Emily

Derek had proposed to me in June , and the end of July had rolled around when my mother had called me on the phone. Our conversation was short but it means a lot to me.

" Do you think I could have a private chat with Derek sometime?" she asked in a cheerful tone. " I just wanted to get to know him better if he's marrying my daughter in September."

" I would really like that , do you want to talk to him now?" I asked

" Of course not , I would like to have lunch with him sometime. Do you think he could come over on Saturday?"

" I think so. I'll have him call you if he can't."

" Okay , Em I have to go , love you."

" Love you too." I smiled. The sound of my mother hanging up told me I could talk to my wonderful fiancé. I knew he was going to love the idea of sitting alone with my mother for three hours.

"Hey Babe?" I yelled down the hallway

Derek came out to the kitchen with no shirt on. I rolled my eyes at him and he laughed.

" Yes , Babe?" He winked at me and flashed his signature smile.

" You have a date with my mom on Saturday , have fun." I grinned.

Derek

I was sitting in Elizabeth Prentiss' Living room on a sunny Saturday in July. I would be lying if I told you I wasn't nervous. My hands were shaking and my palms were sweaty. This wasn't just anyone I was having lunch with , it was my fiance's mother. Adding to my anxiety was the fact I was having lunch with an Ambassador. She had probably had lunch with a thousand people more interesting than me , and they probably had better table etiquette too. I wanted Elizabeth's blessing even if Emily wanted to marry me either way. I felt a sudden vibration in my pocket , and I pulled out my phone. I got a text that read , I love you and I know my mother will like you. Don't worry , I'll see you soon. I smiled at Emily's thoughtfulness. I knew Emily would want her mother's blessing too. I gazed around at the richly decorated room , its oak floors , expensive paintings and a black baby grand. I heard the click of heels , and I stood to give a hug to the person in the black heels. I was never more intimidated by a woman in my life. Elizabeth Prentiss was not the type of person to mess around , and her firm handshake told me she meant business.

" So you're the man marrying my daughter?" Elizabeth's eyebrows raised , her eyes questioning my every move.

" Yes Ma'am."

" You can call me Elizabeth." She smiled , and I let go most of my nerves. She didn't seem to disapprove of me , yet.

" Okay , Elizabeth." I returned her smile.

" You should know you already have my blessing. Emily honestly won't shut up about you , and I can tell you really love her. I trust you'll treat her right , but I have a lot of contacts if you don't. I'm not kidding."

" It means a lot to know we have your blessing. I'm really glad your relationship with Emily is getting better , I know it means a lot to her. More than you might think."

" It means a lot to me too. So Derek , tell me how you fell in love with Emily."

" To be honest I knew I had feelings for Emily for a long time , and they were gradually building day by day. I think when she "died" I finally realized what I had been missing , and I had never gotten the chance to tell her. When she came back I still couldn't find a way to tell her , until she moved to London. I knew it was probably my last chance and I didn't want to lose her again. I really don't deserve you daughter."

" I think I'm the one who doesn't deserve her Derek. I was never there for her , but you have been and I can tell you know if she is upset before anyone else can. I'm glad my daughter picked you , don't make me change my mind."

" I won't , I promise."