I decided to write a short one shot on how I imagine Spoby spending Valentine's Day together. The timeline is a little outdated, but that's not important. I hope you like it. Happy Valentine's Day to anyone who is touched by this day.
Valentina's Day used to not be a big deal to Toby. He never saw a purpose for this day. He remembers his father used to buy his late wife flowers every year on this holiday, but that was all he did for her. When his mom was still alive, she used to buy Toby his own little chocolate box and a small gift. After school Mrs. Cavanaugh would take him out for ice cream where he would get an ice cream split with extra fudge and cherries. Toby would make his own Valentine craft to give to her. Marion used to look at his cards like they were the greatest pieces of art she had ever seen. It was a pleasant thing they used to do, but after Marion died, Toby didn't care about the holiday. At school when everyone would write secret Valentine's to their crush, Toby never got one. He was considered an outcast. A loser. A freak. A nobody anyone would ever want to get close to.
Things took a turn for the better when he befriended Emily. Before his life was ruined by Alison, Emily always tried to be civil with him. They lived next door to each other since they were kids. They didn't play with each other outside on the streets or anything, but Emily used to smile and wave whenever they passed each other. When Toby got back from his time away at reform school, he decided it was better to put this grudge behind him. Teenagers do stupid things so there was no use being angry. He decided to look at the positives that came from the accident. Because of the accident, he got away from Jenna. Reform school taught him how to fight and stand up for himself. He started working with a master carpenter which got Toby fixated deeper into the act of being a carpenter. He had found his calling in life. Emily was the first person since Toby's mom who made an effort to get to know him. He thought that Emily would be his first Valentine. Until he learned that Emily was attracted to girls. So, Emily wasn't his great love, but he still cared for her and was there to be her friend. That was good enough for him. Things happened that made him untrustworthy towards the world. He lost himself. He was ready to give up. The world had turned on him. Everyone had turned on him. His life was surely over. Until she showed up.
Spencer Hastings was one of the last people Toby ever expected he would fall for. She showed up on his doorstep one afternoon offering to tutor him in French. She claimed to be interested just because, but Toby saw right past her. Even though he did not know her, he knew well enough that Spencer didn't do anything without a reason. She was there looking for answers. She wanted something, but what? She wanted help after being framed for Alison's murder. After being framed herself, she had come to realize that if she were innocent in all of this, then there was a possibility that Toby could be innocent too. Toby wanted to close the door in her face and never look at her again. This girl made his life a nightmare! But there was something in her eyes that made him stay. That got him to let her in. That was the best decision Toby had ever made.
That annoying girl quickly became everything to Toby. She is his love. His life. His reason to live. The reason he enjoys the sounds of birds in the morning. The reason the sun shines bright, even when it rains. She's the reason the Earth spins. She is his purpose. She is his wife. She is his Valentine. Spencer is his world.
For his first Valentine's Day with her, Toby made his own card with a romantic passage and a bouquet of flowers. Spencer dedicated a French love poem to him as her first gift. It seems lame now, but it was their first Valentine's together. For two young teenagers in love those gestures were everything. Every year, they got better at giving gifts to each other. They became the couple that gave each other gifts just because. Valentine's Day went back to being important to Toby because he loved to show Spencer how much she means to him every day. Valentine's Day was just a day where he could be extra about it.
This Valentine's Day is their first year as a married couple. They eloped last November which was a very high point for Toby. After their split, Toby became hollow again thinking he would never have a love like Spencer. After a few highs and lows, they found their way back together. Spencer was the woman Toby wanted to spend the rest of his life with, because without her, life did not make sense. They were playing a game of scrabble as a little anniversary celebration. It was Spencer who dropped the idea of what their wedding would be like. They shared a lot of laughs and giggles over how silly the whole planning of a wedding would go. Both of their families were nightmares and they both agreed they wouldn't want most of their family anywhere near their wedding. That is why they decided to elope. That very night. They drove away from Rosewood, found a courthouse and judge to sign off on it, and got married. It seems a sad way for most people to do it like that, but for them, it was perfect. It was just the two of them. Just the way they wanted it to be. The funniest part is they kept it a secret from their friends and family for a while.
This Valentine's Day Toby is determined to make it their best yet. He went to three different flower shops to buy flowers. He went to a store to buy the biggest stuffed bear he could find. He made a stop at the jewelry store to have something special made for her. To avoid another disaster like their first anniversary as a couple, they both agreed not to plan any surprise evenings. Gifts could be kept a surprise, but they had to share any date plans they had ahead of time, so they could clear their schedules. That morning, they shared a deeply passionate moment in bed together…then the shower. Spencer plans to make him dinner this evening.
"You spent so much money on Spencer for Valentine's Day," Emily laughed. "You are such a goofy idiot."
"I've never gone this out before," said Toby.
They met up for an early lunch. Emily had a break from coaching and Toby was off all day. They didn't see each other as much as they used to. Toby was happy when Emily texted and asked to get a quick lunch before she had to get back to the high school.
"Spencer is lucky. Most guys just buy a card and a single rose."
"It's our first one as a married couple. I just want don't want anything to screw today up. It seems like whenever Spencer and I try to have moments like these, something gets in the way."
"Like 'A, Mona, or her sister," said Emily.
"Or me," Toby said.
"Come on, that was years ago. Is that what all of this is about? Are you still trying to make up for that first anniversary?"
"I will never stop trying to make up for it," he admitted.
"I get it," said Emily. "Alison is constantly trying to prove me how much she's changed since her days as a teenager."
Toby smiled, "what are your plans for tonight?"
Emily smiled and said, "Alison is taking me out to dinner then we're going to take a little walk out to the kissing rock."
"It's going to be cold," he said.
Emily shrugged, "we'll bring blankets."
Toby and Emily split the bill at lunch then went their separate ways. Toby got in his truck and drove out of Rosewood back to his and Spencer's apartment in Harrisburg. When he got home, the rooms were empty which meant Spencer was out for the day. This was perfect. Toby had an opportunity to get everything set up for tonight.
Spencer so wanted today to be a work free day. She got called down to her office at ten this morning to meet with a client. It would be quick, but Spencer wanted to stay in all day. She's excited for tonight. Tonight, is her first Valentine's Day with Toby as a married couple. They always did little things for each other, other days out of the year, but with their busy schedules, it was hard to always find time to have dates together. As their first Valentine's as a married couple, they were extremely strict on making sure both would be free tonight to celebrate. The meeting with her client took longer than expected. She was out of the office by three. That would give her enough time to make dinner like she planned, but it wasn't enough time to get him a present. Spencer felt terrible because she knew Toby would be planning a lot of romantic things. She had things planned too, but she wouldn't be able to get all of them done in time. Her biggest thing was to make sure their dinner at least went well.
Spencer went to the store to buy the things she would need to cook. She grabbed all her shopping bags and walked up the steps to their apartment. When she opened the door, the aroma of flowers struck her. Ten giant bouquets of flowers were spread out all over the apartment. Each vase held a different kind of flowers, but they all represent colors of love. There were red roses, white lilies and daisies, blue and red hydrangeas, white gardenias, lilacs, and carnations. A giant white stuffed teddy bear holding a giant I Love You heart was sitting on the rocking chair Toby built her back in their high school days. Her eyes watered as Spencer dropped her bags on the kitchen island.
"Toby," she called out.
She heard some feet shuffling in the back room. Spencer eyed the flower and saw a path of rose petals leading to their bedroom door.
"I'll be out in a second!" Toby called out.
She knew whatever was behind the door was another surprise waiting for her. Part of her really wanted to burst into the room to find out what else Toby put together for her. She realized it would be better to just wait and let Toby show her when he's ready. Toby put a lot of thought into today. He deserved to have this moment. They both do. Besides, this will give her the time to take in what he already has for her out here in the living room. All these flowers looked so beautiful in Spencer's eyes. The bear on the chair is so adorable she had to laugh. Her heart was about ready to burst, but she knew Toby well enough that she would be feeling like this all night long. She decided to pull herself together. She walked over to the bags on the island and began to put the groceries away.
Toby came out of the bedroom making sure Spencer wasn't around to see what was behind this door. He walked down the hall and found her busy with cooking. He smiled as he walked up behind her to wrap his arms around her from behind. Spencer felt his warmth and smiled as Toby rested his head on top of her shoulder.
"Happy Valentine's Day." He gave her a kiss on the neck.
"We already said that this morning," she giggled.
"So? I can't say it again to my beautiful wife?"
Spencer laughed as Toby continued to peck her neck with soft kisses. She was busy trying to layer the noodles on the lasagna. They stayed like this for a long time. Spencer continued to make their dinner while Toby kept his arms around her from behind, occasionally planting a kiss somewhere; her head, her cheek, the back of her neck, her shoulder, anywhere he could see skin. He just loves her so much.
While the lasagna was cooking in the oven along with the bread, they sat on the sofa together to play scrabble. Toby is currently in the lead with three points.
"If you really love me, you'll let me win," Spencer huffed as Toby put down another good word.
Toby chuckled, "if I let you win all the time, it wouldn't be real. What is real love without the reality?"
Spencer looked around the room.
"I love what you've done with the place," she said. "There has to be at least 300 dollars' worth of flowers in here."
"There's more in the bedroom," he smiled.
"My god, Toby," she shook her head and laughed.
"I've been waiting my whole life to spoil my girl like this, okay," he said, laughing.
"I'm not complaining," she smiled. "I just…you know you don't have to go this big every year. I'm going to love what you do for me no matter how big or small you go."
"I know, but I wanted our first one as a married couple to go perfectly. You deserve it. I told you when we got married, I would never again make you question how much you mean to me. How much I really love you. You are the one I want. Forever."
"Toby." She touched his face. Looked into his eyes. "I love you."
"I love you too."
They shared a short, but passionate kiss. The timer on the stove buzzed which meant the lasagna was done cooking. Spencer took the lasagna out to sit for fifteen minutes. During that time, Spencer went to the bathroom to change into the dress she wanted to wear. She brushed her hair out and added makeup to highlight her features. When she came back out, Toby got one look at her in her navy-blue knee length dress and whistled a hot tune.
"You are stunning," he smiled.
Spencer caressed his shoulders with her hands and smiled up at him, "thank you."
She kissed his cheek which caused pink to color his face. The table had been set earlier that evening. Spencer got a bottle of the wine they shared the night they got married and poured it into two glasses. Toby went back to the bedroom to change into a pair of black dress pants and a clean white button-up shirt.
"Wow," Spencer smirked at him. "You are hot."
She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him in as she looked at him seductively. His arms circled around her waist. His hands found their way down her rear. They shared a loving gaze. They kissed slowly and sensually.
"Dinner's going to get cold if we keep this up," she said, as she swayed in Toby's arms.
"We've got a microwave."
Her grin was cut off by his lips capturing hers once again. She hummed lovingly against his lips as she pressed her hands against his chest to pull apart.
"Come on," she said. "I promise. There will be plenty time for this later."
Toby smiled at her. They held hands as Spencer led the way to the kitchen. They shared a lovely meal together by candlelight. They talked about some memories from their past as a couple and even from times when they were apart. Spencer poked more fun at Toby building her, her own garden in their living room. During dessert, Spencer pulled out the card she got him.
"I planned to get you a gift too," she said. "But I got called in at the last minute to meet with a client. This is nowhere near as all you've done for me today, but here."
She handed the envelope to him. Toby opened it carefully. The outside of the card was a red heart shape with scrabble like letters spelling out I LOVE YOU. Toby opened it to reveal the heart filled message Spencer wrote inside. Happy Valentine's Day. I feel so lucky that you are my valentine. Not just today, but every day. Every day with you is so special. And wonderful. I love you so much. All my life I dreamed of finding the one person who would think of me first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. You. You are my dream come true. My once upon a time. You are my happy ending. Words cannot express how much. Thank you for all that you are and everything that you have ever done for me. My safe place to land. My husband. Always your girl. Always your wife. Forever. Always yours. -Spencer
"Spencer." Tears of joy flooded his eyes as he looked up at her. He smiled and held her face in his hands, "I love you. I don't know how many times I can say it. I love you."
She reached to hold his face, stroking him lovingly, "I love you too."
They kissed again. It was like they could not get enough of each other. Toby's hands went to her hair. The dishes on the table would have to wait. They slowly rose to their feet as they continued to slowly kiss. Toby started backing them up. He tried to keep one eye partly open to see where they were going. They bumped into the wall that separates the living room from the hallway. They pulled apart laughing.
"Maybe we should keep our eyes open for this part," Toby said.
"Good idea," Spencer said, nodding in agreement.
They shared a smile and held hands as they walked through the hallway to their closed bedroom door. Toby stopped just outside the door.
"I have something else for you behind this door." He looked shy as he spoke. "It may seem silly when you see it, but I promise to explain it."
"Toby, everything you have done so far tonight has made me swoon," she shook her head, smiling. "Whatever it is I know I will love it."
"Okay." He took a breath. "Here it is."
He smiled. Opened the door. Behind the door, there was their bed covered in rose petals. There were multiple candles set up unlight on both nightstands and a few on the dresser. Each of the bedside tables had a bouquet of red roses. There were two more bouquets on the dresser. That wasn't all. He had a card table set up with a 3D model built of a small two-story colonial house.
"Wow," Spencer admired the model. "That's a beautiful, little house. What's it for?"
"For you," he said.
She giggled, "that's cute. It might be a tad small."
"Well, I'm going to build a similar model to this. Only bigger. And real."
She looked at him, "what? But…you already. I know we decided not to live in the one you built in Rosewood due to obvious reasons, but I didn't expect this."
"Exactly," Toby said. "The last house I wanted to build for you got ruined. This one I want to build for you with hopes that it will bring good memories."
Tears filled her eyes, "oh my god." She cupped his face. "I can't believe you're building me a house. Again. How long have you been planning this?"
"Since the moment I rescued you."
"You went through hell building the last one and you're doing it all again."
"It's worth it," he said. "You are always worth it."
She kissed him. Smiled and said, "have I told you I love you?"
"Just a few times," he teased, rolling his eyes.
She grinned, pulling him closer, "then I will say it again. I love you."
They kiss. Then they kiss again. And again. And again. And again. They kissed until they ended up tangled up in the sheets together. Afterwards, they laid in bed facing each other. Their hands caressed their faces. After a time…
"What's wrong?" Toby asked.
"You did so much for me today. You always do so much for me. All I could do was make you dinner and give you a lame card."
"First of all, dinner. A very thoughtful gift. It's something you took the time to prep and do. A home cooked meal is one of the most wholesome gifts a person can give to someone. Second, that card? You always blow me away with your words." He stroked her hair. "Having you is all I ever need on Valentine's Day. Just being able to wake up with you every morning is a gift."
"Dammit, Cavanaugh," she tugged on his hair. "Why are you so amazing?"
He smiled like it was obvious, "because I have you."
"If you keep this up, you're going to make me, say I love you for the hundredth time tonight."
He grinned then captured her lips with his. They hummed with their lips sealed tight together. Spencer stopped their kissing to ask…
"Toby, you don't have any other surprises for me tonight, do you? Because if you do, I'm just going to assume at this point you're showing off how romantic you are compared to me."
Toby did have another surprise, but he held his tongue. He almost forgot he went to a jewelry store that can make anything you request them to, with good money. Spencer did not have to hear him say it. The look on his face says it all.
Spencer faked pouted, "Toby."
"Okay, okay. It was one more small gift." He smiled and said, "I will just save it for your birthday."
Spencer tried to look sad, but Toby made it hard. After all they've done today, it was hard to even pretend that she could be sad. Her heart feels so full of light, love, and happiness. And there is one person responsible for this feeling. He's right here sharing this bed with her. Past Spencer never expected that Toby Cavanaugh would ever be the man of her dreams. Now, she cannot imagine sharing a future with anyone else. After knowing that Toby's been secretly building her another house, she never felt so much love before. Spencer tried to think how she ended up so lucky. Toby Cavanaugh always thought he was the lucky one when Spencer came to him that one day on his front porch. She is. Spencer is the lucky one. She did not know it at the time, but Spencer wasn't just looking at Toby for help. She was looking for a safe place. And she found it. That day she found her love. Her safe place. Her husband. Her forever Valentine. Every day with Toby was a Happy Valentine's Day.
If you're curious to know. The last gift Toby had for her was a pair of scrabble piece earrings. I hope you enjoyed this little, short. Feel free to leave a comment. ( :