Ariel's fifth Valentine's day
The morning air was filled with the sound of soft giggles and tiny footsteps pattering down the castle halls. Ariel smiled as she sat up in bed, hearing the excited whispers of her three-year-old daughter just outside the door. Moments later, the door creaked open, and the little girl peeked in, holding a small, clumsily wrapped gift in her tiny hands.
"Mommy! Daddy! Wake up!" she chirped, bouncing into the room. "It's love day!"
Eric let out a sleepy chuckle as Ariel scooped their daughter into bed between them. "Happy Valentine's Day, sweetheart," Ariel said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "What do you have there?"
"A present! Me and Carlotta made it!" she said proudly, handing Ariel the gift. Ariel carefully unwrapped it, revealing a heart-shaped seashell painted with little handprints. Her heart melted at the sight.
"It's beautiful," she said, hugging her daughter close.
From the nursery, their baby boy cooed happily, as if sensing the joyful atmosphere. Eric got up to bring him in, lifting him into his arms. "I think someone else wants to be part of the celebration," he teased, making the little one giggle.
After breakfast, they sat their daughter down to explain the meaning of Valentine's Day. Ariel held her little girl on her lap while Eric knelt beside them.
"Valentine's Day is a special day where we celebrate love," Ariel explained gently. "We show the people we care about how much we love them by giving them gifts, spending time together, and sharing kindness."
Their daughter's eyes widened in amazement. "So it's a love day?" she asked.
Eric chuckled. "That's right, sweetheart. A day to celebrate love in all its forms."
Giggling, she clapped her hands. "I love love day!"
After that, Ariel and Eric exchanged gifts. Ariel presented Eric with a finely crafted compass engraved with his initials, symbolizing the journey they had taken together. Eric, in turn, gave Ariel a bouquet of white egret orchids and red roses.
"The white egret orchid means 'I'll be thinking of you even in my dreams,' and the red rose means 'I love you,'" he explained softly.
Ariel's eyes filled with happy tears as she touched the petals. "They're beautiful, Eric."
They spent the day taking their children around the kingdom, showing them the Valentine's Day festivities. Their daughter marveled at the decorations, delighted by the music and the dancing, while their baby boy enjoyed the warmth of being cradled in his father's arms. They shared a special meal together, filled with laughter and joy.
As the evening fell, Carlotta once again watched over the children as Ariel and Eric took a peaceful stroll on the beach. The waves shimmered beneath the moonlight, and Eric pulled Ariel into his arms for a dance beneath the stars.
"Every Valentine's Day is more magical than the last," Ariel whispered, resting her head against Eric's chest.
Eric pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. "That's because I get to spend them with you."
As they swayed together, their hearts full and their love stronger than ever, Ariel knew that their life was truly wonderful, and every Valentine's Day would always be a celebration of the love they cherished so deeply.