Romancing Dr. Bailey

Let's Get Together

Miranda rushed around the house trying to make sure that everything was perfect for the night. This was the first time that she'd have her parents and The Chief and Adele at the same dinner table, at her dinner table. They'd all been at her wedding to Tucker, which was ages ago, but the five of them, six including Tuck (who hadn't been born yet), at one table was new. "Mom, remember, no wine, no beer, no liquor at all. Don't even bring it up."

"Mandy, we know. Okay?" Elena said trying to calm her down. Miranda nodded. On top of everything, Ben was also supposed to be coming, though he'd be a little late. He was going to Jazmin's basketball game. Tuck had wanted to go, but when his grandparents mentioned the museum, he decided to go with them, dragging his mother along. "When's Ben coming?"

Miranda looked at her watch. "In maybe an hour or something like that. Remind dad about the alcohol please. Please," she told her mother going up the stairs. Miranda looked at the outfit that she had on, a strapless floor-length off-black and cream dress with floral and plant designs. Although she could have gone barefoot and no one would have known the difference, she opted for her black sandals. With a final nod, she walked to her nightstand. She unplugged her phone and checked her messages. One was from Callie: Thanks for the invitation to dinner.

She wrote back: You werent invited. I know. LOL.

I bet you're not even laughing are you???? Nope.

She also had a text from Ben: Hey sweetheart. Game was cancelled. Im going home to change. Ill be there shortly.

She smiled at the message and went downstairs to see The Chief and Adele talking to her parents in her living room. Miranda noticed that her mother had placed a pitcher of lemonade and a pitcher of water on table with some hors d'oeuvres. "Chief," she said smiling widely. He stood up and she gave him a hug and kiss on the cheek. "Adele, you look fabulous."

"Thank you. You look good, too." Adele hugged her tightly. "Glad you're okay," the older woman whispered in her ear. Miranda smiled and nodded. She sat down next to her son who was playing his video game quietly. She took it from him and stuffed it in the cushion of the chair.

"Mommy," he whined.

"Learn how to socialize, child," she told him. The adults talked and laughed, ate and drank while Tuck answered questions when asked. He watched the TV which was muted with a basketball game flashing across it. "Well, Ben is on his way, but I guess we can get started without him."

"We can, uh, give him a few minutes," William said putting his arm around his wife.

Adele asked Elena about her volunteer work while the men turned their attention to the game. And when the doorbell rang, Miranda went to get it. It was Ben. He had on a white long-sleeved shirt with a black blazer and a pair of black pants and black shoes. He looked good. He had a brown paper bag in his hand. "Get in here," she said grabbing his free hand.

"Hello to you, too," he said easily, smiling. "What? No kiss?" He said trying to frown. He put the bag down.

"Oh, stop making that face. It's pathetic. And ALL of my parents are in there."

"They've all seen you kiss someone before and I'm not going to make out with you, Miranda. Ew, that's creepy. Now, I don't even want to kiss you." Ben laughed and took a step past her. He put his left hand back for her to grab and they walked hand in hand into the living room. "Sorry for the tardiness, everyone." Miranda introduced Ben to Adele. Ben hugged and shook hands with the rest of Miranda's guests.

"Great! Let's go," William said.

"Finally, we can eat!" Tuck exclaimed jumping up and running into the kitchen, slightly hindered by Ben who rubbed his head.