Two suggestions:

• Trim the cake so the fork marks don’t show;
• Find something in the frosting you can leverage for a compliment. “This frosting flower made me think how you’re the flower of my heart!” “This ‘ay’ in the frosting made me remember how you’re the Fonz of my heart!” “This swirly frosting thingie made me realize you swirl my brain with your love!” “This collection of cake crumbs reminded me I would crumble without you in my life!”

Works on Debra A Herlocker all the time. I’m sure Mrs. Roy will swoon.