The Date

A Sleepy Hollow Valentine's Day story set post Finale. Ichabbie, with a jealous Ichabod.

He knew she would be surprised. He imagined her, opening the door of her apartment, throwing her arms around him and giving him a (chaste) kiss. He smiled at the thought. He had planned everything. He'd dropped off the red roses and heart shaped box of candy Abbie had helped him select for Katrina. Things were so much easier, now that the Sleepy Hollow Police Department kept him on a generous retainer. Having his own income was extremely helpful since he had resumed his married life with Katrina.

Abbie had insisted he take Katrina for a romantic dinner at the Sleepy Hollow Inn that evening. "Hey Crane", Abbie had said, "this is your first Valentine's Day in the 21st century, you need to make it special." His dinner reservations were set for 7:00.
Abbie had even arranged for a car service to take them to and from the restaurant. It was only 4:00 at the moment, plenty of time to get back to the cabin to begin his evening with Katrina. This visit to see Abbie however, was important, this was special.
He needed to show her how much he lo...cared about her. She had done so much for him to make him feel at home in this century. He had to let her know.

The florist had been very helpful. "Two dozen yellow roses," the smiling middle aged woman said. "Yellow roses symbolize respect and joy in friendship. From what you've told me about the recipient of this gift, these should be perfect". The woman carefully arranged the roses with baby's breath and other greenery, she interspersed some pink roses into the bouquet, as well. "Pink roses are symbolic of admiration and sweetness." The arrangement was placed in a lovely cut glass vase. Ichabod had to admit it was beautiful. He hoped it would adequately express his feelings for Abbie.

"I can't imagine her not loving this Sir", the Florist continued. "Would you like to add a box of chocolates and some balloons?"

"We also have greeting cards. You may want to select a blank card so that you can compose your own sentiment, you do seem to have a way with words."

" Thank you Madame, you have been most helpful."

"Oh anytime Sir," the florist returned, "I just want to say, your " friend" is one lucky girl!

Enjoy your Valentine's Day!"

Ichabod took his flowers, candy and card and departed. He stopped at the park, to compose his special message to Abbie and then it was off to her apartment. He rang her bell and waited patiently, gifts in hand.

"Just a minute", he heard Abbie yell. She sounded a bit rushed.

"Crane?", she asked in wonder, as she opened the door. " What are you doing here? Come In." She noticed the flowers and candy and looked even more confused. "Are these for me?" She took the vase and placed it on the coffee table. " They're beautiful, but why? You're supposed to be getting ready for your big night with Katrina."

"It is Valentine's Day Lieutenant, and I wished to give you a gift. Katrina and I will have the entire evening to spend together."

This was certainly not the reaction Ichabod was expecting. Suddenly, he noticed Abbie's appearance. New lipstick. New hairstyle and My God! She was wearing a dress! A very tight dress! She looked amazing.

" Lieutenant," Ichabod asked, "do you have an engagement this evening?"

" Ah yeah Crane, I have a date"' Abbie said proudly.

"A date? What sort of date?" Abbie noted a slight edge to Ichabod's voice.

"You know," Abbie answered, as she put on her earrings, "a date-as in spending time with a man for the evening".

" What man? Where did you meet this person?" Ichabod's voice rose just a notch.

"Well Crane, not that it's any of your business, but he's a man I met last week, in the park."

"The park? Does this man have a name lieutenant?"

"Of course he has a name, it's John."

"What does this .. John do? Ichabod asked. He wasn't even trying to hide his distaste now.

" OK, that's it! I am not answering anymore questions! You are not even supposed to be here! I mean thank you for the flowers and all, but it's Valentine's Day. Go home to your wife Crane and enjoy your evening and let me enjoy mine." Abbie's words tumbled out in a torrent. She was definitely losing her patience.

"Abbie", Ichabod moved closer to her and softened his tone. "I am just attempting to ascertain the intentions of your "date" this evening. For all you know, he could be a Demon masquerading as a man named John. It is certainly not out of the realm of possibility".

Abbie just stared at Ichabod silently for a moment. "What? He's no Demon, Crane! He's British."

"Oh", Crane said with a raised eyebrow, "so because he says he is British, he cannot possibly be a demon? Oh come now Lieutenant, you know better than that"

"You know what I know better than Crane?" Abbie stepped away from him, hands on her hips."I know better than to stand here and let you interrogate me about a man I 'm going out with, like I'm your teenaged daughter or something. I was in Purgatory for three weeks Crane! I can pretty much spot a demon a mile away. So you think the only males attracted to me are demons, huh? Thanks a lot for that! My date is no Demon! He is handsome and charming and he makes me laugh. I need to laugh Crane. I need to have fun in my life. Demon hunting isn't exactly a barrel of laughs you know! Why are you even here? Why can't you just be happy for me? I'm damned sure trying to be happy for you."

That's when Ichabod saw it, a stray tear had welled up in Abbie's left eye and slowly cascaded down her lovely cheek. Several more were gearing up to follow that one.
Ichabod moved closer to her. He had ruined everything, he never meant to make his sweet Abbie cry. He reached down and gently lifted her chin to wipe another tear from her cheek. He looked into her big brown eyes and could not resist the urge any longer. Just as his lips were almost touching hers... The doorbell rang.

Abbie took a breath, stepped away from Ichabod, and answered the door. In walked a tall, thin handsome man with a manic grin and a tight brown suit.

"Hello Abbie," the man said. He sensed the tension in the room. "Is everything alright?"

Before Abbie could answer, Ichabod stepped closer to the man and said "Everything is fine. I am Ichabod Crane, lieutenant Mills' partner, and who are you?", he extended his hand.

The man smiled and returned the handshake, " Most people call me " The Doctor."

Notes:

This could have multiple chapters, I have some ideas for this one. Let me know what you think. Reviews are love. I did have fun writing this. Thank you for reading and Happy Valentine's Day!