Heartbeat

Office Related

Laura and Sherman stopped at a nearby store to browse for a few minutes, laughing at the other's goofy antics with random objects; and, both agreeing when Laura found something perfect. On the ride home, they blasted their favorite mutual songs like a father-daughter jam session. Sherman was happy to have watched his daughter pick the out the perfect gown, knowing his Lauren would have been proud of their daughter.

They stepped inside of the house, taking in the sight before them- only to land eyes on Carmilla reading at the dining table. The music in the background being some of Laura's favorite. Needless to say, she was astonished.

"Carm, what's all this?"

Carmilla heard the voice she loved most in the world and lifted her head from her book with a smile.

"This, my beautiful girl, is me saying 'welcome back'; and, also trying to be the perfect fiancé/daughter-in-law. Am I doing well so far?" Carm looked at the two Hollis's in front of her with raised eyebrows.

"You were already perfect," Laura looked around and noticed the fruit tray. Smirking, she whispered, "Seriously, what's the catch? Is this because I said I was going with you guys? Are you trying to soften up my dad so he'll be on your side?"

"There is no catch. Just me doing something nice for a change," Carm smiled and whispered, "No, I am genuinely trying to be nice and sweet. But, now that you mention it, this may help."

She kissed Laura's forehead with a soft laugh, "Now, dig in! Eat whatever you please and enjoy your drinks."

"I still think there's a surprise waiting. I'm watching you." Laura smirked and gave her father a soda.

She's so up to something.

"Oh, please, you would watch me anyway." Carmilla rolled her eyes, "And I tried so hard on that iced coffee and now you're drinking a soda. I'm offended Sherman!"

Carm faked offense before giving it away with a smile, something she was doing a lot lately, "So... has my beautiful fiancé picked something to wear to our wedding?"

Our wedding...

"I'm going to drink it Carmilla. See? Not even open," Sherman laughed, flashing his can to Carmilla before grabbing a coffee and taking a sip and sighing, "Mm. Starbucks has nothing on you..."

"And, she found the perfect dress; but you can't see it yet."

"I'm flattered Papa Hollis," She couldn't miss an opportunity to accept any praise this man could give her, "And, that doesn't surprise me. She would look perfect in anything," Carmilla smiled in admiration at Laura, "I found the perfect suit...which you can't see either."

"I can't wait," Laura bounced where she stood, "I bet you're going to be so dapper."

That's such a Laura word isn't it. 'Dapper' Who says that?!

"Yeah me too. I bet you're going to look absolutely breathtaking," Carm smirked at the blush on Laura's face before turning to Sherman, "So, did you two do anything else?"

"Oh yea," Laura reached into her pocket and pulled out a chain. She put it around Carmilla's neck backwards before flipping it to the front, revealing a dog tag with a photo of them in their favorite spot at Silas, "Do you like it?"

"Laur..." Carm gasped, getting emotional from the relatively old picture, "I love it..."

Looking up, she gave Laura a long and loving kiss, "Thank you! I feel bad now. I didn't get you anything except this nice little setup." She gestured to the food and half empty drinks on the table.