Alicia sighs, kicking her shoes off as she enters the house, locking the door behind her and sinking onto the couch. After hours of exploring surrounding areas, desperate for some inspiration to get past the block she's feeling towards her latest fashion line. She scrubs her hands over her face and hums, yawning lazily.
After a few minutes to herself, she realizes just how quiet the house is and pulls herself up right, glancing around. Not only is it quiet, it's also dark, and she frowns harder. "Ricardo? Sofia?" Growing concerned, she gets to her feet and starts to walk towards the hall to check the bedrooms for her family, when she notices something off.
Stepping towards the mirror, she snags an envelope taped to the glass and taps her finger against it, peering down the shadowy hall. Slipping her finger under the flap, she slices the envelope open and pulls out a thick, pink tinted card. As she scans the card, and opens it, her lips twitch up into a smile.
"Alicia, you may have noticed how quiet the house is. That's because Sofia's taken the kids out. They're all at a playdate, so we have the house to ourselves. Join me in the bedroom, please."
She rubs the back of her neck, slowly making her way down the hall and resting a hand on their door, pushing it open. "Hello?" she asks, surprised to find the lights off in here too, except for a soft, golden glow at the end of the bed. She walks in that direction and gasps, finding a blanket spread out, fancy plates set out, wine glasses resting on the floor, candles flickering gently next to them.
She's just looked up when Ricardo appears from the bathroom, his eyes gleaming affectionately as he steps towards her. "Happy Valentine's Day, Alicia," he says, reaching out for her. She meets him halfway, giggling as he draws her in and kisses her.
"Happy Valentine's Day," she murmurs into his mouth, clinging to him. She leans into the kisses, eager to hold onto this moment, but eventually they pull away and she brushes her fingers against Ricardo's lips, smiling at him. "So I just have one question."
"Yes?"
"What kind of playdate can four month old babies go on?" she asks, watching as Ricardo's face lights up with his laughter.
"Come on," he says, squeezing her hand and drawing her down to the makeshift picnic on the floor. "I wanted to do this outside, really make it romantic, but the weather wasn't cooperating with me, so I hope this is ok."
"It's perfect," Alicia says, rubbing her thumb over his knuckles.
He smiles at her and reaches over, lifting the lids off of the plates, revealing grilled chicken, pasta, and a vegetable medley. He pulls a bottle of wine out of an ice bucket that she hadn't noticed before, pouring them generous amounts before tipping his towards her, smiling when she obligingly lifts her glass and clicks them together.
"This all looks amazing," she says, leaning over everything to press another kiss to his lips. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," he says. "I know you've been struggling to get back on track with your designs and everything, I thought maybe a few hours just to ourselves would help take your mind off of it for a little bit, help you recharge."
"It's perfect," she murmurs. "You're perfect. I love you."
He smiles. "I love you too. Now go eat before it gets cold," he says with a chuckle.
"Sir yes sir," she teases, easing back down to her side of the blanket. But their hands remain clasped, Alicia warm and happy under his stare as she takes a bite of the pasta, enjoying the peace and quiet surrounding them.