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Dorothy adjusted the blindfold carefully around Rose’s head, her hands gentle as they secured the soft fabric.
“There we go,” Dorothy said, her voice tinged with amusement. “Not too tight? Comfortable?”
Rose’s fingers fidgeted with the hem of her cardigan as she giggled nervously. “It’s fine, Dorothy. But… I don’t understand. Why am I blindfolded? Are we… Oh, is this going to be like last time? Because that was fun—but, Dorothy, I don't think we should do it in the car."
Dorothy groaned, a hand flying to her forehead. “Rose, sweetheart, no. This is not that kind of thing.” She tilted Rose’s chin up, despite the blindfold, and pressed a kiss to her cheek.
Rose tilted her head thoughtfully. “So you’re saying this isn’t one of those kinky surprises? Because you know, Dorothy, I really enjoyed the—”
“No! This isn’t about sex,” Dorothy interrupted quickly, her voice firm but affectionate. “This is something special, and you’re just going to have to trust me. Now come on, let’s get you in the car.”
“Okay,” Rose said, her voice soft and trusting as Dorothy guided her toward the passenger side of the car. She hesitated slightly as Dorothy opened the door. “You’re not going to make me ride in the trunk, are you?"
Dorothy threw her head back and let out a deep laugh. “Rose Nylund, what am I going to do with you? No, you’re riding right here, in the passenger seat.” She helped Rose settle into the seat, buckling her seatbelt with care.
As Dorothy started the car, Rose’s curiosity bubbled over. “So, where are we going? Is it far? Is it somewhere I’ve been before? Did you pack snacks? Oh! Is this a scavenger hunt? I was so good at those back in St. Olaf, except for that one time we were supposed to find a real live goose and… well, that’s not important right now. Where are we going, Dorothy?”
“Rose,” Dorothy said, her voice filled with the kind of patience she reserved exclusively for her wife. “I told you, it’s a surprise. And you’re not getting a single hint, so just sit back and enjoy the ride.”
Rose crossed her arms and huffed, though the small smile playing on her lips betrayed her excitement. “You know, you’re really good at this whole mysterious thing. I mean, I trust you, Dorothy, but it’s hard not knowing. Very hard."
Dorothy smiled as she drove, keeping her eyes on the road but sneaking occasional glances at Rose, who was fidgeting with the blindfold and shifting in her seat like a child on Christmas morning.
“You’re adorable, you know that?” Dorothy said, reaching over to squeeze Rose’s hand. “Now stop trying to guess and just enjoy the moment. We’ll be there soon.”
“I am enjoying it,” Rose said earnestly. “It’s just… well, you know how I get when I’m excited. My brain gets all tingly, and I start thinking about everything at once, and then my mouth can’t keep up, and… Oh, Dorothy, I think my foot’s falling asleep!”
Dorothy chuckled, her tone warm and indulgent. “Well, wake it up. We’re almost there.”
The drive continued with Rose’s stream of questions and Dorothy’s cryptic, amused responses. When the car finally came to a stop, Rose tilted her head, listening carefully.
“Are we there? Can I take off the blindfold now?”
“Not yet,” Dorothy said, getting out of the car and walking around to open Rose’s door. She helped her wife out, steadying her as Rose wobbled slightly. “Just a little longer. I promise it’ll be worth it.”
“Okay,” Rose said, her voice small but trusting as she clung to Dorothy’s arm. “But if I trip and fall, you’re carrying me the rest of the way.”
“Deal,” Dorothy said with a laugh, leading Rose carefully over what seemed to be a gravel path. “All right, stop here. Are you ready?”
Rose’s breath hitched. “I think so. But what if I’m not? Oh, Dorothy, what if I cry? Did you pack tissues?”
“Rose,” Dorothy said softly, turning her to face the right direction. “Take a deep breath. And… now you can take off the blindfold.”
Rose’s fingers trembled slightly as she untied the blindfold, letting it fall away. Her wide blue eyes blinked in the sunlight before they focused on what lay before her. Her hands flew to her mouth as a gasp escaped her lips.
“Oh, Dorothy,” she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes.
In front of them was a beautiful picnic setup in the middle of a lush, green park. A checkered blanket was spread out beneath a shady tree, adorned with a basket overflowing with all of Rose’s favorite treats. Balloons floated gently in the breeze, and a small cake sat in the center, decorated with pink frosting that spelled out, “Happy Birthday, Rose.”
“Do you like it?” Dorothy asked, her voice soft and uncertain for the first time that day.
Rose turned to her, her eyes shining. “I love it,” she said, throwing her arms around Dorothy’s neck. “I love you. This is the most wonderful surprise anyone’s ever done for me.”
Dorothy held her close, pressing a kiss to her hair. “You deserve it, sweetheart. You deserve everything.”
“Oh, Dorothy, you’re amazing. Thank you."
Dorothy cupped Rose’s cheek, her thumb brushing away a stray tear. “You’re welcome. Now come on, let’s celebrate.”
They walked hand in hand to the picnic blanket, the soft fabric rustling as they settled in together. Dorothy reached for the bottle of sparkling cider, the fizz hissing gently as she poured it into two delicate glasses. The cool, crisp bubbles tickled Rose’s lips with each sip, but her attention was quickly stolen as Dorothy picked up a forkful of cake.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky with shades of orange and pink, Rose leaned her head on Dorothy’s shoulder. “This has been the best birthday ever,” she said softly.
Dorothy kissed the top of her head, her arm wrapping around Rose’s shoulders.
"I'm glad, sweetheart. You make every day special for me, so it's only fair I make your day unforgettable."
They sat together in comfortable silence, the world around them fading into a soft blur. Rose leaned closer, her heart warm and full, and Dorothy met her halfway. Their lips touched in a tender kiss.
When they pulled apart, their foreheads rested gently against each other. Rose whispered, her voice barely a breath, "I love you." Dorothy’s smile was the quiet answer, her own "I love you" slipping out just as softly.
For Rose, it wasn’t just a perfect birthday—it was a reminder that with Dorothy by her side, every moment was a gift.