"It pays to be let off early," he answers as he brings out the salad and the appetizer. As the meal goes on, she's sure to realize that's a lie, that he hadn't merely gotten off work a few hours early but had instead spent the day getting everything just right, but he doesn't mind if she starts to put things together.

It's more important they do this the way they wanted it. Just the two of them. It doesn't need to be a big surprise.

"I hope you like it," he says as he sets down the plate in front of Karen, then leans in to kiss her once more. "And if you don't, we can throw it out and order pizza."