Title: Paper Hearts and Roses
Author: Becky
Email: [email protected]
Universe: ATF
It was early evening, February 14th, and Team 7 had gathered at Chris' ranch to take a much deserved rest after a long and tedious case. Though its conclusion had been successful, each of the men found themselves eager to settle down and unwind in the company of his friends. Nathan had brought along Rain, whose soft laughter could be heard from the kitchen as she admonished the healer for continuously snatching the candy hearts from her less than perfect cupcakes. Vin and Ezra could be heard, also, quietly snickering in the background as the couple bantered back and forth. Buck was lazing the wellworn recliner, watching the game and chatting on the phone to his latest love interest, a stewardess, on layover out of town. Chris sat at his side contently stroking the head of one of his loyal canine companions. That left Josiah, who was stretched out on the sofa, looking out the window which overlooked the porch. He found himself quietly observing the group's two youngest members, JD and Casey, who had decided to enjoy a moment under the stars. Being a profiler by profession, and a caring older brother by heart, Josiah couldn't help but wonder what turn romance would take for the young couple. Would their time together turn out to be simple infatuation, or was it, as he choose to believe, so much more. Both had come from difficult backgrounds, but never failed to shine as two of the most caring individuals he had ever met. They suited each other well, and speculation about their future together was a topic of conversation more often than any of the older men would care to admit .
Leaning against the smooth wooden railing of Chris's porch JD and Casey each found themselves lost in the past. For young Casey it was the memory of watching her classmate's parents exchange a warm embrace outside of school on Valentine's Day, and feeling the pain of never witnessing such a display of affection between the two people who's love had saw her into this world. All her young life she had dreamed of the day when she would get to experience that kind of love for herself. For JD, his thoughts took him back to one of the last Valentine Days he had spent with his mother. He had always tried to make her feel special on the day meant to celebrate love and those special in your heart. Even when things were really tight, he had taken a little of his lunch money each day and set is aside, waiting for the chance to pick out that oh so special card and single rose to present to the woman who held his heart, his mamma. As his mother's health deteriated, and JD found himself with little opportunity to shop for more than the barest of necessities, he found himself faced with the harsh reality that not only would this probably be one of the last Valentine Days he had with her, but that there would be no glittery card or perfect rose. No, there would only be a meticulously trimmed heart adorned with a carefully penned 'I Love You.' It was with a heavy heart that he presented his gift to his momma that day. And he would never forget her words to him, or the look of unwavering adoration, as she whispered "Don't you dare look down at that floor with such a long face, don't you know that one tiny paper heart, crafted with one's true love, is worth more than any Hallmark card or a million roses? Love from the heart can never be outshined." It was that statement that had helped him make it through when he felt that he couldn't make it another minute without her. And tonight, as he handed a single red rose and a lone paper heart to Casey, he prayed that she would feel all the depths of his special love for her. And as she accepted his offering, her hands trembling ever-so-slightly, and gifted him with the most incredible smile JD had ever seen, he knew his heart had once again found it's home. And just on the other side of the window, Josiah felt his heart filled with warmth as he realized he had just witnessed the birth of a new and precious love.
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