A Valentine's Surprise
(From My Emma & Eli Universe)
"But, Lexi. It gots to be a big surprise," pleaded Eli as he begged his oldest sister to help him come up with an all-time best Valentine's present ever for his parents.
Eli knew his sister, Emma, had drawn another one of her unique pictures for his parents, and he also wanted to give them something from him that would be just as special.
Alexis pulled her younger brother into a tight hug, trying to help him release some of his pent-up anxiety, as she continued, "Eli, anything you decide to give Mom and Dad will be the perfect gift. They will be equally thrilled to know you wanted to surprise them with something just from you. We have the group gift we'll all give them, but if you decide to share another present, they will be overjoyed.
Alexis sat with Eli pressed into her side for several minutes as the little guy continued to fret about his gift.
Then Alexis smiled as a thought came to her that she shared with her soft-hearted little brother.
"Eli, I have an idea," shared Alexis with a new level of excitement in her tone.
Eli immediately pulled away and looked hopefully at his sister, asking, "What is it, Lexi?" Alexis continued,
"Do you remember the last time we were at the Lego Store?" Eli nodded, and Alexis went on to expand her idea.
"Did you see the new Lego puzzles they now have for sale?" Eli shrugged his shoulders, indicating he hadn't seen any puzzles.
"Well, I saw a Lego puzzle in the shape of a heart, and it's one you could add words to the heart. How about you and I head down to that store and get one of those, and then I'll help you put it together so that you can put some words on it for Mom and Dad? What do you think?" asked Alexis.
Eli sat perfectly still for a few moments before breaking into a huge smile, sliding off her bed and taking his sister's hand, saying, "Yay. Let's go, Lexi!"
Alexis laughed at her excited brother and said, "Just a second, we need to tell Mom and Dad that we're going shopping, and then we have to change clothes. I don't think the people at the store would appreciate it if we show up in our PJs." laughed Alexis.
Eli stopped, looked down at himself, and said, "Oops!"
"Okay, let's go and get you some clothes, and while you change, I'll do the same, and then we'll go down and tell Mom and Dad that we have to go shopping."
Thrilled, Eli continued pulling Alexis toward his bedroom, where she helped him pick out the clothes he wanted to wear shopping. Unfortunately, her little brother had inherited the fashionista gene from her Dad, so he spent several moments selecting the perfect outfit for their trip.
While Eli was changing, Alexis rushed back to her room to do the same so she would be ready to join her brother as they went to talk to their parents.
Fifteen minutes later, the brother/sister team was dressed and ready to shop. They descended the stairs together and found their parents in the kitchen, drinking coffee and laughing about something the kids couldn't understand. Noticing the blush on her Mom's cheeks, she thought it was just as well if they didn't know what her parents were talking about, so drawing attention to the fact she was interrupting an intimate conversation, Alexis explained,
"Hey, Mom and Dad. Eli and I have been chatting, and we need to go shopping for a while." Alexis continued before her parents could ask questions, "We won't be gone more than a couple of hours, and while we're out, we're going to have a little brother/sister time and go for ice cream. We'll be back in plenty of time for dinner."
Rick and Kate looked at one another, sensing that the trip must be rather important, especially when they looked at their oldest son, standing next to Alexis with an apprehensive look on his little face, visibly concerned that they may say no.
Kate responded before her husband could pull one of his twenty-questions routines, saying, "Sure, guys. A shopping trip and ice cream sound great. You guys have fun, and we'll see you later."
"Not liking being left out of the decision-making process, Rick said, "How about I call Daryl and see if he can come and give you a ride?"
"Thanks, Dad, but we'll be okay. We thought a cab ride could be fun, and Eduardo will help us get one when we get to the Lobby," Alexis said.
He pressed his lips together and raised his eyebrows as he looked at his wife, who gave him a look, silently, saying, Let them have their fun.
"Sounds great. You two have fun and be careful," added Kate.
"Great. Thanks, Mom and Dad. We'll see you later, and you two have fun too," replied Alexis with a slight smirk, letting her parents know she had noticed their earlier demeanor when she and Eli interrupted their conversation.
Once the duo had exited the Loft, they practically ran for the elevator as they rushed to the Lobby. When the elevator doors opened, Alexis asked if Eduardo could help them get a cab, and Eli added,
"Yes, please, Mr. Eduardo. Lexi and me are going to get Mommy and Daddy a special Valentine's gift. It's going to be a big surprise!
The Castle children are some of Eduardo's favorites, and he is always happy when they share the plans they have in mind for their travels.
It's like Eduardo has some hotline to the cab company, as a bright yellow cab was outside the building in about three minutes. Eduardo made a point of escorting Alexis and Eli to the cab and giving the driver instructions, including being very careful as he had precious cargo onboard.
Once Alexis and Eli were safely strapped in the backseat of the cab, they thanked Eduardo for his help and gave the driver the address for the Lego Store.
Eli chatted continually during their ride, thanking Alexis over and over for coming up with such a great idea.
Even with early Saturday afternoon traffic, the capable driver delivered his passengers to the Lego Store twenty minutes later. He also gave Alexis his cell phone number, indicating she was to call him when they finished their shopping, and he would return to pick them up and take them to their next stop.
Alexis and Eli hopped out of the cab, thanking the driver, then Alexis took Eli's hand, and the two headed into the Lego Store. The store was always so impressive to Eli, and he paused as they walked through the main entrance, as he tried to take in the hundreds and hundreds of different Lego toys that were on sale.
Alexis recalled where she'd seen the new puzzles and guided her little brother to the area. Once the two were in front of multiple display tables, Alexis began looking for the heart puzzles she had spotted on their previous visit. After soliciting assistance from one of the helpful store attendants, she stepped back and allowed Eli to look through the offerings until he found one that he thought was the best for his Mommy and Daddy.
Eli was very studious as he searched the stack of puzzles, repeatedly asking for Alexis's input. He finally spotted one he liked, looking at his sister and asking what she thought.
Alexis was excited about Eli's choice as it also included a frame. So he could put the puzzle together, then secure it within the frame as a keepsake for their parents.
"Oh, Eli. That one is perfect. It has bright colors, and it also has a frame. When you finish the puzzle, we'll put it in the frame, and it'll be ready to give to Mom and Dad," explained Alexis.
Standing proud, Eli carefully removed the box from the table, holding it close to his chest as he and his sister made their way to the checkout counter. Eli gently placed the box on the counter, looking at the attendant, saying, "This is for my Mommy and Daddy, and I have my own money," he proudly said as he reached into his pocket, pulling out several dollar bills.
Noting that Eli didn't have enough money to pay for his gift, Alexis looked at the clerk, saying, "Hey, Eli, why don't you go over there and pick out a gift bag."
Eli followed his sister's pointing finger and rushed to the gift bag rack while Alexis handed the clerk the remaining money needed to complete her little brother's purchase.
The clerk smiled at the siblings, thinking they were so sweet with one another. After ringing up Eli's purchase, the clerk slid the puzzle into the gift bag, securing the top tab, and reached over the counter, handing it to the little boy, saying,
"You selected a wonderful gift for your parents. Have fun putting it together, and thank you for coming to The Flatiron District LEGO Store."
Eli carefully accepted the decorative give bag from the sweet lady, saying, "Thank you very much. It's a big surprise for my Mommy and Daddy."
The little boy, accompanied by his oldest sister, proudly exited the door, keeping the bag close to his chest.
While the two were checking out, Alexis had called their cab driver, who had just pulled up in front of the Lego store as the two Castle kids exited.
Again after safely belting themselves into the backseat, Alexis asked the driver if he could take them to Anita La Mamma del Gelato's, one of their family's favorite ice cream locations. She knew the ice cream shop was within walking distance, but Eli insisted he wanted to carry his new gift, so she thought a short cab ride would be safer for Eli's precious gift.
Phil, their cab driver, was very accommodating, even commenting that Eli must have found his parents a fine present with it being in such a large bag. Eli proudly answered,
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Phil. It will be the bestest puzzle Mommy and Daddy have ever seen."
Alexis caught the driver's smile as he guided his cab through heavy Manhattan traffic and transported his charges to the ice cream shop. Again, as the kids exited the cab, Phil instructed Alexis to call him when they were ready to return home.
The brother and sister opted for cups of ice cream rather than cones, with Eli requesting Chocolate with Caramel and Alexis ordering Madagascar Vanilla with Strawberries. After receiving their orders, Alexis carried their tray to a table in front of the window and helped Eli place his bag safely on a chair before he began eating his ice cream.
Eli's excitement about his gift had not lessened, and he questioned Alexis, wanting to know that she thought it was a cool gift and confirming that they could start assembling his precious gift as soon as they returned home. After assuring her little brother several times that it was a remarkable gift and promising him, she was excited about helping him put it together. She then turned the tables on the little guy, asking,
"Eli, do you know what words you want to put on your puzzle?"
Eli sat silent for several moments as he slowly ate his ice cream, thinking about his answer to his sister's question. Alexis could tell he was seriously considering his options for sayings, giving him all the time he needed to think through his ideas.
Finally, Eli looked to his sister and asked, "Lexi, do we have nuf room to put, Love You To the Moon and Back?"
Alexis wasn't shocked by her brother's response but was concerned about the available space on the puzzle. But she was determined to help him put the heartfelt saying that her brother and Mom frequently share on the completed puzzle.
"We'll surely try to make that work, Eli. I know Mom will especially love it, and so will Dad."
After finishing their ice cream, Alexis called Mr. Phil once last time, indicating that the duo would be ready to return home.
As the cab pulled up in front of the Loft, Alexis reached into her purse to pay Mr. Phill, and he quickly responded, "No need Miss Castle, your cab rides are all paid. You and your brother have a good time assembling that prized gift."
Assuming that her Dad had somehow worked out payment for their cab, Alexis and Eli thanked Mr. Phil and exited the cab, heading into the Lobby. Eduardo was finishing up with some other residents of their building when Alexis quietly inquired, "My Dad took care of that, right?"
Eduardo smiled, and pushed the elevator button for the top floor, wishing the two Castle children a good rest of the day.
Alexis and Eli entered the elevator, with Alexis once again amazed at how quickly her father stepped in and took care of his family's needs, like the cost of their cab rides.
With her hand gently resting on her little brother's shoulder, Alexis said, "Eli, when we get inside, why don't you take your package up to my room, and I'll let Mom and Dad know we are back, but we have some things we need to take care of before dinner.
"K, Lexi. That sounds like a great plan. I'll see you later," shared her excited brother.
The siblings entered the Loft with Eli yelling, "Hi Mommy, hi Daddy, we are home. See you later." As Eli raced upstairs, continuing to hold his treasured gift close.
Alexis chuckled, thinking, So much for being subtle.
Alexis then also greeted her parents, taking a few moments to share that she and Eli had a blast shopping and telling them they had stopped at Anita's Gelato Shop.
Alexis's comment drew a moan from her Dad, who immediately complained about not being included in their ice cream run.
Kate patted her husband's arm, saying, "It sounds like you had a great time out. It's good to have you back, and we'll have dinner pulled together in about an hour."
Alexis thanked her Mom, then rushed up the stairs to join her brother and begin working on his gift.
Alexis entered her bedroom, noticing that Eli had quickly changed into his earlier outfit and was trying to open up the puzzle box.
Smiling, Alexis slid down on the floor beside Eli and helped him remove the cellophane cover from the puzzle. Thankfully, the puzzle was for younger children, so it only had about one hundred pieces, making it much easier to assemble than some of the traditional puzzles her family worked on over the holidays.
Eli was quite adept at puzzles, so the two had the puzzle assembled before dinner. Eli then insisted that they slide the puzzle under Alexis's bed for safekeeping, soliciting a promise from his sister that they would add the words to his present after dinner.
Kate was holding PJ as he had just woken up from his nap, so she reached out to each of her children for a hug before everyone took their seats at the table. She and Rick had decided on Mexican for dinner as it was a family favorite.
Everyone, except Eli, chatted about their day as they enjoyed the meal. Both Rick and Kate picked up on their son's quiet mood but decided not to bring it to light, as it possibly had something to do with the afternoon outing he had with his sister.
Rick and Kate's assumption was confirmed after everyone finished eating when Eli requested, "Can me and Alexis go back upstairs?"
Kate responded, "Sure, Tiger. You two have fun."
Emma gave her Mama a questioning look, feeling left out of some secret between her brother and sister.
Kate touched her leg under the table, giving her a loving look as she nodded, silently indicating she would explain the situation in a moment.
Also, catching on to his youngest daughter's concerns, Rick asked, "Hey, Bug. Would you help me clear the table, and afterward, maybe we can play a card game while your Mama spends some time with PJ?"
Being able to share some one on one time with her Daddy brought Emma out of her funk. She quickly hopped up from the table and began helping Rick collect the dinner dishes.
While the rest of their family remained downstairs, Eli and Alexis finished Eli's surprise present, wrapped the completed puzzle in bright red Valentine's paper again safely stored the package under Alexis's bed.
Since the duo finished their project before bedtime, Alexis asked her parents if she could take care of her siblings' nighttime routines. Spending extra time with Eli hadn't allowed her much time with Emma, so she thought some girl time would be great for both sisters.
Rick and Kate quickly agreed to Alexis's request, hugging and kissing their children good night as the three raced up the stairs. Fortunately for everyone, they had a long weekend, which allowed for extended nighttime activities for the kids, including Alexis, who didn't have classes at Columbia until Wednesday.
Bedtime was enjoyed by all of the kids, with Alexis spending individual time with her younger sister and brother. Then the threesome climbed into Alexis's bed and listened as she read several of their favorite stories before they all fell asleep. Having thought ahead, Alexis had blown up a double air mattress in her room, allowing the kids to all sleep in her room.
Since Alexis had a couple extra days without classes, she decided to surprise her family with a memorable Valentine's breakfast. After slipping quietly out of her room, the oldest Castle child began making a brunch that looked similar to the ones Kate had taught her to make, which patterned what her Mom always used to make their family on Sundays.
It seemed to only take a few minutes for the aromas of Alexis's creation to draw her Dad out of his and Kate's bedroom, rubbing his eyes and smiling when he saw his Baby Bird cooking.
"Pumpkin. What are you doing?" asked a still-sleepy Rick.
Alexis accepted a hug from her Dad, saying, "I just wanted to surprise you and Mom and the kids with an early morning Valentine's treat."
"This is awesome. I planned to do the same, so would you mind if your dear ol' Dad helped you finish up your surprise?"
Thirty minutes later, Rick enjoyed waking his family and inviting them to Alexis's surprise Valentine's breakfast. Rick began with Kate, knowing she would need a few extra minutes to feed PJ before she joined the family. Rick then went upstairs to wake his younger children, finding neither in their room. Smiling, he shook his head and quietly opened Alexis's door seeing Emma and Eli still out cold, spread eagle on the air mattress.
He gently lowered to a single knee, leaning over and kissing each child on the head while rubbing their backs as he softly called their names, telling them it was time for breakfast.
Hearing the word breakfast gained Eli's attention, while Emma, who was not a morning person, took a few extra moments to come to after their late night with their oldest sibling. After both kids completed an abbreviated morning routine, the three returned downstairs and were greeted by Alexis' delicious-looking breakfast.
After finishing their excellent breakfast, Rick and Kate insisted on cleaning up as they continued to thank Alexis for her wonderful surprise. While Rick and Kate wrapped up things in the kitchen, the three Castle children went back upstairs to dress and gather the gifts they had for their parents.
A little later, Alexis, Emma, and Eli came downstairs, carrying their treasured gifts. Alexis suggested they all move into the living room, where everyone would be more comfortable.
Alexis shared her gifts first. She had gotten her parents' look-alike t-shirts, one saying, "He's Mine, and one with She's Mine. Both sayings were centered in the middle of a giant red heart with her parent's initials at the bottom.
Rick and Kate laughed as they both slipped the t-shirts on over their regular tops.
Emma was next, giving her parent's a caricature drawing she had done of their entire family. The picture was based on their recent family Christmas photo that was taken shortly after PJ's birth in early December. The family laughed uncontrollably, complimenting Emma on her first attempt at this new form of drawing.
Next was Eli. He shyly looked at Alexis as he carefully carried his wrapped package to his parents, handing it to his Mom as he stood in front of them, chewing his bottom lip in anticipation of their reaction, saying, "I wanted to give you a present from me too."
Kate carefully unwrapped the square package with Rick leaning over her shoulder. As she removed the tissue paper from the top of the frame, her eyes immediately watered as she read the loving saying she and Eli always share.
Seeing his Mommy almost ready to cry, Eli panicked, asking, "Mommy don't you like my present?"
Rick slipped his arm around Kate's shoulders as she pulled Eli into her lap, saying, "I love it, Eli. It's the most beautiful Lego gift I have ever seen. Is this what you and Alexis were working on yesterday?"
Eli immediately relaxed once he saw his Mommy smiling, as he timidly answered, "Yea, Mommy. Me and Lexi went to the big Lego store yesterday, and then she helped me put it together last night. Do you like it?"
"Yes, I love it, Eli. And It's in such a beautiful frame, so Daddy and I can hang it in our room. It was such a sweet idea," shared Kate as she kissed her boy and pulled him in tight for another hug.
Kate then extended her arms to her girls, who joined the family on the couch as she and Rick thanked their kids profusely for their incredible gifts.
After sharing numerous hugs, Alexis stood and walked over to the Grand Piano, where she pulled an envelope out of the bench. She returned to her parents, handing them a beautifully embossed envelope with a gold ribbon, saying, "This is from all of us. Grams helped us get the tickets."
Kate carefully removed the ribbon, then slid her index finger under the flap opening the gift to find two third-row tickets to a new Broadway play that she had been hoping to see as soon as she felt they could leave PJ with a babysitter.
Alexis quickly added, "And the tickets come with free babysitting. Grams and I will take care of all three kids that night, so you two can have a nice night out, which includes dinner before the play. Grams did her magic and got you reservations at her favorite restaurant before the play."
Blaming her tears on hormones still lingering after PJ's birth, Kate pulled all of her kids into a group hug, proclaiming this had been one of the best Valentine's Days she had ever had.
The three Castle kids exchanged looks of pride as they watched their parents enjoy each of their unique gifts.
A/N - This short tale refers to Rick and Kate's fourth child, PJ, born at the end of my story, Best Spring Ever.