Rylee was passed out against Jake's chest when I pulled into the garage. He was careful not to wake her as he stepped out of the car. "You're really good with kids," I commented.
"Thank you my lady. Surprising isn't it since I have to experience whatsoever? Should I put her on the couch since the parents aren't home? Or we could put her in one of our so that we can have the kitchen and living room to ourselves for a little while."
My dad and Mary had called me after Rylee fell asleep and told me they were going to stop home before they came over. They said it would be at least 45 minutes before they arrived but I didn't mind.
Just before I can decide, Riley started in Jake's arms and open her pretty blue eyes. She looked exhausted and confused by Jake was quick to explain everything. I think she liked it more than me. Just kidding, I loved him.
"Can we pway Candy Yand now?" Jake looked at me to get it since he didn't want to put Rylee down yet. Following his orders, I walked to my room and got out the game.
Fifteen minutes later Mark and Maryann walk in as Rylee made her last move on the game board. She had won. When she spotted her mom, Rylee jumped up and ran into her arms. Little Rylee told our dad all about the car ride and how we played Candy Land.
"Mommy! Dake even told me dat the noise sounded yike a pawty and dat we woerent invited. But we're doeing to have our own pawty. Would you yike to join our pawty?"
"Sure baby. What's first on the party list?"
"Actually," I cut in. "I was thinking we could bake some brownies and pull-apart cookies. If you'd like to help..."
"I do" Rylee exclaimed, jumping up and down in excitement.
We all worked together on baking; Rylee gathering materials and telling us fun facts about them, me adding everything into a bowl, Mary mixing everything together, Jake pouring the batter into a pan, and dad putting the pan in the oven. Mark volunteered to work the dishes but I told him not to worry, I'd clean them all later.
Rylee asked if we could watch a movie while the brownies cooked. Apparently Mary knew she would've asked to watch a movie so she had packed a few of Rylee's favorites while she was home. Our choices to pick from were The Little Mermaid, Tangled, or The Lion King. Since Jake had never seen The Lion King, that's what we went with. I know, he's crazy but I love him.
Jake decided he was going to finally let me have my share of time with Rylee. While Jake cleaned the kitchen and father used the bathroom, I set up the movie. Rylee wanted to sit on my lap and snuggle while we waited. She was lightweight and adorable so I didn't mind.
10 minutes into the movie, the oven went off, letting everyone know the brownies were finished cooling. Market already pulled them out of the oven before we start the movie. Jake set the plates for us as I pause the movie. As soon as Rylee heard the bell, she was off my lap and running to the table.
Just as I was about to take a bite, John and Monica walked in. At first Monica look like she was going to freak out but I was quick to hop up and explain. "Monica, John, this here is my father Mark, his wife Marianne, and their daughter Rylee. Some uh... Things happened while we were at the park so I told him to follow me here, farther away from the commotion. But we did make brownies if you'd like one."
"Why thank you Ellie, and "Monica said with a polite smile. Then to Mark, if you guys need a place to stay then you're more than welcome to stay here. And my bad, I Monica and this is my husband John. It's very nice to meet you both."
Hopefully that was all of the long rants for the night. If not they might not approve of this family. But I guess I was already engaged and on my way to becoming a grown, married woman. And so what if they didn't approve now. I didn't even get to meet Maryann before she married my father.
The adults talked for a while longer while Rylee, Jake, and I finished the movie. I was a little surprised by how well the adults got along. Glad to, of course. Now I had to do was bring up the wedding.
"Ellie, we best be going now that Riley is fast to sleep and it's getting late." Dad stood and walked over to me to pick up Rylee.
"Actually before you head off, I wanted to bring up the wedding. After all, the father figure is supposed to walk his daughter down the isle." I filled him in our plan of the wedding date as I helped him pack up to leave. Within the next twenty minutes, my family was gone and Jake and I were back to our nightly routine for school.
As I walked to my room I saw something pink catch my attention out of the corner of my eye. I walked over to it and picked it up realizing it was Rylee's pink elephant that she slept with every night. Another reason to get back together.
