“Happy Valentine’s Day!” Taylor said with a smile as I walked into the kitchen.

I looked around the kitchen in awe. The lights were dim and on the table was our dinner in addition to lighted candles, and I could hear soft music playing in the background.

“Is this what you’ve been up to all day?” I asked as I walked over to him.

I had been out all afternoon with Diana and Zoë. We’d gone shopping for the baby. When Taylor told me that morning his mom wanted to take me out, I thought Taylor was crazy for insisting I go. It was, after all, Valentine’s Day, but Taylor didn’t even mention it. I thought he had forgotten, so I’d been fairly upset all day.

“I had to get you out of the house, so I could get this ready,” he grinned.

“I thought you had forgotten,” I confessed. “I was ready to yell and scream at you when I got home.”

“You forgive me now?” he asked with a pouty smile.

“Yeah,” I nodded. “So, was this all just a big conspiracy to keep me busy all afternoon?” I asked.

“Yep, I even had help from your mom,” he confessed.

“How’s that?” I asked.

“I called your mom and asked her what your favorite food is, and then she walked me through all the steps of making lasagna,” he explained.

“Aw, Tay, I can’t believe you did this,” I said with tears forming in my eyes as I hugged him. “I love you!”

“I love you, too,” he whispered in my ear before breaking our embrace. “Now we better eat before this food gets cold.”

I was amazed Taylor had done all this for me. Dinner was terrific. It was also such a relief to just enjoy a quiet, romantic dinner with my husband. I had been pretty edgy the last few days. Ever since I had gotten that message on the answering machine, I’d been very uneasy. The words “I’ll get you next time!” were always on my mind. Anytime I went somewhere, I was looking over my shoulder making sure I wasn’t being followed, so it felt nice to have that off my mind for a little while.

I didn’t understand why someone would do this to me. I had to wonder who was behind all if this. Did I know them? When I went anywhere, I was suspicious. I had to wonder if the person standing behind me in line at the grocery store was him or her. That was something that really bothered me too! I didn’t even know if it was a man or a woman. From the message, the voice sounded manly, but I was certain the culprit had used a voice changer of some sort. It was really driving me crazy. But for one night, I could take my mind off of my less than desirable situation.

I knew Taylor was feeling uneasy as well. The look on his face when he listened to the message had told me he was scared too, and the police hadn’t been able to find out anything either. It seemed like we were just shit out of luck.

“I got something else for you, baby,” Taylor said with a grin.

“What?” I asked.

“Close your eyes,” he instructed as he stood.

I did as I was told and listened as Taylor moved around the kitchen. Then he came up behind me. I felt cold metal against my skin. At first I tensed up, but then I realized he was putting a necklace on me.

“Okay, open your eyes,” he said.

I opened my eyes and looked up at him. He grabbed a hand mirror off of the counter and showed me my reflection. Around my neck was a silver chain with a diamond studded heart charm.

“Oh, Tay, it’s beautiful,” I said.

“You really like it?” he asked uncertainly.

“Yes,” I nodded. “But you didn’t have to get me this. Are these real diamonds?”

“Of course,” he nodded. “Diamonds are forever. Just like our love.”

“I love you so much, Tay,” I said.

“Right back at you babe,” he grinned. “I’ve got one more thing for you.”

“Oh, no, Tay. This is already too much,” I said.

“But I think you’ll really like this,” Taylor said as he handed me a piece of paper. It was a gift certificate to a day spa. “I remembered you talking about your toes and stuff, so I thought you might enjoy going to the spa and getting all that girly stuff done before the baby shower.”

“Thanks, Tay,” I smiled. “That sounds wonderful.”

The next day Audrey and I went to the day spa. Taylor said he didn’t want me to go anywhere alone since the baby was due so soon, and I wasn’t about to disagree with him on that. I knew if I went into labor, someone better be there with me!

“Aw, this was just what I needed,” I commented to Audrey as we both got foot massages.

“You and me both,” Audrey smiled. “You’re lucky you got out the waitressing business.”

“Oh, that’s right. You got that second job waitressing,” I said. “How’s that going?”

“Oh, it’s alright,” Audrey yawned. “So, are you getting excited about the baby?”

“I think I’m more nervous than anything right now,” I replied. “I mean, I want him or her to get here, but I’m scared about the delivery.”

“I’m sure everything will be okay,” Audrey smiled. “Have you been to the Lamaze classes yet?”

“Yes, Tay and I went a couple of weeks ago. It was an all day thing,” I explained.

“Oh, you guys went a little early, huh?” Audrey commented. “Most people I know wait till the last minute to go because they don’t want to get freaked out about the delivery.”

“Well, we would have waited, but Taylor’s schedule is pretty booked for the next few weeks,” I explained. “He and the guys are trying to get the album ready for mixing so Tay will be able to be home more to help with the baby.”

“Well, that’s cool,” Audrey smiled. “Is Taylor getting excited?”

“Yeah, I think so,” I nodded. “So, are you seeing anyone?”

“Well, I’ve been dating a guy named Troy for the last couple of months, but I don’t think it’s going to last,” Audrey replied.

“Why? What’s the problem?” I asked.

“He’s what Missy Elliot referred to as a minute man,” Audrey replied.

“Oh,” I laughed. “Every time?”

“Every time,” Audrey nodded.

“I can see how you could lose interest,” I smiled sympathetically.

“Yeah, after you have this baby, we need to go out clubbing again,” Audrey grinned. “Because the last time I took you with me, you met Taylor and now you’re happily married and gonna be a mommy. Maybe next time I’ll get lucky and find the man of my dreams.”

I laughed. “Yeah, well, we’ll just have to see if we can find someone for you,” I grinned.

“Good,” Audrey smiled. “’Cause Troy just isn’t gonna hack it.”

I laughed again and started singing, “Oh, I don't want, I don't need, I can't stand no minute man. Oh, here's yo chance, be a man, take my hand, understand, I don't want no minute man!”

Audrey just started laughing. “Oh, Ede, you crack me up!”

“I just hope I never have to meet Troy,” I grinned. “I wouldn’t be able to look at him without laughing!”

The rest of the afternoon at the spa was great. After we were finished, Audrey and I went out for dinner, and then she dropped me off at home.

“How was the spa?” Taylor asked as I sat down on the couch in the living room.

“It was great,” I smiled. “I think that was just what I needed.”

“So, now are you ready for the baby shower?” Taylor asked.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I yawned.