Chapter Three::

While Ellie was at soccer practice waiting for it to end she couldn't stop thinking about her date with Ryan.

Jo was in her office digging around for the Mr. Ryan Davidson. She finally coaxed it out of Ellie simply explaining it was pure curiosity and her mom just being nosey.

Ryan Davidson Age 16 North Carolina

Parents: Richard & Susan Davidson

Fortune 500 Co.

No records, no nothing, clean slate and Jo was ok with that. Little did she know Richard Davidson had paid off an office employee to clear Ryan's records and give him a clean slate and fresh start in New York.

Later that night

Ellie was running around getting ready as Jo just watched. Mac and her were going out as well, but she found watching Ellie more entertaining.

"Ellie slow down you have plenty of time"

"Mom he's going to be here in like an hour. How is that plenty of time?"

"You're basically ready now. What more is left?"

"I don't know, ugh I'm just so nervous Mom"

"El come here" Ellie walked over by her Mother. "Don't you have to get ready too? For your night out with Mac?" "Yes but I wanted to make sure you didn't need my help" Jo held Ellie at arms length "You look beautiful sweetie"

"Ya really think so?"

"I know so! Now I guess I better get ready before Mac gets home" Ellie laughed as she watched her mom dash into her room.

Mac came home and found Ellie laying on Jo's bed propped up on her elbows watching her mom put the final touches on her make up. It was simply adorable watching the mother daughter duo interact.

"Wow you look beautiful" Mac said walking in

"Aww thank you handsome" Jo said walking up to Mac giving him a quick kiss.

"I was talking to Ellie" That remark earned him a slap to the arm and a look from Jo.

Ellie laughed. "Thank you Mac, I'm so nervous!"

Mac laughed at Jo's face "There's nothing to be worried about El, just be yourself. That is the most important rule is to never be anyone but yourself. The person you date will like you for who you are and nothing else"

"Ok…you're forgiven" Jo said fanning her face so she didn't cry and ruin her makeup. "You know I think you look amazing darling. I was just giving you a hard time" Mac said putting his arm around Jo.

Before Jo could respond the intercom buzzed. "He's here!" Both Ellie and Jo gushed.

Mac went and opened the door for Ryan and let him in. Ryan walked in carrying a gorgeous bouquet of flowers. "Hey Ellie" He said shyly "These are for you, I figured we could grab a bite before the movie?"

Ellie accepted the flowers. "Thank you they're beautiful. Oh! I'm sorry I forgot my manners. Ryan this is my Mom and her fiancé Mac." Ryan shook both Mac and Jo's hand

"Nice to meet you Mrs. Danville and Mac"

"Nice to meet you too Ryan, We have heard a lot about you" Jo gushed

"I promise I will have Ellie home by 1130 at the latest? The movie should be out around 11ish"

"That sounds perfect Ryan thank you" Both Mac and Jo replied

"Well we better get going" Ellie said pushing Ryan towards the door before he was interrogated by her parents.

"He seems nice.." Mac stated once the door closed

"He was barely here 5 minutes"

"You don't like him?" "I don't know him Mac, I don't know I just he seemed a little to perfect if you ask me"

"You got all that from the 5 minutes he was here?" Mac asked raising his eye brow. "Just call it women's intuition" "Jo…did you look him up?"

"I didn't say that" Jo said walking towards the door "I'm starving let's go!" Jo changing the subject.

"Nice way to change the subject Jo" "I didn't" Jo said putting her arms up "I simply was stating a fact." Mac couldn't help but laugh as he held the door for Jo and walked out. "You're always hungry Jo" "I thought that was one of the quirks of why you liked me so much" Jo said laughing "it is that's why I wanted to marry you" Mac said laughing.

After dinner Ryan and Ellie walked across the street to the movie theater. "I thought we could see 42" Ryan said pointing to the poster.

"Umm ok yea sure" Ellie answered.

"It will be a perfect ending to this perfect night I had planned out" Ryan said smiling

Ellie didn't want to see 42 but she didn't want to ruin the night either, so she just went with it.

Ryan walked Ellie to the front of her building. " I had fun tonight, thanks Ryan" "You're welcome it was my pleasure, have a good night Ellie. See you on Monday"

They hugged each other good bye, and Ryan kissed Ellie on the cheek. Ellie waited until Ryan walked around the corner her hand not leaving the spot where Ryan had just kissed her. She squealed in excitement and ran up to her apartment. When she walked in she found Mac and Jo curled up on the couch watching a movie. As soon as they heard the door close Jo hurried up and paused the movie.

"How'd the date go sweetie?" Jo asked grinning for ear to ear

"It was great!" Ellie exclaimed "I had a really good time tonight"

"Come sit I want to hear all about it" Mac said patting the cushion in between him and Jo.

Ellie came and plopped herself down and Jo started playing with her hair. They sat together for over an hour talking about Ellie's date and what a gentleman Ryan is.

"You should have him over for dinner sometime" Jo suggested

"Um ok sure yea why not"

Jo yawned for the third time, "Alright young lady I know it's a Friday night but your Mama is tired time for bed, don't stay up to late now. Aren't you coming?" Jo yawned again looking at Mac

"Yea I'll be right there sweetheart"

Once Jo went to bed Ellie asked Mac what he thought about Ryan.

"I like him so far. Just as long as he treats you right. I'll have to get to know him first. I'm happy for you kiddo. Just promise me not to fall too head over heels right away, I don't want to see you get your feelings hurt"

"Ok Mac I promise. Hey Mac….could I call you Dad? Like do you mind?"

"Oh my Ellie yes, yes you can call me Dad! I will always be there for you no matter what. Call me talk to me whenever and I will be there for you. I promise."

Ellie hugged Mac trying to stifle a yawn that didn't go unnoticed by Mac. "Guess I should go to bed, good night Dad I love you" Ellie said hugging Mac again

"I love you too Ellie. Goodnight"

Mac went to bed on cloud nine. A woman he absolutely adored sleeping by his side and Ellie asking to call him Dad. He fell asleep with a smile on his face.