I looked at it, and my throat closed with emotion. I knew exactly what it was: Avery had saved one flower from every bouquet I had given Maggie, one flower for every date I’d had with my girl over the past twenty-three years.
Twenty-three years of flowers and memories.
“Maggie’s book,” I murmured.
“Yeah, I was looking through it tonight; thinking how many years had flown by, and remembering how Mags chose one flower from every bouquet, and I helped her dry and save it. She loves this book."
I picked up the book and set it on my lap. Flipping through it, I paused, read the dates, and looked at each dried, pressed flower. Under every flower was a short note, written first by Avery, then by Maggie, as she got old enough to do it herself, of what our date consisted of that night. There were lots of mini golf nights, many more spent at the park, and as she matured—movies, ice-skating, shopping, and coffee shop talks. She’d kept movie stubs, concert tickets, and programs to plays we’d gone to, carefully adding them into her memory book. As I turned the pages, she grew up, and her writing changed from a childish scrawl in crayon to a cursive, elegant script—her words longer and more descriptive.
“She’ll have to add in tonight’s flower.”
I nodded. There were still empty pages—all of which I planned to fill. Years more of memories to create with my Princess.
I took a deep breath, smiling, and after closing it, brought the book to my chest and closed my eyes, savoring all the memories flowing through my mind.
Avery leaned her head on my shoulder, slipping her hand into mine and squeezing. “Need three?”
I rested my head on hers. “Yeah.”
“We raised three great kids together.”
“We did.”
“We’ve had an amazing life so far.”
“Yep.”
“We have lots more years together.”
“I’m looking forward to them.”
“And here’s your bonus. I love you as much today, if not more, than I did all those years ago.”
“I love your bonuses.” I pressed a kiss to Avery’s head. “I’m the luckiest man in the world.”
She hummed, and we were silent for a moment.
“How about a vacation, Sprite?”
“Yeah?”
We’d had plenty of family vacations over the years, and we tried to get away on our own from time to time, but it hadn’t always worked out. I wanted to take her away, spend time with only her, and create more memories of us.
“Yeah. Some time for us. You, me, a beautiful beach, and very little clothing. Just like our honeymoon.” I ran my finger over her smooth cheek. “I want to spend a day kissing you. Endlessly kissing you.”
“I’d love that. But why now?”
I shrugged. “Because we can? After the wedding, before the baby comes. The practice is doing great. I can take some time away.” I wrapped my arm around her waist, drawing her close. “We’ve raised our family, Avery, and we have the rest of our life to enjoy them. Let’s enjoy us.”
“That sounds fabulous.”
“What if I told you I was going to semi-retire? Ask you to find someone to take over the books?”
After becoming pregnant with the triplets, Avery left the accounting firm. She worked on the books for the clinic and stable, allowing Caitlin more time to help expand the practice. It proved to be successful for all of us. She still did them because she enjoyed it and it kept her busy.
“Suzanne can step in. She does a lot now.”
“Perfect. It’s settled. As soon as the wedding is over, we’re paying a visit to the travel agent. You pick the first destination.”