DAY OF LOVE

by Paula

Illustrations by the author

Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life.
~ Albert Einstein

Excitement among the community reached heaven. Everyone was thinking about the upcoming concert and sweet treat, after which Valentine’s Day cards made by the children were to be distributed.

The sound of ongoing conversations and children’s laughter meant that the disturbing sounds coming from the kitchen were not heard for a long time.

Finally, a strange noise reached the ears of William, who was standing closest to the kitchen.

“What was that?” He furrowed his brow and immediately headed toward the entrance.

“Not you!” He stood motionless for a while and seemed to run out of air.

Arthur had trampled all the cupcakes with fruit. The chocolate cake he had prepared with Catherine was bitten in many places. Traces of smeared icing covered the floor.

The heavily soiled muzzle turned toward the entrance and, unmoved, returned to savoring the taste of croissants.

“Mouse!” William’s face turned a shade of red.

A resolute young man appeared in the entrance. He stood for a moment with his mouth wide open.

“Arthur! What have you done? Mess everywhere! Mouse will be in trouble if Father sees this!”

“What will I see?” a familiar voice spoke up in the distance.

The young man’s eyes widened. “Not good!” He quickly took the disobedient pet out of sight. “I’ll be back later!… much later!” and fled in haste as far away from that place as possible.

The angry cook shook his head, seeing his behavior. “I’m certainly not going to chase you!”

After a while, the tunnel leader entered the kitchen and leaned against a nearby wall, unable to take a step. His mouth was open, but he couldn’t mumble a word. His gaze roamed the surroundings and the scattered food. He noticed paw prints around the table and frowned, already knowing the perpetrator. Slowly he turned his face toward William…

“Arthur had a picnic in our kitchen.” The cook’s words confirmed his suspicions.

The older man was breathing heavily. “So much food wasted!” He had sincerely looked forward to the refreshments after the concert. “Where is Mouse?” His lips were clenched into a narrow line.

“Disappeared with the culprit.” William leaned against the cabinet with his arms crossed.

Father nodded. “Yes! It was to be expected.”

The cook bent down and looked in the oven. “Ahh…” he breathed a sigh of relief. “Three baking trays of walnut cookies that I hid in the oven survived.” He smiled a little.

But Father was not to be laughed at. “I have said so many times to keep an eye on Arthur!This isn’t the first time he’s been too enthusiastic about our food before celebrating!” His eyes shone ominously.

“Somehow he slipped away. Mouse should have locked him up.” William rubbed his forehead with his hand, his emotions had already subsided a bit, and now he didn’t know whether to get angry or laugh.

Their deliberations were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps.

After a moment Catherine and Vincent appeared in the entrance.

“We heard the commotion,” she began. “Oh…” She covered her mouth with her hand. Vincent looked around, quickly analyzing the situation and hid his face in her hair.

At this point, Father was not able to stand it. “If I could file a complaint against this animal!” he thundered in the middle of the mess.

“I understand that you would accuse him, and Arthur would go to prison for many years.” The words came out of her mouth before she had time to think about their meaning.

His expression was fierce, and he didn’t feel like joking at all.

Catherine bowed her head humbly, but a delicate smile appeared on her face.

“Let me get this animal!” The community leader waved his cane in the air. His cheeks were already deeply red.

Vincent’s eyes opened wide. The floor was covered with chocolate paste and was slippery in places. He sincerely feared that Father would do something to himself without support and there would be an even bigger mess.

Stunned, William began searching for Dr. Wong’s calming tea. I hope we still have some supplies. He hurriedly looked through the packages, scattering them around.

Catherine approached Father and took his hand in hers.

“Surely something could be salvaged. There were many sweets prepared.” Her gentle and calm voice stopped him in his tracks.

“Only some cookies.” His look was like a child who was deprived of a sweet reward.

“Let’s sit down. I see that William will prepare tea, and there is still a pleasant concert to come.” She showed calmness and composure.

With a nod, he accepted her words and allowed himself to be led. When they sat down side by side, he patted her hand.

“My dear, how good it was that you were around; otherwise I don’t know what I would have done. Emotions took over me.” He smiled gently, but in his mind he was fighting a battle to not take revenge on the unruly furry troublemaker.

Vincent cleaned up the mess from the floor and took care of the leftover sweets from the table. He saw the humor in the whole situation and could not get rid of the smile on his face.

“Father, cookies that survived will be for the children, but I think they will share with you.” His smile was mischievous.

The older man squinted his eyes. “Let the children enjoy the sweets. I’m not so hungry for sweets.”

“Are you sure? I was worried about you just now.” He looked at him quite innocently.

“I’m angry, but I haven’t lost my mind. Rest assured, I will be completely satisfied with my dear friend’s tea.”

“I am reassured, Father.” He patted him on the shoulder and smiled at his wife. She pressed her lips together tightly, trying not to laugh.

Just in time, William appeared with a teapot full of the soothing drink. Catherine poured the tea into the older man’s favorite cup, and when he drank a little, he began to feel the relaxing effects of the herbs. His facial features softened and traces of anger disappeared from his eyes.

The atmosphere changed to a calmer one. The mess from the kitchen was already a memory, and no one would have guessed what kind of commotion had taken place a few moments earlier.

It was high time to head to the library where the other residents were waiting for their arrival. When they took comfortable seats, the long-awaited concert began.

Linsy, the new Helper, sang romantic melodies and Matt played the guitar. They looked at each other sometimes, and newfound feelings were visible between them.

With beautiful and peaceful sounds in the candlelight, many people felt a romantic mood.

James embraced Rebecca, and from time to time he whispered words in her ear, which charmingly tinted her cheeks a shade of pink.

Kanin and Olivia also were absorbed by the soft rhythms and beautiful words. Their hands were clasped tightly. Their gazes showed gratitude and immense happiness after months of separation.

Jamie searched for Mouse among those gathered and spotted him hidden in the shadows, still fearing Father’s wrath.

He smiled at her, and his gaze conveyed tremendous affection just for her.

She summoned him with a gesture. After a few moments, she was already in his tender embrace.

“Jamie happy now?”

She nodded contentedly and smiled.

“Mouse, too.”

“Don’t worry. Father’s attack of nerves has already passed.” Her words reassured his sensitive heart.

“Good. Now we can listen together.” He kissed her cheek, and she laid her head on his shoulder, feeling calm and happy.

Vincent stroked Catherine’s hand with his thumb, and she rested her head on his shoulder. They drifted together into their own world of sensations.

Sometimes her gaze would turn to Father who, after drinking several cups of the soothing brew, was fighting tiredness by hiding a yawn.

With her eyes closed, she recalled his behavior…A smile played at the corners of her mouth… and then a plan popped into her head.

With the support of William and the children’s help, we could bake a sweet surprise for him…

Vincent watched her beautiful face in delight. After staring for a while, he whispered, strongly curious.

“What are you thinking about? You have such a lovely expression on your face.” He bit gently on the lobe of her ear.

A shiver of pleasure ran through her after the subtle caress.

“I’m going to prepare a surprise for Father. He likes sweets so much and was looking forward to today’s treats. With a little help, we could bake something delicious for him.”

She spoke quietly near his ear while kissing him lightly. His hand reflexively rested on her thigh.

“I think the children will be happy to help, and he deserves a decent dose of sugar after today’s excitement.” The intensity of his gaze told her that his thoughts were already fleeing in another direction.

“There will be time later for our celebration.” Her hand outlined a trail along his chest.

He closed his eyes. The corners of his mouth twisted in a smile. Now he could wait; now the anticipation had its charm.

* * *

A pleasant concert passed, the children ate the saved cookies, and the adults enjoyed the taste of apple cider and wine while chatting in small groups.

Everyone praised Linsy and Matt for their choice of touching songs that had been beautifully prepared. The charming duo promised to repeat soon, to the delight of the residents.

A box with cards in envelopes was placed in the middle of the library. On each envelope was the name of the person for whom it was intended.

The children had prepared them from materials provided by Catherine. With these activities, they were able to express their affection. They painted, cut out various shapes, glued, colored; it was great and creative fun.

The youngest residents prepared valentines for each other, but having good hearts, they also wanted to give a card to Mary out of gratitude for her care and to their recently thoughtful Father, who seemed to need reassurance of the love they had for him.

To watch the children’s reactions as they opened the envelopes, Vincent eagerly took on the task of distributing the cards.

Residents could see their joy at the valentines they received. Some children whispered words among themselves in a corner, while others quietly contemplated the contents. Their laughter and animated conversations could be heard all around.

Vincent was so eager to give Catherine a gift made with his own hands that he had prepared a special card for her in the privacy of his chamber. As he reached for another envelope, he remembered how he created his surprise. Sometimes he almost growled with anger when nothing came out. There was a moment he wanted to leave it, but he was determined, and the result of his work even amazed him.

Catherine also had been tempted to create something for him. She remembered perfectly her nervousness and trembling hands while doing the precise work. And all of this in secret, to at least surprise him. Now that the time for their celebration together was near, she allowed herself to feel all the joy of the valentine she had prepared.

Vincent stopped leaning over the box, and sensitive to her emotions, focused his attention on her.

Soon in our chamber…

She smiled compellingly just for him.

Catherine… His gaze was longing. Her emotions spilled over his body, filling every cell. He bent his head to cover his blushing face with his hair. He forced himself to focus on the children, knowing that soon in their chamber…

All the cards reached their addressees. The girls giggled when they received them.

“Look at mine, Sam. There are beautiful, painted red tulips and the words:

I really like you. Jasmine was truly delighted.

“Aw…” they said simultaneously.

“It’s really so cute, and on mine there’s a huge red heart cut out of glossy paper and roses all around. Someone did it very carefully.” Samantha smiled and her eyes shone with excitement as she looked at her friend. “Do you have any suspicions about who your card came from?”

“I don’t know myself, I guess…” Jasmine glanced towards Zach, who was opening his card in the corner. She smiled slightly, seeing his surprised face as he looked at his valentine.

Emily and Melanie silently experienced the joy of their cards, surreptitiously glancing at their colleagues.

Geoffrey’s eyes sparkled happily as he read the lines on the inside of his page.

“There are as many people in the world as there are stars in the sky. Everyone carries his star in his heart, and in my heart I carry you.”

I wish it was from you, Sam. He glanced hopefully in her direction. She was whispering about something with her best friend.

Kipper tried to read the words, but he wouldn’t let him. “Won’t you show me? Don’t be like that.”

Geoffrey shook his head. “I’d rather keep it to myself.”

His friend rolled his eyes. “Okay. You’re awfully serious.”

“Because this is serious stuff!” He walked away between the bookcases to read the verses there in silence once more.

Kipper shook his head with a smile. He is totally in love.

Eric adjusted his glasses and sat in the corner. There was a short rhyme written on his card.

Today is Valentine’s Day!
For boys and girls!
Everyone sends each other hearts,
And I’ll whisper in your ear:
I already know a lot about you,
I like you more and more!

E.

“Is it from Emily?” he wondered for a moment and looked at his friend standing nearby. “I actually like her a lot too. It’s nice that she chose such a nice poem and signed it. It shows that she is brave.”

Shy Dustin hid in a corner so no one would disturb him, and there he read lovely words.

If you guess who it is
Then you’ll get two kisses.
If you guess it’s me,
Then you’ll get two more.

Your Valentine!”

His ears turned a deep red when he thought of the kisses from a girl. He shook his head. The card he had prepared was for Melanie, a cute blonde girl who had lived Below for only a few months, but he doubted if she had even thought of kissing him.

Even Zach, though he claimed he didn’t care, received a card from a mysterious valentine. When he opened it, to his eyes appeared a beautifully painted yellow pansy and underneath it a neat inscription “I think of you.” This surprised him, but also made his young heart fill with joy. He hid the card in the pocket of his vest and looked around at the girls on the opposite side of the library. He leaned against the wall nonchalantly, proud to have a secret admirer.

Mary wiped away tears of happiness, watching the results of the little ones’ work. Daisies, irises, and hearts showed childlike pure love and trust.

Weary, Father was already thinking only of peaceful sleep, but he stayed a while longer, enjoying watching the children laughing and talking.

Vincent approached him and handed him several envelopes. “These are for you, Father.”

Surprised, he raised his eyebrows. “Thank you. I did not expect it.”

“You have secret admirers.” Vincent smiled with a gleam in his eyes.

Father snorted and began to open the gifts. A smile appeared on his tired face as he read the lovely words and looked at the intricately made ornaments, hearts, and flowers. One card was done in a different style, with a blue paper rose. He was intrigued but did not guess who it was from, not in his dazed state.

“I remember that blue roses mean hope, something mysterious. They can symbolize a blossoming feeling and hope for a new future.” Vincent looked significantly in Mary’s direction.

“Hmm…” Father rubbed his eyes, wondering for a moment. “No, I’m still too tired for that.”

“It’s been an eventful evening, hasn’t it?” Vincent touched his hand.

He nodded confidently. “And it is high time to say good night.” He smiled gently at his son, dreaming of a rest.

Members of the community slowly dispersed to their chambers. From the corridor could be heard the echo of ongoing conversations and the sound of footsteps moving away.

Despite the loss of most of the sweets, it had been a pleasant time for everyone. The adults had found it especially touching to see the children’s joy as they opened their Valentine’s Day cards. The entire community appreciated the chance to celebrate together, a wonderful time when no troubles touched this precious place.

Although the time spent with his family was enjoyable and valuable for Vincent, he caught himself as his thoughts kept wandering to Catherine.

Her enthusiasm attracted him. He looked in the direction where she was standing, exchanging a few words with Rebecca. His need drew her attention. Their gazes met and they already knew it was time to begin their long-awaited celebration together.

They walked slowly in a gentle embrace amid the sound of tapping pipes, surrounded by stone walls. There was a cool breeze in the air. She trembled, but not from the cold, and he, sensing her emotions, hugged her tighter.

She went in first and waited for him to move, while he stopped nearby to lower the tapestry.

After a brief moment, his breath warmed her neck, causing a shiver of desire. With one hand he marked a trail from her thigh to her abdomen.

“Finally we can start our private celebration,” he whispered and turned her delicately.

“Yes…” Her lips invited kisses.

He held her gently and close in his embrace, and she began to undo the buttons of his vest, slowly, enticingly. His grip tightened around her waist.

“I also prepared a card for you. Would you like to see it now?” she asked quite innocently.

You’re teasing… A smile adorned his unique face. “Actions speak louder than words.”

She kissed him gently. “Let’s trust the actions.”

A sigh was his response.

He lifted her up, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He leaned her against the stone wall, clinging to her. Their kisses were gentle and longing, deep and demanding.

Her hands in the storm of his golden hair drew him even closer. Her body began to move slowly to the rhythm of his.

His one hand went under the material of her dress along her thigh to support her body, while with the other he caressed her breast, bringing her to heights. She raised her head, baring her neck to him…His mouth dipped into the exposed space, and he rocked, trying to keep his balance…

When she touched the zipper area of his pants, a groan escaped his lips. Slowly he set her on the ground. His breathing was rapid and she could feel mixtures of emotions inside him. He hurriedly threw off his shirt, not caring where it fell.

It would seem that in one move he would get rid of her dress, but his finger gently moved along her neck and then further to the tempting curve.

His gaze was focused. She sighed in anticipation when he stopped at the zipper on the side…carefully released her from her clothes, revealing the greatest beauty he had ever seen. Vincent gasped, delighted and honored. “My love…” He took his most precious treasure in his arms.

“My own…” Her words were barely a whisper.

Several candles were burning in the chamber, and in their bed by the stained glass window he tenderly laid down her inviting body and looked into her misty eyes as they united in loving exultation. Her lips parted in pleasure as their shared rhythm gained pace. She trembled, clutching her fingers into his arms, and he stayed with her longer and with slow movements prolonged her pleasure.

They lay in a tangle of blankets and patchwork quilts, still breathing heavily. Vincent snuggled against her back and intertwined his fingers with hers, now reconciled to his uniqueness.

With his body so close, the thick hair of his chest had a warming effect. She was intoxicated by their lovemaking; she didn’t need anything else at this moment. Only you, Vincent, only you.

He could sense her tranquility and contentment so similar to his own feelings. He gratefully nuzzled his cheek into her hair and allowed himself to relax for a while.

The short nap had a regenerative effect. Still in the same position, hugging tightly, he watched her perfect features and listened to her steady breathing. She was dreaming of something pleasant, and her face expressed contentment.

After a moment of engaging observation, he began to stretch and laughed quietly as he recalled the situation with Arthur.

“What makes you laugh?” She muttered, half-slumbering.

“I was really worried about Father when he saw the mess Arthur had made.” Vincent shook his head at this memory.

She turned to face him, still stunned. “So was I. That’s why I reacted so quickly.”

“Fast and effective.” He traced the outline of her lips with his finger.

She closed her eyes, savoring his caress. “William also was so nervous he almost couldn’t find a calming tea.

“Yes…” His hand came to rest on her thigh. “It’s nice that you want to give Father a sweet surprise. I’m sure he will be really grateful.”

“He deserves some compensation.” She teased the area around his abdomen with her touch.

He bowed his head to kiss her lips, so sweet, enticing…

“Do you remember about my card for you?” she asked between kisses. “I can’t wait to give it to you.”

He tilted his head as he gazed at her charming smile. “I remember and I can’t wait to see it. I also prepared a valentine for you.”

Her eyes opened wide with surprise. At that moment, she rose from the bed and took the shirt he had abandoned earlier and put it on herself. With a sensual, unhurried step, she walked to the dresser where the card was hidden.

“Catherine…” His voice was hoarse.

She turned her head, aware of his emotions.

He propped himself up on his elbow. “Don’t torture me like that.”

Her joyful laughter echoed throughout the chamber.

“Maybe you’ll look for your card?” Her flirtatious gaze savored the sight of the patchwork quilt covering only part of his body.

He looked at her for a moment, stunned and fascinated by her deep affection for him, only for him. Will I ever stop being amazed at what we have?

With a confident and proud step, he slowly approached the table.

She followed his every move, enchanted as a smile played at the corners of Vincent’s mouth. After a short while, he covered his magnificent figure with a bathrobe, tying it carelessly.

In the journal between the pages was a gift for her, made from the heart with tenderness.

“Happy Valentine’s Day,” he whispered, touching his forehead to hers.

“And Happy Valentine’s Day to you.”

Celebrating as a married couple was still new to them. They stood in this position, and shared feelings flowed through them, entwining and filling every cell.

When she opened the card, she saw a red paper rose unfurling in all directions, a beautiful and precisely crafted flower. Above was quote from Shakespeare:

“And yet I wish but for the thing I have; My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite.”

She was moved by the words and the subtle beauty of the flower, symbolizing strong love and desire. She looked at him, and tears swirled in the corners of her eyes.

His head was bowed; hair covered his face. Her emotions filled his heart. The envelope with her gift he still held in his hand.

“It’s so beautiful, Vincent, and so perfectly done. You are a man of many talents.”

He immediately turned to her with a serious look.

“I thought for so long that I wasn’t a man, and only you made me believe it.”

“I never doubted it.” She touched his cheek, and he covered her hand with his and closed his eyes.

“Yes.” He breathed heavily, accepting her faith in him, though he would always have concerns.

“Will you open mine?” She stroked his cheek with her thumb.

He sighed. “Yes… I’m sorry Catherine, my emotions overwhelmed me. I think I will never lose the feeling of amazement for what we have.”

His gaze was thoughtful. “So many times I imagined you in my arms and dreamed, such dreams, Catherine!… And then woke up and found only emptiness. Now I marvel at the fact that what I dreamed of has come true. Sometimes at night I look at you for a long time; it’s like I want to make sure it’s really happening, that you lie in my arms.”

“Oh, Vincent…” She opened her arms and he clung to her willingly. “What we have in common is real, and we are finally truly together, although I must admit that I also had the same feelings for a long time, to the point that I was afraid to go to sleep.”

He tightened the grip.

After remaining in her reassuring embrace for a while, he looked at her with moist eyes, his lower lip still trembling with emotion.

Wet tear tracks remained on her cheeks. She brushed away the hair that fell on his forehead so that it wouldn’t cover the extraordinary blue that looked at her so tenderly.

He carefully opened the envelope. His eyes saw a very red heart spreading out in all directions and next to it a few words from Mark Twain: “I am grateful that you were born, that your love is mine, and our two lives are woven and welded together.”

He touched the heart gently and tapped his fingers on the surface of the sheet where the words were written.

“This is a beautiful card. It took a lot of work to make it.” His gaze focused on her face.

The smile she gave him would brighten the greatest darkness. “I’m glad you like it. There were several attempts before I could make it look right.”

“It’s perfect” He kissed her lightly.

“Thank you.” She kissed him back just as delicately and then… again and again…until she remembered a sweet gift for them both. “Oh, I have chocolates tucked away for us for our celebration.” She walked over to the dresser and pulled out the hidden box, satisfied that they would eat something sweet today after all.

Vincent’s facial expression was puzzled. Oh, that means those chocolates were hidden for our Valentine’s Day evening. He ran a hand through his hair a little confused.

She took his hand and led him to sit comfortably on the bed.

When she opened the box, she noticed that half of the chocolates were missing.

Her surprised gaze went back to her man, and she already knew who was responsible.

The corners of his mouth twitched from restrained laughter.

She opened her mouth to say something, but he gently laid her down on the soft pillows and whispered against her lips.

“Catherine, I couldn’t resist those sweets, just as I can’t resist your sweetness.” He covered her mouth with his own, and after a while she forgot her words and let him take the sweetness he so craved.

His kisses were sensual. He worked wonders with his tongue, moving along her neck to find a place between her breasts, and here he ended his journey, laying his head down and listening to her pounding heartbeat.

“I am intoxicated by our celebration.The joy of what we have together blows my mind.” He said, almost in a whisper, snatching another chocolate from the box.

She observed him while his eyes were closed. His lips twisted in a sensual smile when the chocolate melted, releasing its flavor.

“I share your sentiments.” She grabbed his hand as he reached for another and leaned over to catch it in her mouth.

“Mmm…vanilla filling…delicious.”

He leaned toward her. “Yes, I remember that excellent taste. Are there any almond ones left?”

“I’m afraid there are only strawberry ones left. Are you interested?” Her green eyes shone in the candlelight.

He raised his eyebrows. “Maybe… we’ll save them for… tomorrow?”

She opened her eyes wide. “Are you sure?”

He laughed softly. “Yes, it’s enough for me. Why don’t we drink some tea?” His eyes shone playfully.

“I don’t suppose you mean the one from Dr. Wong that we received for the anniversary?”

She recalled their lovemaking after drinking a few cups. It was a force they could not control, this need for closeness and quick release. Her cheeks turned a delicate shade of red.

Vincent observed her reaction, knowing the path of her memories. He gently brushed his nose against her neck.

“You’re right. I think our bed would not survive a repeat.” His mouth caressed her ear.

“We don’t need such an incentive,” she whispered.

“No…and I don’t think we will ever need it.” His hand went to her shoulder and with a slow motion, he began to slide his shirt off her…

They lay close to each other in harmony and perfect understanding.

* * *

The next day, Catherine delivered the necessary ingredients. Kipper, Zach, Geoffrey, Eric, and Dustin were already waiting at the entrance of the apartment building to help bring in the groceries.

“Hi, Catherine,” they greeted her joyfully.

“Hello. So many of you to help – fantastic!” She was sincerely glad for any help to make it in time

Zach stepped out in front of his colleagues. “We have a cart that will take it all at once.”

“How resourceful you are. With this, we’ll save a lot of time.” She smiled at them. “And this is important if we want it to be a surprise.”

They nodded their heads in understanding and efficiently arranged the shopping bags on the cart.

At that time in the library Vincent occupied Father with a game of chess, which was going really slowly.

“It is taking you a long time today to decide on your next move.” Father was genuinely curious as to where the change came from.

He wanted to sound convincing. “This is because you are getting better and better, Father.”

Father squinted his eyes suspiciously.

Vincent furrowed his brow, staring at the chess pieces, thinking how to extend the game for another minute.

Resigned, Father propped his chin on his hand, not understanding anything of what was going on.

Meanwhile in the kitchen chamber, William and his helpers hurried to make it in time.

Fruits, jams, and large quantities of chocolate, nuts, and honey were unpacked.

He prepared the baking trays for the cookies. Flour, eggs, sugar, all the necessary ingredients were laid out.

Catherine distributed aprons to the children and she also put one on herself.

“Get to work, crew!” She smiled encouragingly.

“That’s right!” The children responded joyfully.

Catherine purposely bought more than enough so that the children could snack during preparation and make the work more enjoyable. Their faces were chocolatey and some of their cheeks were covered with traces of flour.

“The fruit is so sweet! Try it,” Eric encouraged his friends.

They ran eagerly to the bowls and tasted the raspberries and blueberries.

Meanwhile, she was carefully cutting nuts for cookies, not wanting to injure herself so as not to distract Vincent from his assigned task.

William instructed the children to lay out the cupcake pans, and when the batter was ready, he asked them to help throw in the added fruit.

“I can’t wait to see Father’s reaction,” Geoffrey spoke up, cautiously adding the berries.

“Oh, me, too!” Kipper was equally excited.

“You do it perfectly,” the cook praised the boys for their job. They straightened up proudly and smiled at each other.

Samantha and Jasmine used spoons to put the batter in the pans.

In a separate bowl, Melanie added strawberry jam and mixed gently.

Dustin was waiting with a jar of honey. Eric stood next to him with a plate of nuts, both joyfully awaiting their turn to share in this important task.

In the meantime, Catherine put the first batch of cupcakes in the oven, keeping an eye on the time to take them out at the right moment.

Everyone worked in unison with smiles on their faces, and after a while the tempting smell of cupcakes spread through the kitchen. William and Catherine put more baking trays into the oven, and the children’s eyes sparkled as they saw the appetizing results of their joint efforts.

When all the cookies were ready. William asked Emily to sprinkle them with ground nuts. She wrinkled her forehead and pressed her lips together, and her little hands decorated each cookie carefully.

It was time for croissants, for which there was more work, but William had prepared the yeast in advance, and this saved some time.

After rolling out the dough and cutting it into triangles, the girls put jam on each piece.

It was already quite hot in the kitchen from the incessant baking. The boys wiped their sweaty faces with tissues, but no one complained. Their goal was clear, and they were all determined to achieve it.

Eric bit his lip.“Won’t Father suddenly drop in here while we’re working?”

“Certainly not.Vincent is playing chess with him,” Zach replied confidently.

“Oh that’s good! Now we’ll definitely surprise him.” Geoffrey’s eyes shone joyfully.

William, along with Catherine, wrapped the dough into the correct shape, and the little helpers watched with great attention.

After a long time of baking, the golden croissants were placed on trays, ready to be served to Father. All the delicacies looked tasty, and the smell was incredibly tempting.

“You all did a great job.” Catherine praised everyone’s work.

The children’s faces lit up. None of them thought to try even one cookie. She was amazed at their strength of will and how out of good hearts they wanted to give it all to Father.

William was full of admiration. “It was an excellent idea and together we managed to do so much!”

Both were delighted with the enthusiasm of the children and their joy in their work. They put their whole hearts into every activity, no whining, just love.

The whole team proudly entered the library, carrying trays of chocolate chip cookies, peanut cookies, and croissants with raspberry and blueberry filling.

Behind them, Catherine and William appeared with the rest of the sweets.

Father’s eyes opened wide. “What’s the –?” He didn’t finish and looked at his opponent in the game.

Vincent bowed his head. “That’s why we played for so long. You would have beaten me long ago.” He wagged his finger at him with a smile. “I took part in an important mission, so I could not fail.” His eyes shone playfully.

Catherine made room on another desk, and there they placed the prepared sweets.“This is for you, Father.”

“I would never have expected so many treats you have prepared.” Tears filled his eyes.

“We knew you were sorry for the lost supplies on Valentine’s Day, and that’s why we wanted to make it up to you.” Catherine kissed him on the cheek.

He put his arm around her, smiling broadly, and wiped his damp eyes.

One by one, the children hugged him, and he mentally thanked an unruly furry for what he had done.

“Call everyone together. I won’t be able to eat these delicacies myself. We will celebrate the day of love.”

The children began to squeal with joy, and the announcement about the sweet meeting in the library was carried through the pipes.

“We made it – we surprised him! Look how happy he is!” Catherine embraced Vincent.

“Yes…together and with love we can do everything.” He kissed her flour-covered cheek.