Valentine's Day is usually on me; sexist or not, I tend to pick what we do and where, and I typically like to surprise Char with something I think she'll enjoy. I made plans for this year, something I thought would be romantic but not over the top, given her dislike of expensive fine dining. Erin said she would watch the kids, given that Miko is out of town and Brad has plans of his own.

I hadn't factored Alex into the equation, though. He obviously doesn't drive, and this is his first Valentine's Day with a girlfriend. We still could have proceeded with our plans and driven him and Stephanie where they wanted to go and then picked them up, but Char overheard him talking to Evan, and realized the boys were debating three choices. They could get their girlfriends gifts, or take them out to dinner, or to a movie, but with limited funds they had to pick one, and that seemed "kind of lame."

We just celebrated our anniversary, Char pointed out to me, and we did it right with the trip and all, so if I didn't mind, she had an idea to present to Alex, and if he went for it, that meant we weren't going anywhere.

I wasn't thrilled with it, but I have more options and cash than my son does, and Char doesn't mind putting off our plans for later.

And Alex liked her idea.

Char wanted to cook for them; we'd set the table using the rarely-used china, silverware, and light candles, and she would cook something special for them. We would serve. And once they had food on the table, she and I would leave them alone, hiding in the back of the house (with the right to wander in unannounced at random intervals.) Rachel and Kevin could go to Erin's and play with their cousins, and Alex and Evan would be able to buy gifts for their girlfriends and treat them to a nice dinner.

So tonight, instead of taking my wife out and potentially getting to do things to her in the back seat of the car, I drove Alex to pick up Stephanie, Evan, and his girlfriend. Char decorated the dining room for a definite Valentine's dinner and had the mood lighting set and music on when I got back with all of them. And now we're sitting in our bedroom, waiting for the lull in their laughter and conversation to cue me into driving the kids home, which I don't expect for a couple more hours.

I can't really complain, other than not being able to cave into my impulses right now. Alex is probably having a good time, and I got to have pizza on the bed.