Faking It For Real ✔

Ch 30

"And Ethan, what are you gonna do when you graduate?" Mom asked, "You do have a plan, right?" She eyed me as if she expected me to have already grilled Ethan about his "plans."

Fuck, I didn't have any idea what I was gonna do! I never would have thought to grill Ethan about his plans when I didn't have any of my own.

I just shrugged, playing with my fork as the conversation continued.

My boyfriend, ever the calm one, said with a smile, "I've been giving a lot of thought to that." He glanced at me, "I might end up getting a job at one of the companies I'm interested in while continuing my studies and get a master's degree, but part-time."

Mom looked somewhat impressed as she raised a somewhat approving brow at me as dad chipped in, "Sound like a smart choice, what companies are you considering?"

Ethan named a few well-known tech firms and green energy startups as I internally sighed. 

Gosh, this dinner was taking way too long.

Nana cleared her throat from across me.

I looked up at her in surprise as she said, "Ethan, dear, that sounds like a wonderful plan. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders. But what of these plan, do they include my granddaughter?"

I felt my cheeks flush as all eyes turned to Ethan.

Panic surged my veins as I jumped in, "You don't have to answer that, Ethan, it's just-"

"I want to answer it, Ava." He said, seeming unfazed. 

I froze. What?

He turned back to Nana as he smiled warmly. He gently placed a hand on my knee under the table as he spoke, "Ava is very much part of plans. In fact, she's the centerpiece of it all."

My heart fluttered at his words, and I could feel the blush on my cheeks deepening.

"But of course, Ava and I still haven't talked about our future plans a lot and still are figuring things out." He explained calmly as I stared at him, slightly dazed.

He continued, "But as far as I am concerned, I am certain I want to build a life with her. I want to be the one who supports her dreams and goals, who listens to her when she's had a bad day, who makes her laugh and smile, and who holds her close when she needs comfort. I want to be the person whose hand she holds. And I will try my best to do so." 

I blinked, my throat feeling tight. His words were so sincere and heartfelt, and I could tell he meant every single one. Ethan turned to me, his gaze locking onto mine as he spoke, "I love Ava. And I'm committed to her in every way possible.  No matter what challenges lie ahead, I want to face them with her by my side."

My eyes welled up with tears as I whispered, "I love you too, Ethan."

Nana let out a small sigh of contentment, a smile spreading across her face as she watched us.

Mom and Dad both looked a bit teary-eyed as well as mom nodded approvingly to me.

~ ~ ~

"Thanks so much, Mr. and Mrs. Jennings for this wonderful thanksgiving." Ethan said as we gathered our stuff to leave.

"Of course, son." Dad said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Mom rushed around the house as she pushed stuff our way. 

"Ethan, here's some homemade apple pie for you and Ava to enjoy later. And Ava, don't forget to take some of this leftover turkey. It'll make for a nice sandwich tomorrow."