I do not own the song "Have I Told You Lately" by Rob Stewart/Van Morrison.
The backyard trees are bright from the party lights dangling on their branches. The fireflies sway across white-clothed tables in front of starry-eyed guests, who munch on chicken salad, deviled eggs, fruit, meatballs, wings—all of Abbie's favorite finger foods. It's her and Crane's anniversary. He surprised her with this little gathering, though Abbie simply would've been happy with just them two, or three, seeing as she's two months pregnant. She would've been content with one of his grand dinners, cuddling on the couch, and a lavender bubble bath. But of course, Crane being Crane, he went and planned this whole thing just to display his affection for her. She loves him for it.
"Are there anymore surprises I should know about, Crane?" Abbie asks, putting down her fork.
They have their own separate table that outlooks the yard and their party attendees. Jenny and Joe's here. Irving and his family. Sophie. Some of her other co-workers from the FBI. Abbie didn't have many people in her life, but it meant a lot to see those she cared about.
Crane wipes his mouth with a napkin. "I couldn't possibly spoil the rest of the evening, Treasure."
"So there is more."
"Precisely." He smirks and kisses her nose. Then he stands and taps his wine glass. All eyes are on him. "To begin, I would like to thank each individual that is here tonight to celebrate our very first anniversary. It means the world to Abbie and I. Secondly, I'd like to propose a toast."
As everyone lifts their glasses of French champagne, Crane turns to Abbie. Her cheeks are warm. This is too much attention on her, but she appreciates it.
"To Grace Abigail Mills, the most extraordinary wife, partner, and lover I could have asked for. You are above and beyond. I love you with every breath I'm able to take. This year with you has been a dream, nothing short of spectacular. I pray and hope that there are many more anniversaries ahead for us."
The guests aww, clap, and whop for them. Abbie stands to kiss him on the lips.
"I love you, too, Crane." She sits back down while he remains standing.
"I have one more surprise for you, love. Please, come." He sits his glass on the table and grabs her hands. He leads her to a chair that's covered in white flowers and lights under a tree.
"What are you doing?"
He kisses her cheek. "You'll see."
Then he cues to Joe, who somehow has found the time to get speakers. His phone is plugged up to it, and he taps play on his cell. A familiar song plays, and Abbie covers her face in embarrassment and amusement. She can't believe he's about to do this for the third time.
"Have I told you lately that I love you?" Crane sings to her in his baritone.
"Have I Told You Lately" by Rob Stewart. It was their song, more so Crane's than hers. She actually dislikes it. A lot. But tolerates it because of Crane. It's his favorite. The first time he serenaded her with this ballad was during karaoke at Maby's. It was a packed Friday night. They had tequila, and a drunk Crane decided to go on stage and sing his heart out to her in front of everyone. That was the first time he admitted he loved her, and the first night they made love. And they both remember it all.
"There's a love less defined/And its yours and its mine."
Guests clap and sing along with them, smiling. Crane continues to dance and sing in front of her while she just shakes her head, grinning. He'd do anything to see her smile.
"Have I told you lately that I love you?"
They also danced to this song on their wedding day. She wanted him to have some kind of say in the planning, so she let him have this. She didn't like the song then either, but when Crane whispered the lyrics in her ear, as though they were his own words, her heart admired it. She cried and kissed him afterwards.
She's getting emotional, even now. The song is almost over, and Crane kneels in front of her to belt out the last verse. He still means every single word, like he did during karaoke and at their wedding. It moves her to tears, and she finds herself wiping her face. He brushes the remaining tears off her cheeks. After the song ends, she kisses and hugs him while everyone applauds.
"Happy anniversary, Treasure."
"Happy anniversary, hon."