In Case You Didn't Know

Chapter 42

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Nathaniel

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"Tell me that's not stew." My mother laughs at my expression of disgust as I walk into the kitchen, the smell of pungent beef chunks and soggy vegetables filling the room. Why are mothers so obsessed with stew, anyway? One sniff is enough to make want to walk out the door.

"Traditions are important." She stirs the ingredients on the casserole absentmindedly, dipping her pinky finger in to taste the sauce. "I'm also making butter rolls."

"Where's everyone?" Alexia refused to let me get off bed this morning, frustrating my attempts to go for a quick run. 'We're on holidays, don't be such a spoilsport' and 'I need more cuddling time, your abs aren't going anywhere'. There isn't much I can do when she looks at me those sleepy eyes, lips pouting. I managed to get away though after brunch, and I have just gotten back.

"Michelle and Collin are visiting friends. Your father is at the supermarket buying the things he forgot yesterday. I think Alexia might be taking a nap, she mentioned she was tired."

"She has slept like 20 hours in the last day, including the entire flight."

"Anything I should know?" Three years ago, when I had initially planned for Alexia to meet my parents, our lives were entirely different. I had been always surrounded by family whereas she couldn't fathom being in the same room as her parents. I wanted her to feel that, the love and encouragement, because I knew that she needed it.

The circumstances are different now, as are the reasons of why I want her to spend time with my family, but some barriers remain intact.

"She went so many years without a family at her side. So many years without a mother to soothe her when she needed comfort. I get why it's taking her a little to get comfortable around you. "

She's fond of my parents already. Even if she's afraid to admit it—she's too proud for that. And they adore her, just like I told her they would—and how couldn't they? It is impossible to feel the fire that is Alexia and not want an extra second next to her.

"I understand." Covering the casserole, she turns around, her eyes drenched with that motherly glow. "If she loves you half as much as she seems to be, I'd say you've found an exceptional woman." My heart tickles at her comment, because I know that she is.

"I'm sure she'll find a way to open up to the family, let's just give her time."

"Thanks, mom."

"Why don't you go check on her, does she like baking? I can teach her how to make the butter rolls the way that you like it."

"Yeah, she burns things out pretty well."

"Not true." I nearly jump when I hear Alex declare on my back, walking inside the kitchen and giving me a death stare. "Do you want me to tell your mother what happened the last time we attempted to bake something?"

"I'm just kidding." I definitely don't need my mother to know that. "You're an excellent baker, and cook."

"That smells delicious." She glances over the casserole that my mother is transferring to the oven.

"Please don't get her the recipe of that." My life would be ruined. I'm sure Alex would cook it just to make me sweat.

"Your father said that he wanted to talk to you, he should be in the back garden." My mother tilts her head towards the window, and I take that as my clue to give them a moment alone.