iValentine
This little one-shot is a bit of a Valentine's Day gift to all of you who've been such dear friends… In no particular order: Ashley, Grace, Liz, Angel, Francis, Karla, Don, and Chris…
It was Valentine's Day in the Puckett house. It was very much like any other day, except for one thing. Valentine's Day was one of the very few days out of the year that she didn't attempt to hide her love for Sam.
Carly slipped out of the shower she'd shared with Sam and nearly bowled over her daughter in the hallway. Carly loved her daughter dearly, even though she seemed to inherit many of Sam's less-than-desirable traits. Carly, like always, was bright and cheerful.
"Good morning, my love!"
Ashley bumped into her mother, apologized, then realized that Carly's hair was damp.
"Um… Mom… Don't take this the wrong way, but you and Mama aren't teenagers anymore… It's kinda weird…"
Carly didn't know what to say, but she didn't have to say anything at all. Before she could open her mouth, Ashley was knocked down a few pegs.
Her twin sister, named for Sam's own twin, entered the hallway, herself more put together than her sister. She flicked her sister hard in the ear.
"Knock it off… She's our mom!"
"Shut it…"
"Girls!"
Such was life in the Puckett house. The twins loved each other, naturally, but they had very distinct personalities.
A SHORT WHILE LATER, OVER BREAKFAST…
Sam was putting the finishing touches on breakfast while Carly read the paper. She called to the blonde from the table.
"Hey, Honey? Do we have any plans for tonight? That review of the restaurant isn't nearly what you expected…"
Sam still didn't believe Carly – not entirely. She'd spent the past two weeks worried sick over this review. It could make or break business.
"Do I hafta make this guy disappear, Cupcake? I'm not above makin' this guy disappear…"
Carly choked on her orange juice. She swallowed it with a gulp.
"Sam!"
Sam chuckled.
"Alright, Carls… Alright… I won't break the guy's knees…"
Carly shook her head. She knew she shouldn't. Sam didn't deserve it.
"Sweety?"
"Yeah, Carls?"
"Come and sit down… Your breakfast is gonna get cold…"
MOMENTS LATER…
Sam poked at her eggs with her fork. Carly passed a small box across the table to her partner of nearly twenty years.
"Carls… you shouldn't have…!"
Carly smirked.
"Probably not, but I did… so there…"
Carly smiled as Sam read the card. In a minute, Sam had opened the box, revealing a dainty, white gold necklace. She knew Sam loved it.
Sam, however, was distracted by a knock at the door. It was early, but Carly knew immediately who it was.
It could only be Melanie's girlfriend, Bridget Xi. Wendy and Shelby's daughter, Megan, would simply walk in as though she lived here.
Melanie dabbed her mouth gently with her napkin before answering the door. Validating Carly's ESP, Melanie opened the door to admit the pretty Korean girl. Her bookbag was over her shoulder, but her arms were full, bearing flowers and a card. She was barely inside the door before she fell into the petite blonde's arms, kissing her on the mouth, despite assembled company.
"Ewww! Get a room!"
"You hush! If it was you, your sister wouldn't say anything…"
"Carls… They can't… you know… like that... all… you know… before breakfast…!"
Carly ignored her.
"Good Morning, Bridget Dear…"
The little Asian girl blushed. Sam continued fussing.
"Cupcake! She can't… all… whatever!"
Carly continued ignoring Sam.
"It's Valentine's Day, Samantha… It's not that different from when we were…"
Melanie blushed.
"Thanks for that, Mommy… We'll be late for school…"
Carly smiled. She knew that her good girl had no intention of going straight to school.
"Happy Valentine's Day, Sweetheart…"
###