Chapter 39
CHAPTER 39
L evon
The dining table was full. I sat in my usual spot across from my parents, with Jen and Ryan to my right. I could feel their loving energy fill me up to the brim, making me full before I could even take a bite of the delicious meal my mother had prepared.
I lifted my fork. “Wow, Mom. You've outdone yourself.”
She waved away the compliment. “It's just your grandmother's recipe. Nothing special.”
“Still, it smells amazing. I can't wait to eat it.”
“Where's Clara?” Jen asked. “Is she on her way?”
“Yeah, she was decorating for an event. She just texted me a few minutes ago to let me know she'll be here soon.”
“Wonderful,” Dad said. “Alright, let's dig in!”
I was the first to take a bite. I hummed contentedly, loving the way it tasted in my mouth. One bite led to the next and I found most of my plate gone within ten minutes. As I reached for my water, I sighed and smiled.
Jen set down her fork. “We're really glad that you and Clara reconciled.”
“Yeah, it took a while,” Dad stated. “But we're glad you two came around.”
“She's such a joy to have,” Mom said.
I grinned ear-to-ear. “I'm glad you guys think so.”
“I might have prayed on it a few times,” Mom admitted. “And I was skeptical when things moved so quickly, but I can see it's making you two very happy.”
“It is,” I agreed. “It's all we've ever wanted. She's been the best thing that's ever happened to me.”
“I can say the same for Jen. Must be something in your blood to which I owe your parents a huge thanks,” Ryan commended. “Your daughter is wonderful.”
Jen blushed. “Honey, quit it.”
I laughed. “She might be nice now, but just wait until you piss her off.”
“Oh, I've seen her mad.”
“Isn't it cute?”
Ryan laughed. “Beyond cute! Her nose gets red and her ears twitch.”
Jen covered her face. “Oh, God. This isn't happening!”
Dad chuckled. “She gets that from her mother. This little lady over here gets so flustered when she messes up her stitches. She reacts the same way.”
I cackled as my mother turned pink in the face. She shot my father a hard look and he stopped laughing, offering her an apologetic grin.
She pinched his cheek. “You're lucky I love you so much or I might poison your dinner.”
“And she's a joker.”
“That's where I get it from,” I pointed out. “It's all in the family.”
“You're telling me,” Jen joked. “You should meet Ryan's family. They're just like him.”
“Hey, at least I smell better than my brothers.”
“You sure do.”
I laughed. “It's good to have everyone together. I look forward to spending more time here. I've missed you all so much.”
“And you'll be around when we start having kids,” Jen said. “I can't wait for you to spend time with them. It's so important to have family.”
I beamed. “I couldn't agree more.”
“And when you guys want to start having kids, we'll have to get the babies together for play dates.”
“Eventually. I think I need to propose to Clara first.”
Ryan raised his glass as a salute. “Better hop on that bus soon, bud.”
The doorbell rang. I was thankful for the interlude. I loved my family, but they could be a lot when it came to planning things. Everything would come in its own time. I was happy to start expanding with Clara, but I wanted to pace it out. Moving in was the first step. Everything else would shortly follow.
I rose from my seat to answer the door. When I pulled it open, Clara stood with Max on the porch. He was wagging his tail. She beamed when she saw me and leaned in for a kiss. I let her inside and she walked into the dining room, raising a hand to greet everyone.
“Sorry I'm late! I was decorating for a local business event and got caught up. That smells so good!”
Jen stood up abruptly. “Is that a dog?!”
“Oh, yeah! Levon got me Max to accompany me on trips. Isn't he just the most handsome little boy you've ever seen?”
She gushed. “Ryan, when are we getting a dog?”
“Oh, here she goes again,” Ryan groaned.
Jen didn't hear him. She ran over to Max and started petting his fur, cooing to him and giving him kisses.
“Would you care for a plate, Clara?” Mom offered. “We just got started.”
“I would love a plate, thank you. I'm so hungry.”
Mom stood up to grab the extra plate sitting in the center of the table. She piled it with food and passed it to Clara who wandered around the table next to my chair. She sat down and started eating immediately.
“He's such a good dog,” Jen complimented. “Where did you find him?”
“The shelter had a few therapy dogs up for adoption. He's trained and everything. He even has papers of certification,” I replied.
“Papers,” Jen repeated in a squeaky voice. “Do you have papers, boy?”
Clara elbowed me playfully. “I think we might have to get your sister a puppy.”
“No to puppies,” Ryan stated firmly. “I can not train a puppy.”
“They're not that hard to train!” Jen claimed. “I'll do it all. You don't even have to worry.”
He chuckled. “Alright, baby. We can talk about it later.”
Jen patted Max's head one last time before returning to the table. Clara had removed Max's leash and hung it over the back of the chair. She pointed and commanded Max to go to the living room while we ate.
Mom sighed. “Good thing he doesn't beg.”
“Yeah, we made sure to train him properly on that one,” I said. “We didn't want him being rude.”
“Of course.”
“And he's so comforting,” Clara added. “I haven't had any trouble with him at all. I hate that I can't let people pet him while he's on duty, but it's worth it. He responds so well to commands. I can't wait to take him on our trip to California.”
“Wow, you're going to travel?” Jen inquired. “That's incredible, Clara!”
“With Max, I feel like it's possible. And I'm beyond excited to explore.”
She turned to me with sparkling eyes. She took my hand and kissed it, still beaming even after she released me. And she held my gaze. The way she looked at me was full of admiration and care.
And I felt it. I truly felt it.