Parents

(R) Chapter 10 Until Later

Dinner with my parents was fun. The conversation was light and easy. It felt good to find that as a unit we had a wonderful groove. We sat and talked a while after dinner and my mom and I sang a few songs just because we could and I really missed singing with her. Then headed home. We would have just a couple more days with her parents and then we had to take them to the airport to go home. I found myself looking forward to spending the time with them.

It was nice having dinner at his parents'. The future was going to be amazing now that I knew how well our families got along. I knew the next few days were going to pass by quickly, and I wanted to soak up as much time with mom and dad as possible.

By the time we got home again, it was late, very late. I was tired from the driving, everyone else took a nap while I did it so they were energized by the time I parked the car in the garage. I stifled a yawn as I watched Lizzie's bright eyes fall over me. Just a few more days and we could misbehave together and get back to the wild and crazy all of the house way we were when left to our own devices. "Hey, Sweets how about a bit of stargazing tonight before we head up to bed?"

He was so tired when we got home, but he wanted to stay up and look at the stars. I could never deny a request like that. "I would love too. What do we need?"

"Well, I just need you. I think that there's a blanket to fight the chill out in the pool shed, but our blanket from upstairs would be great. Then we could maybe sit out in the hammock and watch the stars for awhile." Her dad was chuckling as he walked away.

"You two, definitely live in your own little world. I think you need to get out and be around other people more."

"Maybe not Dear. They do that a lot."

"All through dinner."

"It's healthy." They laughed and wrapped their arms around each other. Her dad stole a kiss that made her mom giggle. Lizzie and I looked at each other with our mouths hanging open as they exited the garage.

"Wow." I mouthed at her before I found my words. "So that is what it's like when we do that? Huh. Interesting. Your Dad sure has a way with words. Damn. I love him."

"What a coincidence, I do too. I think we are rubbing off on them. I haven't seen them like this in a really long time." I hugged him tight for a minute. "I'll go get the blanket and meet you out back, okay?"

I nodded, smiled, stole a kiss and headed to the kitchen. I stopped and grabbed a bottle of wine and two glasses. I still had a tiny black box in my pocket. I emptied it and set it on the counter on top of a note that read, 'DO NOT OPEN ME' I signed it 'AV' and went out back with my spoils.

I ran upstairs and ditched my bra and jeans. I pulled on a pair of pajama pants and grabbed the blanket and a pillow and headed downstairs. I passed through the kitchen on my way out back. I saw the box and the note. I gasped and almost opened the box, but the note said not to. My heart was racing a bit as I tried to casually walk out to the hammock.

I set the wine and the glasses on the small table and turned my eyes to the stars. It wasn't like being out at Mom and Dad's but it was still very pretty. The night was clear and cool and relaxing. That ring in my pocket was burning me. So was my phone. I looked at the messages one more time and smiled. I took a deep breath. If I was smart I'd wait the two weeks and ask them in person. If I was patient. I'd just feel things out. If it felt like the moment was right I would likely not hesitate.

He had grabbed a bottle of wine and two glasses. He looked like he was deep in thought about something. I debated asking about the box. It might drive him crazy if I say nothing. I threw the pillow at him to get his attention. "Started without me I see." I giggled and winked at him.