I look up when I hear a knock on my door. There she stood with a big smile on her face. She's glowing with happiness ever since she got back from her honeymoon. Married life suits her. At least this one does. Her marriage to Eddie did more harm than good. Alex obviously treats her well.

"Whatcha doing?"

"Nothing. Just taking a break. Nice earrings, by the way."

Expensive too. Doesn't take an expert to figure that out.

"What? Oh, these? Yeah, Alex gave me this morning. It's a Valentine's gift."

She blushes a little. That is something you don't get to see everyday. It takes a lot to embarrass Catherine Willows. I mean Catherine Wild.

Must be one hell of a Valentine's celebration. The least I know about it, the better for my peace of mind.

I've hated Valentine's Day since forever. I hate it even more this year.

"Well, okay then. Just thought I drop by to see what you're up to. I'll uh…I leave you alone now. You look like you need a break. Desperately."

"Wait. I…I have something for you."

"What is it?"

"I went to visit my mom last weekend and there's a nice shop that just opened around the corner. I bought this on my way back here. I thought you might like it."

"Really? Wow, this is a nice surprise. What's the occasion?"

"Oh, nothing. Just a thank you gift. You bought me a present from your honeymoon trip, so I thought I give you a little something in return."

I hand her the little box.She takes it and eyes me suspiciously. She gives the box a little shake.

"You're not going to try anything funny on me now, are you?"

"I wouldn't dare."

"I'm excited! What is it?"

"Why don't you open it and see?"

She smiles gleefully like a little child and opens the box. I cross my fingers behind my back and close my eyes, hoping beyond hope that she will like it.

"Oh. My. God!"

"What? You don't like it?"

"Gil!"

"You hate it! I knew it. I don't know what I was thinking. I'm sorry. I'm really…really terrible at picking out gifts."

"No, no. It's not that. Oh, Gil!"

"Okay, we already established that you know my name. Now, can you please tell me what's wrong with you? I mean, the present."

"Nothing's wrong with it. It's perfect. It's beautiful. I love it."

"Oh. Well, I'm uh…glad."

"How could you?"

"Huh?"

"This is too much. You shouldn't do this. I can't accept it. It's not fair."

"Now I'm really confused."

"Gil! I bought you a lousy bug shape paperweight and you gave me a crystal-made butterfly pendant!"

"It's worth it." I look at her straight in the eye. "You're worth it."

"Oh, Gil. This is just too much." A tear rolls down her cheek and I wipe it away with my thumb. Seems forever since the last time I touched her.

"Nothing is too much for you, Catherine." I'd willingly give up my life for you, I add silently.

"Thank you. I love it. This is the best gift ever. Well, aside from these earrings, of course. But then again, the earrings are Valentine's gift. Your pendant is a thank you gift, so it's a whole other story."

I smile. If she only knew…

"Thank you so much, Gil. I don't know what else to say."

She gives me a big warm hug and a peck on the cheek.

"You're welcome. Now off you go. I need to catch up with my break. You exhaust me."

She laughs and I watch her walk away, just like she always does.

I sigh.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Catherine."