They debated and juggled calendars so that dinner with their parents would be in a two weeks time. Two weeks before Christmas so there could be no confusion that this was the start of a festive tradition. They wanted to spend their first Christmas in their new home alone.
They had a 48 hour window in which to pull it off and deciding what they would eat was topic of contention. Both moms wanted to bring something to the table so it was decided that Audrey's mom would bring appetizers, and Neil's would do dessert. They would arrange the main course, which Neil would cook. Audrey agreed to help him out if he needed it and organize the place settings.
The two weeks passed quickly and tonight was the night. They had spent the day preparing dinner and everything was ready to go, they had the table set with the 9 places. As they stood back and surveyed their work Audrey said under her breath "told you we needed the bigger table." Neil squeezed her side in response which brought a squeal and a laugh as he took her in his arms.
"That's enough of that Melendez."
"We've got time" he argued.
"Not enough! They'll be here in an hour and we need to get dinner sorted."
"When did you become the sensible one?" Neil asked.
"Oh I didn't, but I don't want our parents arriving with us looking like we just got out of bed."
"Shame" he replied. "I like that look on you."
X
They were putting the final touches to dinner before it needed to go into the oven for the final stretch with 15 minutes to go before the family were due to arrive. Audrey took the controller and turned up the music. She grabbed his hands they started to dance around their kitchen to the rhythmic beats coming from the speakers.
As they moved, they got lost in the music. Kisses came flowing and hands started wandering until they were loudly interrupted by the door chime. They jumped apart as though they had received a shock and smiled at each other sheepishly.
"Impeccable timing as always" Neil joked as Audrey reached up to smooth his hair a bit from where her fingers had set it on end.
They headed to the front door, took a deep breath and opened it to the smiling faces of their families.
"Find it ok?" He asked his dad as he shuffled in the door behind the ladies.
"Sure, nice place you have here Son. You've done well."
"Thanks Dad."
The ladies had descended into the kitchen and were setting down their plates, chatting excitedly away about how they loved their house. The doorbell chimed again and Neil rushed off to answer. Gabi and her attendant had arrived to join the gathering.
As they headed in to the kitchen, Gabi walked straight into Audrey's embrace and gave her the flowers she had brought for her. Hand in hand, they went to find a vase while Neil started taking drinks orders.
Once everyone had a drink in hand, they took a mock vote to have a tour of the house before dinner. They headed off through the downstairs, pointing out bits and pieces and headed upstairs. They pointed out the rooms that Neils parents and Abuela would use tonight and headed back down to the hub of the house. As they past the front door, Neil and his dad ducked out to collect bags from the car and ran them upstairs.
Appetizers ready, they put the main in the oven and headed to sit down. They smiled as they noticed that Sofia had sat next to Audrey's mom, no doubt to conspire about wedding plans. Audreys aunt was sat by Gabi and was already chatting away.
"What could possibly go wrong" he whispered in her ear which earned him a roll of the eyes.
"Idiot" she replied. "You've tempted fate now!"
X
Despite their initial nerves, the dinner passed by without incident. After dessert, Neil's dad asked to make a toast promising to keep it short.
"Sure dad" Neil said. "Thanks."
"We have been blessed with two wonderful children who have set about making a difference in their own ways" he started. "Despite a little misunderstanding at the start, we've come to see exactly how happy you two are. Audrey, you bring out a different side to him which is wonderful. You are so in love that you can hardly tell where one of you ends, and the other begins."
He stopped to take a small sip from his glass. Then continued "I'm proud of you both, you're real life heroes doing what you do. I think I can speak for us all when I say how much we're all looking forward to this wedding. Please raise your glasses to Neil and Audrey."
"Neil and Audrey!" The rest of the table echoed as they leaned towards each other and kissed.
"Thanks Dad" Neil said as he took his seat again.
"No problem Son. I'm so very happy for you."
Dinner came to a natural end and Audreys Mom and Aunt headed out first, her mom had work early in the morning. They called a ride for Gabi and her attendant to drive them back to the home. She didn't always do well in new environments so they though they thought it best she didn't stay this time around.
Then they were down to five. It was all hands on deck to clear and sort the dishes into the washer and the family announced they were turning in for the night. Neil and Audrey were left alone finally. They looked at each other from opposite sides of the counter and grinned.
"Happy?"
"Happy" she replied.
"C'mere" he said and she walked around and into his arms. "Told you it'd be a breeze" he teased.
"It could get boring, this you being right aaaaall the time" she joked.
"Well that's just tough luck, you wanted to put a ring on it" he retorted kissing her nose.
They kissed again, and again as they got lost in sensations until they heard a small cough from the doorway. They startled and Neil dropped his head to her shoulder with a chuckle.
"Don't mind me" came the small voice from Abuela. "I just needed a quick drink before bed."
"Sorry Lita" Neil said with a smile.
"No need to apologise lovebirds" she teased. "I'll see you in the morning."
"We'd best head up too" Audrey said after she left. "Got to get a good breakfast on in the morning. Being the host with the most is hard work ya know!"
"More like you don't want to get caught making out in the kitchen again" he teased.
"Ah you figured me out" she replied sarcastically. "Let's see how quiet you can be under pressure Melendez" she whispered in his ear as she took his hand and led him up the stairs.