The sound of the large clock gonging in the hallway was the only sound to be heard, other than the clinking of cutlery across china. Signalling that it was only 8:00PM, the night was still very young and Bill Buchanan wished the night would just get on with it. He looked awkwardly at Karen sitting at the other end of the table and prayed that she would say something, anything. The silent awkwardness was getting to him and by the look on her face he could tell it was getting to her too.

Tonight had been the first night, after five months of dating, that they had decided to host a dinner where all the children could meet. He, of course, had met her children the month before without the presence of his children and she had done the same with his. A few of the kids had met briefly in passing and their opinions of the other had been short and terse. He had hoped, they both had, that things would improve in time for the evening's formal meet and greet with everybody present. They hadn't and things at the present were not going well.

He looked to his two children, James and Madison, and then at Karen's three, Joy, Andrew, and Gloria. It was such a shame that they hadn't bonded. After all, they were all young adults in their twenties and were all so alike; he was sure that they would become instant friends, or at the very least civil acquaintances. But perhaps that was the problem. He dreamed that they would all blend beautifully that he sometimes forgot how hard it would be for everyone. The death of Karen's husband still weighed heavily on her kids. And as for his, they were still hurt that their mother decided to move across the globe only to have two more children and call only every once in a while.

"So," Bill started. "Gloria, you are going to Australia after convocation in April? Madison went there after hers, too. Perhaps she can fill you in on some of the hot spots."

Gloria looked across the table at Madison and smiled meekly. "That would be lovely, thank you."

Madison gave a small nod. Silence filled the room again and Bill wished death would hurry up and get to him. This evening was more painful than being shot as a young agent.

Karen cleared her throat and everyone looked up at her.

"Are you all friends now on MyFace?"

Bill's kids chuckled, her kids just looked mortified.

"No Karen, I think the big thing right now is Spacebook."

More giggles.

"Oh," Karen said, as if she understood though her eyes betrayed her. "I don't really understand this current youth culture and its obsession with hop-hip."

"I don't either," Bill said, ignoring the kids' laughter. "Who really wants to buy music from a guy named 'Half a Dollar'?"

"Isn't his name 'Two Quarters'?"

"Mom!" Her youngest finally shrieked in between giggles. "You're thinking of Tupac, and Bill you mean 50 Cent!" With that Gloria got up to get more wine from the kitchen, she felt they would all need it.

"If you think this is bad, you should hear this," James started. "When we were younger, my sister was an avid Hanson fan. My dad bought her tickets for her birthday and even drove four of her best friends three hours to the concert. And the whole time talked about talented he thought the Hanson Sisters were."

The whole table broke out into laughter, minus Bill and Karen.

"I'm not following," said Karen.

"The Hansons were boys, mom!" Joy rolled her eyes.

"Oh," Karen said giggling behind her hand covering her mouth. "Bill..."

"Hey," he raised his hands in defence. "It doesn't say much about their voice quality if me and every other father in America thought they were a girl band!"

"No Dad," laughed Madison. "I think that was just you."

The five kids started exchanging stories while Bill and Karen sat there with growing embarrassment over their parenting debacles. Within an hour of dinner being over, they had collectively decided that Bill and Karen were too dull for them. They quickly made plans to head to the newest night club in town for some dancing and sibling bonding.

With the kids frantically getting ready for a night on the town, Bill helped Karen to load everything in the dishwasher.

"Dinner was wonderful, thank you." He kissed her cheek softly.

She grinned. "It turned out well enough."

"Better than expected. I honestly didn't think they would last as long they did, never mind that they would leave to go hang out together."

"Ah yes, apparently we are too unexciting for them."

"You excite me," he teased and Karen swatted him away, heading for the front door where everyone was gathering. After multiple hugs, kisses, and handshakes they were out the door with promises to call in the morning. As Bill and Karen stood in the doorway, arms draped around each other, he couldn't help but feel a swell of pride in his new 'family unit'. There were certainly challenges ahead of them and they were far from perfect. But it was hearing their distant laughter as they drove away he knew that they were getting there.