the maple syrup on her plate. She took a bite and looked at him, her eyes bright and loving.

"What?" she asked somewhat self-consciously.

He just shook his head as if to say, "nothing."

She swallowed her bite, redirected her eyes back to the tray, and took a sip of coffee.

"Hey," Tony whispered. Michelle looked over at him. "I love you."

She smiled and kissed him on the lips. She drew back and looked into his eyes, "I love you so much."