I had to get that out of my system.
Actually, I can almost bet Scott isn’t more romantic than your husband. Or your boyfriend. Or your cat, for that matter. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a wonderful man (except when he’s a big fat stupid jerk and pretends he can’t understand why I want to do an interesting paint treatment in the living room), but romance is something that occurs to him periodically, like when there’s a full solar eclipse.
Last year, Scott and I celebrated our anniversary on Monday, Labor Day. Since the anniversary was one of the important numbers, I got him a gift. Nothing too exciting, we’ve been married since dirt was just an idea in the mind of God, and it’s difficult to figure out a present to give him (Scott, not God). When he came in from working in the yard, I gave it to him, and the poor guy had this look on his face … I could read it … it clearly said, “Damn! I forgot the solar eclipse!”
I figured, “Oh, well, maybe in another five years he’ll remember,” and sent him back out to his tractor.
But the man has hidden depths. On Tuesday, he went to Home Depot for a … I don’t know what he went for. He adores Home Depot. Anyway, he’d been gone about an hour when a florist van drove up. Sadly, my first thought was to wonder why my publisher was sending me flowers. But no, it was dozen yellow roses, touched with peach, with a lovely note written in Scott’s handwriting. He’d gone downtown and ordered them. I was ecstatic, and he was very pleased with himself because the florist ladies were impressed that he knew what color of flowers to send. They told him most guys don’t even know what kind of flowers their wives like.
On Wednesday, the florist’s van drove up again. The florist got out with another dozen yellow roses. I, being a sensible soul, told the delivery lady they’d made a mistake, they’d already delivered the roses, and tried to send her away. She urged me to check the card, and there was a new note which was so sweet it brought tears to my eyes. I’m sure the florist was incredibly uncomfortable.
So on Thursday, she appeared with more yellow roses (pure yellow this time and not a dozen … he had sent the same number of roses as years we’d been married) with a jeweler’s box tied on the ribbon, and another heartfelt note in Scott’s handwriting. And the delivery lady said, “You are so lucky.”
I gotta agree. Check out the photo.
In DANGER IN A RED DRESS, Hannah Grey is lucky, too. She just doesn’t realize it for awhile because, like Scott, Gabriel Prescott is occasionally a big fat stupid jerk. Now, DANGER IN A RED DRESS is the finale for not one, but two contemporary series, so I’ve been friends with Gabriel Prescott for seven books. He’s always had the makings of a great hero — his parents were a mystery, his childhood was torn by strife and tragedy, he’s made a success of himself through pure shrewd intelligence and hard work. He’s a wonderful man, but when it comes to Hannah, he’s a fool. Not that he doesn’t have good reasons, but still, when I read the book, I want to shout, “Don’t do that, you idiot. Figure it out!” He does eventually, thank God, but in my imagination, he’s spends the rest of his life sending Hannah a lot of yellow roses.
What’s the most romantic gift you’ve ever received? (The roses are faded, the vases are gone, the gold earrings are lovely, but I treasure the handwritten notes.) And conversely, what’s the dumbest thing your hero has ever done? (I’d tell you the dumb things Scott has done, but that’s a whole different blog, or maybe an article, or a whole book.)
Talk to me.
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Christina Dodd
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 1:24 am:
Wow, that’s a new video! Very cool!
Christina
Stacy ~
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 5:41 am:
Hi Christina! Can I just say that your husband sure knows how to make up for forgetting a very special day. Sounds like a keeper. And those hand-written, notes? Priceless.
Your book sounds amazing. I’m going to have to go check them out. Gabriel sounds divine.
Gotta run. I woke up late this morning. Why am I on the computer you ask? Good question. It’s called addiction.
Buffie
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 7:17 am:
Awww, that is just so darn sweet Christina!!! But no fair — you brought tears to my eyes — I shouldn’t be crying on my birthday!
My hubby has done some really sweet things for me. One year, he surprised me for my birthday and planned a weekend trip to NYC to see my first Broadway show. Then there was the time he put notes up all around the house and left little gifts everywhere — see I had been gone for a few days on a womens retreat and he missed me.
Laura
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 7:42 am:
Hi Christina,
It seems that you have a real Casanova on your hands. I do to! (Kind of) When my hubby asked me to marry him, he had the perfect setting, we were down at the lake at sunset,(beautiful sunsets on Pymatuning Lake) I had no idea what he was up to, anyways, we were sitting on our dock, and this pontoon boat out in the middle of the lake starts screaming to us for help. I tell him that we need to go call the park services, because these poor people are stranded out in the middle of the lake, and he brushes them aside and says to leave them alone, someone else will help them. I get mad at him for being so mean and get up to leave, just in time, the park rangers come by and rescue the boaters, and Doug pulls out a ring and asks me to marry him. I start laughing, because I realize that for the first time in the five years that I had known him he was setting up the pefect moment, and those STUPID BOATERS ruined it for him. He rolled his eyes and said, “I tried hun, I really did.” He gets down on his knees and purposes. I cried and tackled him to the dock saying yes over and over.
I loved your Darkness Chosen series, Jasha Wilder is one of my favorite heros. Rumor has it you are working on another paranormal series, is this true?
Kati
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 7:59 am:
Hi Christina! Welcome back to RNTV. Wow, Scott knows how to make the BRG when he wants to, doesn’t he? (BRG = Big Romantic Gesture)
Let’s see, I don’t have a significant other right now, so I don’t have any super romantic stories about me. So I’ll tell my favorite story about my folks, who will celebrate 52 years of marriage this year. When I was home from college one summer (I think my sophomore year), my mom caught pneumonia. She moved into the guest room so that her coughing wouldn’t keep my Dad up at night. I came home one night early from a date and eased open the front door. As I stood in the foyer, I could hear the murmur of my Dad’s voice from upstairs. I walked up the first probably six or seven stairs and stood there for a moment. I could see the flicker of candles coming from the guest room while my Dad read Sonnets from the Portuguese to my mom. It was one of the most romantic things I’d ever seen. I quietly turned around and walked back downstairs and eased back out the front door where I sat on the front stoop until my curfew.
Keira Soleore
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 8:50 am:
Xtina, you know your Scott is marvelous–he cooks, he gifts, he’s romantic as all heck. I did admire the roses, given how much I adore yellow flowers. BUT, my attention was on your bookshelves and glimpses of your jaw-dropping, deep-envy-inducing study. I see that you’ve managed to fill quite a few of those shelves up now.
Lisa Freeman
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 9:48 am:
Good morning! Still trying to find your new book, so far none of our stores have it out yet. Even Waldenbooks didn’t have it.
My husband has always remembered the special days, but the most special have been what he does for my mom. After my dad passed away, he makes it a point on every holiday (Valentines, Easter, Mother’s Day, etc.) to take a yellow rose (her fav) to her. It’s such a little thing but one she gets a lot of enjoyment out of.
Maria Lokken
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 10:19 am:
Hi Christina! Congratulations on your new release! We’re all thrilled that Gabriel’s story is here. Scott should probably write up a little ‘how to’ manual. I remember the story you told us a couple of years ago about your ‘green’ Christmas. First there were the green pajamas, and then there were the emeralds. Now it’s the gazillion yellow roses and earrings – the man has style.
PJ
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 10:33 am:
Hi Christina! I’d say Scott more than made up for forgetting the actual anniversary date.
My husband was thrifty to the extreme. He hardly ever sent me flowers even though I adore them. In fact, I could probably count the number of times he gave me flowers over our 25 years of marriage on one hand. He had a real problem wasting money on something that was going to die in 3-4 days. (his words) Not to say he was completely stingy, however. He was very good about surprising me with gorgeous jewelry at totally unexpected times. (no complaints about that) The most romantic anniversary gift I received from him was the year I came home from work to find a vase holding a dozen yellow roses (my favorite flower) with an envelope propped against the vase. He’d poured his heart out in a beautiful anniversary letter telling me what meeting me, loving me and being married to me had meant to his life. Very romantic and I guess it goes without saying that he had a very enjoyable anniversary night!
PJ
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 10:34 am:
Lisa, there has been a distribution problem with Danger in a Red Dress. You may have to order it online.
Kathy Savas
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 10:34 am:
Wow, your office is so clean…sorry, had to get THAT out of my system. Nice flowers, too!
PJ
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 10:35 am:
Christina, I guess you could tell from my review that I absolutely adored Gabriel and his story. You made us wait forever but wow, you sure made the wait worthwhile. Thank you for a fabulous story!
Marisa
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 10:37 am:
Hey Christina! So glad you’re back with us. I’m right in the middle of Gabriel’s story and loving it!
Awh, Scott is such a romantic and it brings to mind the most romantic ‘gift’ I ever received, which was a poem written especially for me and was an ‘ode’ of sorts to a wonderfully romantic rainy night. I’m really into the kind of romantic gifts you can’t necessarily buy – but the ones that are made and take time and thought. Then I know he’s been thinking about me.
Happy Birthday Buffie!!
Kati – your dad sounds amazing!
PJ
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 10:41 am:
Happy Birthday, Buffie! Hope you’re enjoying your special day!
Kati
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 11:16 am:
Happy Birthday, Buffie! I hope it’s a fantastic day!
Christina Dodd
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 11:38 am:
Yes, all, Scott is a good man. But those of you who know me know he also makes me want to kick him in the keester on frequent occasions. Honestly, I’m not kidding about the living room/texture thing. Last year, we were going to have the front room painted and textured, got a bid, which was outrageous, and our daughter is housesitting for the neighbor, so I thought — why not pay her to do the work? She can be gone four hours a day, which is no big deal to the neighbors, and I don’t have to nag Scott to do it, which is a long, arduous and frustrating process. She agreed, I agreed, and I am not kidding, Scott said, “We never said we were going to texture the living room.” FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, WE GOT A BID!!!
Wait. What were we talking about? Oh, yeah. He’s a good man with the occasional really wonderful romantic streak. Thank God, because that helps when I want to kill him.
Christina
http://www.christinadodd.com
PJ
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 11:56 am:
LMAO!!!
Christina Dodd
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 12:33 pm:
I’m glad you could drop in for a minute, Stacy. Don’t all of us here have an addiction to the computer? I mean, I check my email before I get out of bed. Sad. Very sad.
Happy Birthday, Buffy! I love the story of your husband’s small gifts around the house. When they get it right, they really get it right.
Laura, LOL on your poor husband trying to propose. “No, honey, really, let them drown, I’m trying to be romantic here.” Poor guy! But what a great story.
Kati, oo, that one made me tear up. Your dad is a wonderful man.
Maria Lokken
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 12:47 pm:
Christina – let’s not talk about addiction to technology. I’m plugged into my computer in a serious way – and when I’m away from it – which isn’t very far because it’s a laptop – there’s my handy dandy iPhone. I have on occasion put in place ‘enforced withdrawal’. It’s never a pleasant experience.
Buffie
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 12:58 pm:
Thanks for the bday wishes Christina!
Christina Dodd
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 1:47 pm:
Keira, yes, I’ve managed to fill the bookshelves pretty well. I had to, because you know, empty bookshelves are against the reader code.
Lisa, your husband is a keeper. I’ll bet your mom adores him.
Yes, Maria, Scott is a good man. Irritating, but good. I suppose I should go look at the emerald ring, huh?
PJ, your husband was a doll. It’s amazing how much we appreciate this stuff when they do it, and I suppose if they did it all the time, we wouldn’t be nearly as impressed. Also, how would they handle all that sex?
Christina Dodd
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 1:52 pm:
I had to take a break to exercise with my skinny, young, attractive trainer. I hate her. I mean, she’s very nice, but when I’m dripping with sweat and twisted into a pretzel, I hate her.
Kathy, Honest, I cleaned up my office for that shot. And you’ll note I didn’t photograph the floor, which had all the stuff from my desk piled on it.
Yes, Lisa, one of the book distributors is going into bankruptcy, so a lot of grocery stores and drugstores aren’t getting their books or magazines. It stinks, but you may have to go online to get it, or make your bookstore order it. I’m sorry!
PJ, I quoted your review in one of my eletters to my fans. Thank you for enjoying the book and being so quotable!
Christina
http://www.christinadodd.com
Christina Dodd
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 1:59 pm:
Laura, somehow I missed the question about the new paranormal series. Yes, I’m working on the Chosen Ones, with a very important character from the Darkness Chosen series. I’ve got a new bunch of FAQs up on my site if you want to go in and read about it. http://christinadodd.com/faqs.php
Also, we’re in the middle of designing a totally new site, so pls, if anyone isn’t on my mailing list, do join. http://christinadodd.com/lists/?p=subscribe I don’t pass your name out, but I will let you know when there’s a book out or the new website goes up or we finally get the living room textured. Whatever.
Marisa, how very cool about the poem. I find whenever a man actually expresses his emotions, it is seriously impressive.
Frankly, Scott NEVER tells me he loves me. He shows me in a million ways, he will occasionally note that there’s a solar eclipse and tell me on paper, but he cannot say the words. It’s an interesting thing, and I’ve learned to pay attention when he is just sweet, because that’s what he’s trying to express. How about you all? Do your guys/boyfriends/cats ever manage to speak the words?
Christina Dodd
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 2:02 pm:
Maria, I just got an iPhone. This is Not Good. Not Good At All.
Luckily it’s too hard to type an answer, so that saves me a little time, but I’ve turned into one of those annoying people who sneak peeks at their phone during meals out.
Christina
http://www.christinadodd.com
Maria Lokken
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 2:05 pm:
My dear husband is very vocal about it. In fact – it annoys him that I don’t call him at least three times a day to tell him of my undying love and devotion. Go figure.
orannia
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 2:29 pm:
HI Christina *waves*
What an amazing coincidence! You’re here and I just started reading Into the Shadow this morning
And once I’ve read all the above comments and posted mine I’ll be off to look at your FAQs!
As for romantic gestures – nope, not a one. But that’s probably not surprising considering I don’t have a husband, or a partner, or a boyfriend….and my cat’s obsessed with only two things – food and sleeping
I think what your husband did was gorgous…and I bet you are the talk of the florist shop!
All the best for the release of Danger In A Red Dress!
And Happy Birthday Buffie! I hope you have a wonderful day!
Buffie
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 2:42 pm:
Thanks for all the birthday wishes ladies!
Christina, my husband is very vocal about his love for me. Every time we talk on the phone and end the conversation, he always says I love you. When he leaves the house, he says I love you. When I’m having a rough day, he rubs my back and says I love you. But I like it most when he writes it down. I have saved all the notes and cards he has ever given me — 22 years worth so far.
Gannon
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 2:49 pm:
Hi, Christina, um… I mean, Your Grace!
What a lovely gesture Scott made with those beautiful roses and jewelry–small boxes with sparkly things inside are always good.
My husband tells me he loves me every day and I tell him, too. I love the words, but the gestures are wonderful, too. Like unloading the dishwasher without me asking, getting up with the dogs so I can sleep in, etc. He’s big on flowers and jewelry (always has been). My favorite is when we got engaged, on top of a mountain–he told me to close my eyes, put a bottle of Dom Perignon in my lap and then when I opened my eyes, he popped the question. The sweetest thing was that he had already asked my parents’ permission. I didn’t think anyone did that anymore. We’ll celebrate our 21st anniversary in July!
Happy Birthday, Buffie!
Gannon
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 2:50 pm:
Buffie, I have all of the letters, cards, etc. my husband and I have written to each other, too.
Laura
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 3:25 pm:
Hi again,
I can’t help but say Thank You. The first paranormal I ever picked up to read was Scent of Darkness. I was hooked. When the last two came out last August, by chance I was in Washington State for my sons wedding, and we drove up the coast, and all I could do was think of Jasha running through the woods after Ann. I love my husband, don’t get me wrong, but I must confess, I was wishing I was Ann. That scene in the woods had to be one of the best I have read. That being said, your historical are still my all time favorite. Please tell me your going to write one again.
Courtney
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 4:00 pm:
Hi Christina!
I have to say that I love your books, all of your books! Your name lines my bookshelves and I am anxious to the last story of Gabriel (just got it today)
As for my husband, he is not romantic. Not in the least. But he tries so hard that it always makes me smile and warms my heart. The last time that he sent flowers me flowers was for my birthday and he sent them to my work. He was in Iraq (he’s in the military) so he had do something that he could order online. The flowers were beautiful but what killed me was the card…written in beautiful swirling womanly penmenship it said, “In the desert it’s really sandy, when I eat you it tastes like candy. Love, Travis”
All I could picture was some 80 year old woman who works in a beautiful flower shop writing my husbands inappropriate words. Whats worse is everyone at my work wanted to read the card, especially after seeing my face turn crimson.
Still, I fell in love with the man because every day he made me smile, laugh and feel genually happy. I still have the card in my wallet when I need a laugh.
Christina Dodd
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 4:21 pm:
“In the desert it’s really sandy, when I eat you it tastes like candy. Love, Travis”
BWAHAHAHAHAHA! God bless you, Courtney. I’m sitting here waiting for the New York Times call, and you made me burst into laughter. Yes, I can see the old lady, too. Bet she was laughing her rear end off.
Christina
orannia
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 4:45 pm:
Courtney – I just loved your story! Am loving everyone’s stories
Still, I fell in love with the man because every day he made me smile, laugh and feel genually happy.
*pulls out tissue* That’s just beautiful!
Christina Dodd
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 4:51 pm:
I got the call! DANGER IN A RED DRESS is #10 on the NYT! Color me happy!
Christina
http://www.christinadodd.com
connIE BROCKWAY
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 5:22 pm:
Congratualtions, Christina!
I KNEW this book was going to hit like crazy. And yes, i do get a bif kick out of telling you “I TOLD YOU SO!!!”
As for Scott and the flowers…man, is David going to be reading this blog tonight. Jus’ sayin’
Connie Brockway
Christina Dodd
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 5:24 pm:
Maria said, “it annoys him that I don’t call him at least three times a day to tell him of my undying love and devotion. Go figure.”
Yeah, it annoys me you don’t call me three times a day to tell me of your undying love and devotion, too, but you’re too busy with your tech support. ::sigh::
HI, Orianna, good to see you here!
Gannon, I love the romantic proposal but you’re right — any man who empties the dishwasher gets my vote.
Did I mention Scott cleans the kitchen every night? He really is a good guy, and I think he’s done whining about the living room walls.
Maria Lokken
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 5:27 pm:
La Dodd!!!! Girlfriend – Congrats on NYT. I’m sending you undying love and devotion.
Maria Lokken
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 5:28 pm:
Does this mean Scott is going to send a truck of flowers now?
PJ
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 5:36 pm:
WOO HOO! Congrats, Christina! #10! Awesome!!!!
Marisa
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 5:54 pm:
Congrats Christina!
Courtney
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 6:16 pm:
Congratulations Christina! NYT #10!!
Scott cleans the kitchen every night?! Maybe I should have held out-Geez!
But, then again I must say a close second to cleaning my kitchen is having a husband who hands me a glass of wine when I come home from work.
Laura
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 6:29 pm:
Congrats on @#10! I think you deserve #1. I haven’t read it yet, but I know it will be great. I went to your web site, I’m soooo glad your doing another historical. You have made me a very happy person.
Courtney
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 6:40 pm:
By the way… Miss #10 New York Times… May I just say, I want to be Christina!
Just for a day be a starlett, a superstar, a princess! I mean I think of myself as all of those things in my head, but that’s a crazy place and no one but me sees things that way.
But to actually BE a darling star…sigh…
Just had to get that off of my chest.
Gannon
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 8:28 pm:
w00t, Christina! WTG #10 on the NYT!
Courtney, your husband’s card is priceless! LMAO!
Santa
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 10:48 pm:
NYT #10!! FANTABULOUS and so well deserved! I’m so glad I called my cousins to tell them the book was out. I’m very happy to say I made fans of them because, you know, they’ll so loyal and all.
Would you believe I got so lost coming over here. I ended up on Marisa’s Facebook Notes page and rattled on there. Big DUH on my part. I’d have to say my DH doesn’t say the words very often but he shows it in so many ways. He won’t even kiss me in front of the dog for pity’s sake but he calls me beautiful every morning when he wakes up. He says the same to the dog but I’m the first one he says it to, so I have dibs, lol.
I am loving hearing about all these wonderful things these guys say and do.
Now go and sip copious amounts of champagne, Christina! Well done, my dear, well done.