She said, “You should be proud that you had something so special, Daddy.” With a wink, she added, “I didn’t think you had it in you, Pops.”
Kelsey had been running Everything’s Coming Up Roses for just a few months, yet Valentine’s Day was looming on the horizon like a lead balloon. It was hard for me to ponder the day without thinking of my wife and what we had shared on that special evening a number of times in the past. I didn’t dare speak of my apprehension until Kelsey came to me and asked if I’d be assuming my previous role as delivery boy for the day. How could I not? The idea felt like a warm hug after a long time away, and I readily agreed.
I was very proud of how Kelsey handled Everything’s Coming Up Roses that Valentine’s Day. She was incredibly organized and had the store running like a well-oiled machine. I would take the van out on trip after trip, yet each time I came back, she would have the next load stacked and ready to go for me.
I had to chuckle upon returning one time when I tried to give Kelsey my tip money. “No, that’s yours, Daddy. You earned it,” she said sharply before turning away.
I was making seven figures, so I could have done without the $35 dollars, yet I still appreciated her thoughtfulness. I should have expected her reaction as it was exactly what her mother would have done.
Normally the shop closed at six o’clock, but on Valentine’s Day we always stayed open until eight to take care of walk-ins who hadn’t planned ahead and needed something for their sweethearts on their way home. Kelsey sent me out on my last delivery route just after 6:30, as we had more orders than she had expected. As I drove, I was actually looking forward to stopping for Chinese on the way home, much like we had done the previous years.
Finally unloaded, I arrived back at Everything’s Coming Up Roses at about 8:15, and parked the van near the front door. The lights were down low, and I was not surprised to find the front door locked tight. I slid my key in and clicked the door open, before moving into the shop. The smell of flowers hit me in the face as it always did, like a welcoming hug. I slowly made my way inside, feeling my way along in the low light. I called out, “Kelsey, are you here?”
“Yes, Daddy, back here,” she answered. Photos http://cpmlink.net/jAAXAA I felt a chill run down my spine as I remembered how her mother had greeted me on that Valentine’s Day long ago, just prior to us making passionate love. I tried to push the images out of my mind as I went to greet my daughter.
I walked to the office door, assuming Kelsey was counting receipts after a crazy day of sales. I was thoroughly shocked by what I saw. Just like her mother had done, Kelsey was lounging atop a blanket on the floor, completely naked. Rose petals were scattered all about her, and candles burned everywhere in the small room.
I stood at the door completely stunned, unable to move. My daughter looked so much like her mother had years before that I was left with a longing I had not felt in months.
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