An Unusual Guest

Welcome to the Family

"Um...Mom? Dad? The owner of that plate is someone I want to introduce you to...who's also the one that cleaned our house yesterday."

While Stanley and Jennifer were confused about what was going on, Aiden gulped as he got up from the table before leading his parents to the couch, where both of them gasped when they saw Lavender. Luckily, Lavender was asleep at that time, so she didn't hear Aiden explaining how she helped the family during their rainy walk.

"So, you're saying that this young lady did all that cleaning on her own? Of course, she deserves to rest, but she also deserves something better than French Toast!"

Jennifer beamed at the thought of how caring Lavender was, and the three of them started thinking about what to give their unexpected guest. While they were doing that, Lavender started to rise from her slumber, and she rubbed her eyes before gasping at the people standing above her. As much as she thought Stanley was going to hurt her for intruding, Lavender was confused when he reached his hand down to shake hers, all while Jennifer helped her sit up.

"I...I'm sorry for coming into your house, Sir and Ma'am. If you want me to go, I will..."

"But you're probably starving after all your cleaning, Miss! Come, join us for breakfast!"

Stanley chuckled as Jennifer helped Lavender up, and she nodded before smiling as she started walking to the table, during which Aiden took Lavender's hand. Even though she was mostly surprised at how caring the Beardsleys would be to a stranger like her, Lavender was also taken aback by how soft Aiden's hand was. When they sat at the breakfast table, Lavender told the family about herself between polite mouthfuls of French toast, all while Aiden looked at her in awe. Not only was she adorable, but she was also extremely fascinating with all her stories about life in the city. When she added on that the spaghetti was part of her "Thank You" gift for their hospitality, Lavender was caught off guard when Jennifer asked if she wanted anything like that, to which she sighed and looked down.

"To be honest, the only thing I want is a home. Sure, I had one in the city, but I grew tired of that life a few years ago. I know this might be last minute, but may I stay with you and your family, Mr. Beardsley?"

"Of course, Lavender. And please...call me Stanley."

As realization started to sink in, Lavender's eyes filled with tears before all three of the Beardsleys hugged her, and she hugged them back before she felt someone's lips on her cheek. When everyone else pulled away, Lavender's eyes widened when she saw Aiden close beside her, and she giggled shyly before he blushed as he apologized. When he explained that she was very special to the family with what she did, Lavender's smile grew as Stanley and Jennifer could see that something special was happening between his son and their guest.

Something special was happening between the two youngsters, because Aiden and Lavender started developing feelings for each other over time, complete with the two of them sharing his bed. Within a few months, they were engaged before having their wedding a few months later, complete with Lavender's parents in attendance. After promising to visit the city once every season, Lavender and Aiden moved into a cottage close to his family's home, where the two of them lived happily every after.

The End!