Without Words

30- Best Birthday

For dinner, we went back to the Monroe's to welcome Declan, Dan's older brother, home. He finished up all legal affairs needed in London and was coming back to hand the necessary papers and contracts to us. Declan was still miffed about me omitting some facts to him before but just as Dan spoils me, his older brother cannot stay mad at me for so long. In fact, he still gave me his birthday gift, a new camera.

"I don't understand why you made me dress up for dinner, mom." I commented as we entered the Monroe's. Mom made me wear a royal blue dress cinched tightly at the waist and skirt flowing freely just above my knees, with sheer sleeves and sparkling crystals scattered across its sweetheart neckline. She also did my hair and makeup; my curls styled in a high ponytail with few tendrils falling tastefully down my face. I was wary of wearing heels but she assured me that a pathway has been cleared for us. I didn't know this would be a fancy dinner. Mom and Claudia are both wearing dresses as well, and, the guys were wearing suits. Coincidently, Dan's tie matches the color of my dress and for some reason, he picked us up and escorted us to his home.

Dinner started and a toast was given for me once again. We also talked about our Christmas plans and the art exhibit next year. Mom is brimming with excitement and pride for me. Since seeing my finished works in my new studio, she has been showering me with praises and compliments. We also discussed Dan's and I's successful interview at Harvard last week, and Matt's at Stanford. Coincidentally again, Katelyn's Stanford interview was also at the same day so they both booked flights together.

"Once work started to calm down a bit, I would bring my girlfriend over to meet you." Declan announced as we were served with deserts.

"Oh, how nice, how long have you been together?" Claudia asked giddily.

"Almost six months. I'm planning to marry her someday." Declan answered in his no nonsense tone.

That almost choked Claudia.

"Isn't that too fast, Declan?" Devon asked his eldest, offering a glass of water to his wife. "How long have you known her?"

"We met at Harvard at freshman year. Her name is Laura and she majored in Broadcast Journalism." He replied, not caring for his parents' reactions. "And I don't think it's too fast, I've known her for six years. I don't want anyone else to be my wife."

"I'm sure she's great, bro." Dan added, supporting his brother. "I can't wait to meet her."

"Bring her over here soon so we could meet her." Declan insisted. "And I hope you would think this carefully. Marriage is a big step."

Declan just nodded.

I bit back a smile; the Monroe brothers always shared that one track mind attitude. If they decided to do something, it would happen one way or the other. No amount of swaying could change their minds. "I'm excited to finally meet the woman who can actually tolerate you." I teased good- naturedly.

Declan just chuckled. "Believe me, I think tolerate is too strong a word. If she can, she would fight me on anything."

"I bet that's how you flirt with each other." I accused and he just laughed. I saw Dan from the corner of my eye, in deep concentration, as he separated the strawberries on his cake and I just rolled my eyes. This guy doesn't appreciate deserts too much.

"Well then, I think I have to mark my calendar for her arrival." Claudia spoke up after composing herself from the shock, her eyes now glittering with excitement. "I can't wait to meet my other daughter-in-law."

I took the strawberries that Dad didn't want from his plate and popped them in my mouth.

"Other daughter-in-law?" Devon asked his wife in confusion. "Who's our other daughter-in-law?"