It was supposed to be a quiet night of Chinese take-out and college basketball on TV. Sammi greeted him at the door and sniffed the take-out bags appreciatively; she would be joining them. She's in the kitchen and in a bad mood, she warned as she helped carry the food into the kitchen area. His girlfriend was lying on the floor, head and shoulders in the under sink cabinet. There were displaced kitchen supplies on the floor and several wet towels. Sink was leaking, Sammi explained. She thought she could take care of the problem and it is better, but there's been a whole lot of grumbling and cursing going on. He took off his jacket, threw it over a kitchen chair and knelt down beside her. Can I help? I just can't get this thingy tight enough, she complained. He urged her out and assumed her place to check out the problem. She explained the spray attachment had been leaking. She had turned off the water, replaced the hose, and was trying to finish up but couldn't quite get the connection secure. With a new washer and a more appropriate wrench, he finished the job. I'm impressed with what you managed, he told her. She was still a little out of sorts. I'm not helpless! No, you certainly are not. They cleaned up the mess and then she left to clean up and change.
By the time she came back, she was in a better frame of mind. She gave him a big hug, thanked him for his help and they gathered drinks and food to carry into the living room. When the game went to break, he said, I've got some news. Oh? My parents will be in town next week and I want you to meet them. Her eyes widened as her mind ran through scenarios of what could happen. Dad has a conference to attend and brought Mom along. They would like to have dinner with us Thursday night if that's alright. Ah, sure. Don't be nervous. They will love you and even if they don't, it doesn't matter 'cause I do.
Later, when she got up to get drink refills, he turned to Sammi. She's worried. Yeah, she wants things to go right, wants you to be happy and knows it will help if your parents approve. I guess. Hey, listen, I don't know if this is the best time to do this or not but maybe it will distract her? He showed Sammi the engagement ring he'd brought with him. She covered her mouth to suppress her reaction and just nodded her head.
Is the game back on? she asked as she returned with filled glasses. Not yet. Need to talk to you about something. Oh, it'll be alright, she replied, brushing her hair back behind her ear. She assumed he was talking about meeting his parents. He turned toward her and reached for her hand and as he slipped the ring on her finger asked, Will this be alright? She hadn't wanted to go with him to choose the ring, had just told him she was certain whatever he chose would be right. Now she looked down at the ring, threw her arms around him and kissed him. It's beautiful! She held her hand up to take a closer look. The ring was different from all the ones she kept seeing ads for. Very feminine, with an oval main stone, and lovely details. I never imagined . . . wow. She laughed out loud. I can't begin to describe it accurately, but I love it. He grinned from ear to ear. Sammi ran over with her camera in hand. I want a close-up she said. She had taken candid photos as he presented it and now took a close up of the two of them and one that showed the ring up close. Did you know about this? she asked, letting Sammi examine the ring closely. Nope, not until a few minutes ago when he gave me a glimpse. Glad I had time to get my camera. Just wait 'til you see your reaction!
Days later, as she prepared to go to dinner with his parents, she thought, Of course, it matters how one's prospective spouse is perceived. She wanted to make a good impression and be liked, for that helped make for a harmonious family life. He had told her not to get too dressy as they were going to meet his parents at a steak house his father enjoyed. He wanted her to be comfortable and just be herself. His parents were already waiting at a table for them when they arrived. He'd warned that his father often appeared gruff but the man stood and held out her chair with a smile. Introductions went easily and conversation flowed pretty well. His mother gushed over the ring and wanted to know how her son had proposed. She explained about the acorn and showed the acorn charm she was wearing as a necklace. His mother thought it was all terribly romantic. Naturally, she wanted to know when the wedding would be. His father, patted his wife's hand and told her not to rush them to make decisions. She found his mother easiest to relate to as they both shared a passion for teaching. His father would be an aquired taste, she thought. The man tended to be brusque and his sense of humor was dry. She had moments when she felt ill at ease but when it came time to say goodnight, his mother hugged her with sincere affection and said she looked forward to getting to know her better. His father's hug was brief and a little awkward but he surprised her by saying, he'd enjoyed meeting her and thought his son had made a wise choice.
At a stoplight on the way back to her apartment, he turned to her and said, And you were worried? My father never liked anyone I dated. Unbelievable!
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/xv3kmupk8io017n/ws_FallInLove_11.zip?dl=0
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