Tiana could see the ship in the distance, coming up the Mississippi River. It was coming, which meant he was coming. Her heart leapt in anticipation as her stomach swirled with anxiety. It felt foolish to be so happy and so nervous at the same time, yet here she was.
Tiana had hardly been able to sleep since Naveen had written to tell her the news of his return. They had been apart for six whole months, and once Tiana fully realized that was about to end, the wave of happiness that had washed over her had been almost too much to bear. She had laughed and cried and danced around her room, and then Tiana ran to find Eudora to share the news, and then there was more laughing and crying and dancing. Then of course, Tiana just had to tell Lottie and Louis, and that started it all over again.
It wasn't until late that evening when snuggled in bed rereading the letter for umpteenth time, that it dawned on her just what this meant. Yes Naveen would be back, and Tiana felt her insides jump at the thought, but he was also bringing his family. She would meet his parents for the first time.
Everything about their marriage depends on how well they liked her, Tiana foolishly convinced herself. And then she couldn't stop thinking: what if they didn't like her? What if she said something wrong? What if they came all this way and took one look at her and decided she wasn't fit to marry Naveen? That she wasn't fit to be a princess? Was she fit to be a princess?
Tiana clutched at her stomach and groaned. She knew this type of thinking wouldn't do her any good, but she also knew that there was no way to stop it. But Tiana's eyes went back to Naveen's letter and she saw his excited scribbles telling her how much he loved her and that he couldn't wait to be by her side once more. At that, Tiana had to smile again. Despite all her worries, it made her feel so much better that she wouldn't have to go through this alone. And if things worked out the way they hoped, she'd never be alone again.
Now, waiting on the rivershore, Tiana hugged herself, laughing a little as she watched the ship get closer. It wasn't close enough for her to see any of the people sailing, but it wouldn't be long before they could. The crowd around her was starting to be more animated, calling out and waving to passengers despite the fact that there was no way they could hear them.
Tiana shifted and decided that this wasn't a good spot to wait, and so she waded through the crowd once more. Admittedly, Tiana had already tried many different waiting spots this morning, and she also had no idea where would be the best place to make sure Naveen found her, but now that her nerves were flaring up again it felt good to move around.
She adjusted her dress as she nudged past a large group of people, wishing she had picked something different to wear. Tiana had wanted to look nice for Naveen, and also make a good impression on his parents. In doing so, she had picked out her best dress, which even though wasn't something outlandish or elegant, it did leave her feeling very overdressed compared to all those around her in their everyday wear.
Tiana wanted to explain to the crowd that she was meeting royalty and that's why she was dressed this way, but she guessed they either wouldn't believe her or they wouldn't care. Or, worst of all, they would get excited and try and take pictures or talk with the King and Queen, ruining any chance Tiana had of making a good impression. So she kept her mouth shut as she smoothed down her skirt.
Two loud blasts of the ship's horn blared out, and the crowd around Tiana burst into cheers and whistles as the passengers on the ship were finally close enough to see. At least it would be, if Tiana's eyes weren't flooded with tears.
Naveen was there! He was on that ship! And in less than an hour he would be here, with her. She would be in his arms and she could tell him just how much she loved him. Scratch that, she could show him. They would hold each other close and, knowing Naveen, they would kiss over and over. But she wanted that too, oh god how she wanted to kiss him!
Tiana wiped her tears away, not wanting Naveen to see her with tear stained eyes, and started to scan the happy faces all along the ship's railing. Unfortunately, this spot was terrible for that. Damn it! The last place she had stood was much better.
Now she wiggled through the crowd again, all the while looking up at the ship, but it was difficult to do that and not step on anyone's toes.
"Oops! Sorry!" Tiana apologized after bumping into someone. Maybe this wasn't such a great idea, and this spot seemed as good as any. So she settled herself in and resumed her search.
He had to be there along the railing, didn't he? Now that the boat was anchoring and readying the gangplank it struck Tiana just how big it was, and how many people were on it. Suddenly it seemed the most important thing in the world to be able to find Naveen. But just where was he?
"Please please please…." Tiana whispered to herself.
"Well, son, do you see her?"
Sunil rested a hand on Naveen's shoulder as they looked out over the ship's railing to the sea of people cheering and waving.
"No, Baba. Not yet."
'Tiana my love, where are you?' Naveen had naively thought that once the ship was close enough their eyes would be drawn to each other. It seemed only natural. She was the one thing he had been thinking of these past six months, and surely that thought power alone would draw her to him. But there were just too many people.
Naveen straightened his tie for the hundredth time today, feeling fidgety and nervous, and also angrily jealous at the people standing by him who had spotted their loved ones waiting for them down below.
What if she wasn't here? No, that was nonsense. Of course she was here. But still, Naveen worried. He straightened his tie again, then wiping his sweaty palms on his pants. Six months was a long time to be away from each other, and so much had happened. What if things were different between them now? What if that amazingly strong connection they had built hadn't survived this time apart?
If only he could just see her. Naveen knew the instant they saw each other again it would all be okay. It just had to be.
Naveen straightened his tie.
"Stop worrying, Naveen. You look wonderful," Idhal told him and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Have you spotted her yet?"
"Not yet," Naveen said, looking over the crowd again. Where could she be?
Was that… could it be? At first Tiana wasn't sure, and not for the first time that day, she wished she had brought binoculars. She thought she saw someone who could be Naveen, and there were two people standing by him that seemed like they could also be his parents. But though Tiana's heart wanted it to be him more than anything, she wanted to be sure.
Then she saw this man straighten his tie and take off his hat and run his hand through his hair in such a casual yet elegant way that Tiana instantly recognized. And then his face turned towards her direction as he put his hat back on. He didn't see her yet, but by god, there he was. He was so beautiful, it was enough to make Tiana start to cry again.
"Naveen!" she called out through her tears. She waved her arms and jumped like the lovesick fool she was. "Naveen, over here!"
But there were too many people around her, there was no way he could hear her. Suddenly it seemed like the most important thing in the world was that he should find her. That they should lock eyes after six long months apart.
Tiana stuck her fingers in her mouth and let out a blaring whistle, louder than any she'd ever done before. But was it loud enough to carry to Naveen?
She started calling his name again, all the while repeating her manta. Please please please.
Naveen was growing panicky. He couldn't find her! What if he never found her? Sunil seemed to sense Naveen's growing unease, and had his arm around his son's shoulders.
"Is that someone whistling?" Idhal asked, shielding the sun from her eyes and looking deeper into the crowd.
"It does sound like it," Sunil said, giving Naveen's shoulder a squeeze. "Impressive."
It was at that, but how did it help him find Tiana? Naveen's stomach was so tied up in knots he thought he might die if he didn't see her soon. Still, he couldn't help but turn towards the sound, and then Naveen blinked. His heart skipped a beat. Could it be?
Even from here he could recognize those beautiful bright eyes and wide smile, and Naveen just knew that surrounding that smile were two dimples on her cheeks. It was her. His wife. His Tiana.
"Tiana!" Naveen called out, finding his eyes were now stinging with tears, but it didn't matter. The only thing that mattered was getting close to her, but the ship was still readying the gangplank. Naveen was tired of waiting, and the part of his brain that made stupid decisions decided it would be a great idea to just jump off the boat and swim to her.
Naveen called her name again and started to climb over the railing.
"Faldi faldonza, Naveen! Da li descende!" Sunil grabbed the back of Naveen's shirt and pulled him back to safety.
"What do you think you're doing?!" Idhal scolded him.
Naveen ignored them both, having eyes and ears only for the love of his life. "There she is!" Naveen said happily and pointed her out to his parents. "Tiana! Tiana!"
He took off his hat and waved it high in the air. Tiana waved back and Naveen thought he would burst with happiness. Setting his hat back on his head, Naveen started to blow her kisses as he edged his way closer to the gangplank. He wanted to make sure he was the first one off.
"Stay there!" He shouted to Tiana. "I'll come find you!"
"What?" Tiana shouted back, but she was laughing through it all. This goof of a man she had married had almost jumped off the ship to get to her, and she loved him for it.
Naveen was shouting more things and pointing but Tiana had no idea what he was saying and she was too excited to try and rationally figure it out. All she knew was that she needed to get closer.
Naveen was losing his patience with this man. All he needed to do was look over his tickets and make sure it was all in order and then he could be off the boat and holding and kissing his wife. But damn it if this wasn't the slowest person to be doing this job.
Naveen wanted nothing more than to shout at this man to hurry up and get on with it, but he had a feeling if he did anything to upset the man, Naveen would be moved to the back of the line.
So instead Naveen gave him his most charming attentive smile, all the while glancing furtively in the crowd making sure he knew exactly where Tiana was at all times. For a brief moment he panicked when he couldn't find her again, but then he found her inching her way closer to the gangplank.
The crowd was too thick for her to go much further. No matter. Naveen knew he could ease his way through, if only he could get off this damned ship!
"Well now, Prince Naveen, is it?"
"Yes, that's right," Naveen said with a smile, though behind that smile he was shooting daggers at this man.
"It says here this is your second time in New Orleans. Isn't that something?"
And just how was Naveen supposed to respond to that? GET ON WITH IT MAN! "Yes, it certainly is," Naveen replied as calmly as he could. He looked out and saw Tiana in the crowd. She was closer now. Almost close enough to kiss. He winked at her, and her smile grew wider.
"Any particular reason for the return trip?"
"Love," Naveen said, not taking his eyes off of Tiana.
"I beg your pardon?"
"I fell in love with someone and she is waiting for me." Naveen pointed Tiana out, and then continued. "So if you could please…. We've been apart for so long."
"Well why didn't you say so in the first place?" He stamped Naveen's papers with a flourish and then handed them back. "There you are. Enjoy."
"Thank you!" Naveen could practically kiss the man, but he wanted to save those for Tiana.
Naveen sprinted down the gangplank, grinning from ear to ear, as he called out. "Tiana!"
"Naveen!"
He could hear her! And then he could see her! They were both wading through the crowd, arms outstretched towards each other.
"Tiana!"
"Naveen!"
Finally the crowds parted and there she was. He ran to her, and then she was in his arms, and then as they held each other tight, they kissed.
Naveen could taste the salt of her tears on her lips (or were they his tears?) but he couldn't stop kissing her.
He pressed kiss after hurried kiss everywhere he could, whispering her name all the while. He kissed those sweet dimples, he kissed her tears away, he kissed her nose, her forehead, and most of all her lips. He had missed it all so much, and now that he was here with her again, Naveen knew he would never ever leave her again.
They shared another kiss, longer this time, and Naveen felt his happiness bubble up. He laughed and held her tight and spun them both around. Tiana squealed in delight, clutching him, feeling like she was flying.
Naveen set her down gently and then cupped her face, bringing her in for another kiss. "I missed you," he said between kisses.
"I missed you too, Froggy," Tiana said, giggling when he kissed her cheek and then down her neck.
He gave squeezed her tight and then pulled back a little, breathless but so happy. "Let me get a good look at you," he said, tucking a wayward curl behind her ear.
It was then that in all the commotion, she would hardly be as presentable to him as she had been when she left the house that morning.
"Oh no," Tiana laughed and playfully covered his eyes. "My hair is a mess now, and my dress is all wrinkles, and I'm sure my eyes are all red from crying. I must look like a disaster."
Naveen took the hand that was covering his eyes and kissed it. "I didn't come all this way to not look at you. Besides," he stroked her cheek, "you are the most beautiful disaster I have ever seen."
Tiana snorted, despite herself, but she couldn't stop smiling. It was so lovely to have him back. She wrapped her arms around his neck. "Oh, Naveen. I do love you so."
Naveen grinned wide at that, and scooped down to pick her up in his arms. "She loves me!" He declared to all those around them as he spun them around in circles again.
There were more kisses when he set her back on her feet, but Tiana didn't loosen her tight grip on him.
"I love you too, Tiana," Naveen told her, and brought their foreheads together. "I love you more than anything else in the whole world, and I promise I will never ever leave you again."
Naveen sealed his promise with another kiss, and soon their arms were wrapped around each other once more. He couldn't get enough of her. Her taste, her smell, the way she was giggling into their kisses. She was just so perfect, and kissing her this way was perfect. Or it would be if they weren't interrupted.
"Looks like you found her alright, Naveen," Idhal said.
Naveen groaned inwardly. 'Not now, Ammi!' But it was too late. Idhal had effectively ruined the mood. Plus Tiana had already pulled away and had her face covered with her hands. God but she was cute when she was embarrassed.
Naveen put an arm around Tiana's waist, needing to keep touching her in anyway possible, and finally took his eyes off of her to find Idhal with an eyebrow raised, and Sunil spotting a sly smirk. Well, it could be worse.
"Ammi. Baba." Naveen pulled Tiana closer to his side. "I'd like you to meet Tiana. Tiana, these are… my parents."
Tiana could not have been more mortified Naveen's parents, the King and Queen of Maldonia, had caught her necking with their son. This was not the first impression she wanted to give them.
Naveen gave her a squeeze around the waist, and Tiana put on her best 'please ignore what you just saw I swear I'm not like that all the time' smile and curtsied respectfully. "Your Majesties. I'm so happy to finally meet you."
"It is very lovely to meet you, my dear," Idhal said, and surprised Tiana by giving her three kisses on the cheek.
Sunil stayed back and gave a more formal bow, but he still smiled.
Naveen grinned through it all. This was going well!
"Now, there's no need to be so formal while we're here, is there?" Idhal continued. "After all, we're not in Maldonia anymore, and isn't this what America is all about?"
Tiana shared a furtive glance with Naveen before replying. "Um-"
"You can call me Idhal," she said, not waiting for Tiana's answer. "And my husband is Sunni, but you already knew that."
Tiana blinked. No she didn't. "Sunni?" Oh no. That wasn't what she thought his name was. That wasn't what it said in that Maldonian history book either! Oh no, oh no. Had she used the wrong name in her letters to him?
"It's a nickname," Sunil explained, perhaps sensing Tiana's distress. "Used only by close friends and relatives."
"Oh!" Tiana's heart felt a million times lighter. This had to be a good sign. Did this mean he already considered her part of the family?
Naveen squeezed her waist again. "It's because of Baba's shining personality and his great sense of humor," he teased.
"Hey now," Sunil playfully put his hands on his hips. "I'll have you know I do have a great sense of humor, and I know plenty of great jokes"
"Darling please, don't-" Idhal begged, but Sunil persisted.
"How many apples grow on a tree?" he asked.
Tiana glanced again at Naveen who was rolling his eyes. She laughed and shook her head. "I don't know."
"All of them!" Sunil said, and then bent over with laughter.
Tiana snorted and laughed into her hand.
"Don't laugh at that, Tiana," Idhal said in good humor. "That was terrible."
Tiana turned to Naveen, and playfully bumped his hips with hers. "Now I know where you get your sense of humor from."
Now it was Naveen's turn to look embarrassed, but he deflected easily. "Ravi, come here and say hello."
The young prince was standing a few feet away holding hands with his governess, watching the other people leave the boat and the cranes beginning to unload the heavier items. Naveen still couldn't believe they had brought over so many of their servants, including the governess to watch over Ravi, but here they were.
At Naveen's call Ravi glanced up at the governess who nodded in approval. He let go of her hand and shuffled over.
Tiana knelt down and held out her hand to the young prince. "Hello, Ravi. I'm Tiana. It's so nice to finally meet you."
Ravi shifted on his feet and limply took Tiana's hand.
"What do you say, Ravi?" Naveen prompted.
Ravi scrunched up his face. "Please?"
"No, try again," Naveen said.
"Thank you?" Ravi tried after a moment.
"How about, it's nice to meet you, too," Naveen said.
"Yeah, what he said!" Ravi smiled at last, and then took his chance to run back to the governess.
Naveen just shook his head and helped Tiana to stand up. "I'm sorry about that."
"It's fine," Tiana said, and kissed Naveen's cheek. She felt so happy. Nothing could ruin her mood.
One of the servants came up to their circle and bowed. "Your Majesties, the car is ready to take you to your hotel."
Except that.
Sunil clapped his hands. "Splendid, splendid. I just hope the ride is an improvement over the last time I rode in a car."
"I doubt it will break down," Idhal said. "We don't have that far to go." She turned to Tiana and smiled again. "We're still on for dinner tonight, yes?"
When Naveen had written to say he was coming back, Tiana had replied saying she wanted to host a dinner party for them all on the night of their arrival. She and Eudora had been cleaning constantly for the past week to get everything ready.
Tiana confirmed that, yes, the dinner would still take place, and Sunil nodded in approval.
"Naveen has told us about your passion for cooking," he said. "I am very interested to finally try it for myself."
"Yes, me too," Idhal said. "What is on the menu?"
"Gumbo," Tiana said, glancing at Naveen. "With plenty of mushrooms."
Naveen thought he would burst with joy, but instead he just took Tiana's hand in his and kissed it.
"Well, sounds like we should leave you to prepare," Sunil said. "Let's go, Naveen."
"Go? But…" Naveen looked from his parents to Tiana and then back again with a pleading look. He had only been with Tiana for a such a short time, and to leave her again so soon would be torture. {"Please, Baba?"}, Naveen asked in Maldonian.
"The car is waiting, Naveen," Sunil answered, but he softened slightly. "You have five minutes."
They turned and left Tiana and Naveen alone at last. At least as alone as they could be on the still crowded pier. That didn't stop Naveen from kissing her once more.
Tiana laughed and held him tight. "Did I do okay?"
"You were amazing!" Naveen told her. "I just knew they would love you as soon as they met you, and that went so well!"
"Did it?" Tiana covered her face again. "I can't believe they caught us kissing like that."
"They understand," Naveen assured her. "They know how much I've missed you." And then he kissed her again, slower this time, lingering happily on her lips. "I wish I didn't have to go so soon."
"I know. But I'll see you tonight for dinner," Tiana said. Her arms had wrapped around his neck again and she was playing with his collar. "We'll have beignets for dessert," she added in a sing-song voice.
Naveen brightened at that. "I can't wait to taste your sweet beignets again." He pecked her lips. "Though nothing can be as sweet as you."
"You charmer," Tiana laughed.
"I do my best." And then he kissed her again, until Sunil came and dragged Naveen away to the car.
"You nervous, babycakes?" Eudora asked.
Tiana stopped chewing on her thumbnail. "Is it that obvious?"
Eudora gave her a soft smile. "A little bit."
Tiana took a shaky breath willing herself to be calm. It didn't work. "I know I met them this morning, but this feels different." She wrapped her arms around herself, and said softly. "So much could go wrong."
Eudora took Tiana by the shoulders and gave her a gentle squeeze. "So much can go right, too."
Tiana had to smile at that. Trust her mother to look on the bright side of things.
"You've wanted a chance to prove yourself to them, and now you've got it," Eudora said. "I know you'll do great."
"Thanks Mama," Tiana said and hugged her mother tight. "I know I've asked a lot of you lately, but can I ask one more favor?"
"Of course, babycakes."
"Can you not tell any embarrassing stories tonight?" Tiana asked. "Please?"
Eudora feigned innocence. "Me? Tell embarrassing stories?"
"Mama please," Tiana begged. "Just for tonight?"
"Alright fine," Eudora said. "I'll wait until tomorrow."
"And please no embarrassing stories," Naveen begged to his parents as they and Ravi walked up the porch steps to Tiana's house.
"We never tell embarrassing stories," Idhal chided.
"Yes you do! You do it all the time," Naveen said, his hand once more going to his stomach. He wondered if he was going to be sick from nerves. He just wanted this night to be over.
On the one hand, he would get to see Tiana again and taste her delicious food. All of which he had been dreaming about for the past six months. But whenever those delightful fantasies had entered his head, Naveen had never included his family in them.
Naveen felt like he had been lecturing his parents the whole way here. It was a strange role reversal for all of them but Naveen wanted tonight to be perfect and he knew his parents could cause a lot of problems.
When had they ever eaten a meal with no servants? Had they ever done that before? When was the last time they had even spoken to anyone who wasn't part of high society? Would they judge Tiana by the plain simple house she lived in?
It struck Naveen that these worries were all ones Tiana had had that very first night they had returned to New Orleans from the bayou on the eve of their wedding. Naveen had immediately loved everything about Tiana's life because it was a part of her. He hoped that his family would be able to see that as well.
"No embarrassing stories tonight," Sunil promised. "We'll save them for later."
"Thank you," Naveen said, ignoring this last part. He looked down at Ravi who was holding his hand. "That goes for you too, Ravi."
"Okay," Ravi promised, though Naveen doubted he was listening.
Naveen knelt down to look at Ravi in the eyes. "Can you promise me you'll be on your best behavior tonight?"
Ravi shrugged. "I guess."
"Please, Ravi. Tiana is very special to me, and this night needs to go well." Ravi was generally a well behaved boy, but sometimes he did have wild tantrums. If that happened tonight, his parents wouldn't blame Tiana for it, but it surely would leave a sour impression on them, and Naveen couldn't afford any slip ups tonight.
Ravi shrugged again. "Okay."
Deciding that was the best he was going to get from a five year old, Naveen sighed and kissed his brother on the forehead. "Thank you."
"Anything else, Naveen?" Idhal asked, eyebrow raised.
Anything else? He had a million more things to tell them, but they were outside Tiana's door now, and couldn't dawdle any longer. "Just, please go easy on Tiana."
He knew how ruthless his parents could be sometimes. Naveen would try to protect Tiana as much as he could but there was only so much he could do.
"All we want is to get to know her," Sunil said, knocking firmly on the door. "We'll just ask some questions."
"Sensible questions, please," Naveen begged. His parents could also be completely tactless.
"As if we ever ask anything else," Idhal said, furthering Naveen's fear.
Naveen clutched his stomach once more, and he sent out prayers to anyone who was listening that the evening would go well.
And then the door opened and Tiana was there, and everything else melted away.
"Hello, everyone," Tiana said, grinning.
Naveen grinned back, especially when he noticed she was smiling more in his direction.
"Hello, beautiful," Naveen said and kissed her cheek once he was close enough to her.
"You're not so bad, yourself," Tiana said, squeezing his arm. It was so nice to have him here again. The house seemed full of life again, and not just because they were hosting a dinner party.
"There he is! Hello Naveen!" Eudora said gleefully, and pulled Naveen into a tight hug. "We missed you around here."
"I missed you too, Mrs. Batiste," Naveen said, squeezing her tight. He quickly introduced Eudora to his parents, but she was more interested in Ravi.
"And who is this?" Eudora asked, kneeling down to Ravi's eye level.
"This is my brother, Ravi," Naveen said, and rested his hand on the boy's head. "Ravi, say hello."
"Hello," Ravi mumbled, and half heartedly took Eudora's hand when she offered it to him.
"Hello there, Ravi," Eudora said. "I'm Eudora. How old are you?"
"I'm five and three-quarters."
"Oh my goodness," Eudora said and shared a smile with Idhal and Sunil who looked both proud and amused. "Well, I heard you were coming so I got out all of Tiana's old toys for you to play with."
At this Ravi perked up. "Really?"
"You come with me," Eudora said. She held out her hand once more, but this time Ravi eagerly took it, and they went over to the corner with all of Tiana's old toys.
Tiana had to stop herself from rolling her eyes. Eudora had always loved children, hence why she was always pestering Tiana for grandchildren. It didn't surprise Tiana one bit that her mother had taken to Ravi.
She turned to Naveen's parents. "Can I offer you some iced tea to drink?"
"You must try it, Ammi," Naveen pipped in, wrapping his arm around Tiana's waist. "It's so refreshing. Unlike anything in Maldonia."
"Well, with that winning endorsement, I think I'll have to," Idhal replied. "Any for you, Sunni?"
Sunil smoothed down his mustache and grinned. "With all that Naveen has told us, I think I would be a fool not to."
Naveen gave Tiana a squeeze and her heart skipped a beat. It was hard to concentrate on being a good hostess with him being so near, but his presence was so lovely, she couldn't ask him to stop, nor did she want him to.
"Great," Tiana said, unconsciously leaning into Naveen. "Please take a seat, and I'll be back with your drinks."
"I'll help you," Naveen said quickly. Almost too quickly.
But Tiana's heart skipped another beat. He knew there wasn't much he could do to help pour some iced tea, but his parents didn't know that. This could give them a few blessed moments alone.
"Thank you, I'd appreciate that," Tiana said.
The swinging door to the kitchen hadn't even fully closed before they were in each other's arms and kissing deeply. Tiana sighed into the kiss, feeling herself relax into Naveen's embrace. She hadn't realized just how tense she had been, or had just forgotten how good Naveen was at kissing….
That seemed impossible, but as he teased her with his tongue, Tiana found her knees were weak and her head was light and everything else seemed to disappear.
Though the sounds from the next room brought them both back.
Reluctantly, they broke the kiss, though neither stepped out of their embrace. Naveen's arms were steady around Tiana's waist, and she was clutching his shirt like she might collapse any second.
Panting hard, Naveen laughed softly and rubbed his nose against Tiana's. "I've been wanting to do that since I walked in."
"Me too," Tiana replied. She grinned when he kissed her again. They couldn't keep this up for much longer, but gosh it was nice.
Someone was laughing in the other room, Ravi it sounded like, and Tiana remembered why Naveen's family was here in the first place.
"How am I doing so far?" Tiana asked, feeling her nerves bubble up again slightly.
Naveen gave a low appreciative hum as he started kissing her neck. She giggled which only spurred him on. Everything about her was so wonderful. Naveen wished they could spend the rest of the evening here, and not worry about anything else. They had been apart for so long, didn't they deserve time to be alone together?
"I meant, how am I doing with your parents," Tiana clarified, but she cradled the back of his head, inviting him to keep kissing her as he pleased.
So he did. "I think they already love you," Naveen said between kisses. He pressed his forehead to hers and smiled. "Though not as much as I do."
"You really think so?"
"What's not to love?" Naveen asked. "You're smart, capable, beautiful." He lowered his eyes at that last one, and Tiana felt herself flush. Nobody else gave her compliments quite like Naveen did. She hadn't realized how much she had missed them.
Tiana gave him a quick peck on the lips, and said, "They won't love me if they never get their drinks." She put a finger against his nose playfully. "Help me bring them out, hmm?"
"Alright," Naveen said. "On one condition."
"What's that?"
"One more kiss before we go back out there."
"Gladly."
Naveen felt like he was falling in love with Tiana all over again. It was so wonderful to finally be here by her side again. He couldn't take his eyes off of her as she talked with his parents. She was charming, and animated as she listened to them tell stories Naveen had heard hundreds of times before. Luckily they were just stories about Maldonia, nothing embarrassing. Though he could tell his mother desperately wanted to share the many unflattering stories of his childhood.
But it was Tiana's smile and laughter that drew him in. How had he lasted six months without her? How had he possibly survived without hearing her voice? Without touching her skin? Without kissing her?
He wanted to kiss her right then and there, but even Naveen knew that wouldn't be a good idea. This dinner was supposed to be about impressing his parents, and he doubted they would be impressed if he started passionately kissing Tiana in front of everyone.
That didn't stop him from taking every opportunity to touch her. He made sure their fingers would brush when he handed Tiana her drink. When they sat next to each other, his elbow would nudge against hers. His arm would find its way around her shoulders, her waist. His hand would find hers, holding it tenderly, stroking it with his thumb.
It was electrifying to touch her, and even more so when she touched him back. The way she squeezed his hand, or leaned into him made it difficult to think of anything other than taking another trip to the kitchen. And then there were those many shared mutual looks of longing whenever it seemed his parents attention was on something else.
How many trips to the kitchen could they make before everyone got suspicious? Maybe a few times, if they were careful.
So when Tiana announced it was time for dinner to be served, Naveen couldn't help the excitement that burst through him. She would need help serving the gumbo, wouldn't she?
Just like with the tea, she didn't need any help, but she still welcomed it from Naveen's. This time though, there wasn't time to kiss as much as Naveen wanted to. They were only able to manage one kiss. Just one! But the looks in both of their eyes hinted at the promise of many future kisses to come.
Naveen wanted to hold Tiana's hand while they ate, so he sat on her right side once the gumbo was served. His mouth watered just looking at it. It felt like he hadn't had a decent meal in… well, six months. It almost made him weep knowing Tiana's food was in front of him.
"It smells delicious, darling," Naveen said, giving her hand a squeeze under the table. Everything was going so well! Naveen was almost positive that his parents would approve of their marriage by the end of the evening. Or maybe even after the meal! How could they not love Tiana, especially after eating her wonderful food?
"Thanks," Tiana said, squeezing his hand back. "Dig in, everyone."
She couldn't help but feel nervous as everyone ate her food. Tiana knew, of course, that it was good. She'd never made a bad batch of gumbo in her life, but that didn't mean Naveen's family would like it. She told herself that if they didn't like it, that didn't mean they liked her any less. And they did like her, didn't they?
Tiana's fork was poised by her mouth, as she anxiously watched everyone eat. Naveen hummed in approval as he ate, even going so far as to lean back and close his eyes with a blissful smile on his face. He turned towards her and gave her a satisfied grin.
"Good?" Tiana asked.
"Amazing," Naveen replied, squeezing her hand.
Then the choruses of compliments started around the table, and Tiana felt a wave of relief wash over her.
"Achidanza," Sunil whispered after taking a bite. "This is…" He looked at Tiana with wonder and awe. "You made this?"
"Yes, I did," Tiana said, pride welling up inside as Naveen gave her hand another squeeze.
"I told you it was good," Naveen said.
"Good?" Idhal pipped in. "This is better than good. This is the best meal I've ever eaten." She took another bite, before continuing. "You should count yourself lucky, Tiana, because I don't give out compliments lightly."
"That certainly is true," Naveen said, teasingly.
"Tiana has been making gumbo like this since she was about five years old," Eudora said, proudly.
Tiana felt herself flush with the attention, and turned her focus to her own meal. It was a good batch. "What do you think, Ravi? Do you like it?"
The young boy had been so intent on eating his meal, he turned to look at Tiana and grinned. "Can you make this for us every day?"
Everyone at the table laughed good naturedly.
"Tiana has to stay here so that she can open her dream restaurant," Naveen explained. "But I'm sure she will be happy to make some whenever you come to visit."
Sunil cleared his throat and wiped his mouth with his napkin. Tiana was given a hint of the kind of power and respect Sunil radiated as king, as all murmurs around the table ceased, even from Ravi, and all attention went to him.
"Perhaps it is time we discussed the elephant in the room," Sunil said.
Ravi's eyes widened. "You have an elephant?!"
Sunil frowned at his youngest son, not in the mood for games. Ravi paled and sunk down in his chair.
"Apologize to your father, Ravi," Idhal said, "and then you can be excused to play."
"Sorry, Baba," Ravi said.
Sunil nodded, and Ravi took his chance and escaped from the table.
Part of Tiana wished she could escape with him. With Sunil's full attention on her and Naveen, Tiana felt her stomach drop and she clutched Naveen's hand like a lifeline, feeling herself start to tremble and shake. She could feel her mother's encouragement from across the table, but Tiana didn't dare take her eyes off of Sunil.
"Now then, Naveen. Tiana." He looked at each of them in turn. "You two wish to be married, yes?"
"Yes, sir," Naveen replied.
Tiana's mouth was suddenly too dry to speak. She nodded instead.
"Quite a noble aspiration," Sunil said with a small but warm smile.
"It's very clear that you two are in love," Idhal said. "Even in this short amount of time since arriving here it is plain to see how much you care for each other."
Was this a good sign? Naveen gave her hand another squeeze.
"But Naveen is the crown prince," Sunil said, "and will one day be king. There is a lot for us to consider for anyone he wishes to marry."
"Please don't think that we are treating you any differently because you're not royalty, dear," Idhal said. "But it does make things more difficult. You understand."
Tiana supposed she did understand, but that didn't make her feel any better about it. She and Eudora shared a quick glance at each other. Neither of them could guess where this was going.
"If we do approve of the marriage," Sunil continued, "that means you will effectively become a Maldonian princess." He looked at Tiana directly. "It is a lot of responsibility."
"Yes, sir," Tiana said, finding her voice at last. "I'm not afraid of that."
"No, I don't suppose you are," Sunil said.
"And you will, of course, have to live in Maldonia," Idhal said, smoothing down her napkin.
It seemed that Tiana, Naveen, and Eudora all exclaimed at once. "What?"
Idhal took it smoothly. "Well of course. A princesses job is to provide for her people. You can't do that from halfway around the world."
It seemed like everything was crumbling around Tiana, and at the same time how could she not have seen this coming? Of course she couldn't be princess of Maldonia while living in New Orleans! But the thought of leaving everything she had ever known behind was unthinkable. Yes she would be with Naveen, but what about Mama? What about Lottie and Louis? What about….
"What about my restaurant?" Tiana asked bluntly terrified of the response.
Sunil shifted in his seat and cleared his throat again. Just that reaction told her everything. 'No. No this couldn't be happening,' she thought. 'Not again.'
"Well, you see Tiana," Sunil said, "if you are a princess you'll effectively be one of the top tiers of the government. As such, you… well, I'm sorry to say that you won't be able to own a restaurant."
"That's crazy!" Naveen shouted. Tiana could feel his indignation radiating off of him, but everything seemed to be getting further away. Her breath was quickening and it seemed to be getting darker. Was she going to faint? Oh god.
"It's the law," Idhal said with a frown. "It's a conflict of interest, you see. Without the law anyone could just funnel government funds into their own pockets."
Tiana was feeling light headed now. Oh god, she really was going to faint wasn't she? She concentrated on her breathing, holding Naveen's hand tightly.
"Tiana would never do that," Eudora said, when Tiana didn't speak up.
"I understand," Sunil said, "but it's still the law."
"So change it," Naveen said firmly. "We have that power."
"We can't just change whatever law is inconvenient for us at the time," Idhal said. "It doesn't work like that."
"Well then what's the point!?" Naveen practically shouted.
"Don't raise your voice that way," Sunil said. "I thought we had moved past arguing like this."
"Not when it means Tiana has to give up her dream!" Naveen said. He turned to Tiana and said, "Don't worry, I… are you alright?"
"Babycakes, you don't look so good," Eudora said, sitting up straighter in her chair.
Naveen couldn't believe he hadn't noticed how heavily she was breathing, how the blood seemed to have drained from her face, how tightly she was clutching his hand.
"Tiana?" Naveen asked softly.
"I-" Tiana swallowed and tried again. "I think I need some air."
Eudora immediately stood up and lead Tiana outside.
Naveen turned towards his parents. He too had thought that they were finished arguing like this, that his anger towards them would have subsided now that he was here with Tiana. But apparently he'd been wrong.
{"How could you say that to her?"} Naveen asked in Maldonian. {"I asked you to go easy on her."}
{"This is easy,"} Idhal said. {"Do you want to see hard?}"
Naveen frowned. He knew what hard looked like. {"Why did you have to go and say that to her?"}
{"We simply told her the truth,"} Sunil stated, and spooned up the rest of his gumbo.
{"And you didn't think to mention it sooner?"} Naveen asked.
{"You think it's up to us to tell you all of Maldonia's laws?"} Idhal asked.
{"This is something you should have known anyway, Naveen,"} Sunil said. {"By now you should be well versed in all the laws and customs of Maldonia. I can see now just how seriously you are taking this responsibility…."}
Naveen felt his anger rise. It was just like them to turn this around on him, even if it was partly his own fault. {"Look. I'm sorry I'm not your perfect prince, okay? I'm trying to be better, I really am. But you have to understand. You just told Tiana that she can't have the dream she's been working for her whole life."}
{"Naveen…"}
{"No, listen,"} Naveen cut off his father. {"You don't know how hard she has worked for it. How many obstacles she has faced to get it, or how many times she has heard that she can't do it. But she can and she will."}
{"More than anyone I have ever met, Tiana deserves for her dream to come true,"} Naveen continued. {"You tasted her food. You can see how gifted she is with it. Don't you think she should be able to share that gift with the world?"}
{"Naveen, of course we see that,"} Idhal said.{"But it's still the law, and Tiana has the right to know what will happen if we decide to bless your marriage."}
{"Which we haven't done by the way,"} Sunil clarified.
{"Yes. I know,"} Naveen said softly. He sighed and stood from his seat. {"If you'll excuse me. I need to check on Tiana."}
He left without waiting for their approval.
"Deep breaths, babycakes. That's it."
Tiana sat on the porch swing with her head between her knees while Eudora gently rubbed her back. She tried to concentrate on the steady in and out of her breathing, but her mind inevitably drifted to the conversation at the dinner table. Was this really what was happening? Did this really mean that if she married Naveen she wouldn't be able to have her restaurant?
The words Sunil had said kept repeating themselves in Tiana's mind, and the unfairness of it all struck her hard. She wanted to kick the door open and storm back inside and give Naveen's parents a piece of her mind. How dare they ask her to choose between her dream and the love of her life? Because that's what they were basically saying, you can have one or the other, but you can't have both.
Tiana concentrated on her breathing instead, trying not to let her anger over the situation make her more light headed than she already was. How could they not have mentioned this to her before? Did Naveen know about this law? Tiana dismissed that idea immediately. If he had known, he would have told her. He hated keeping secrets from her, and of course Naveen knew how important her restaurant was.
So then it was just something his parents knew. Even though Tiana didn't know Naveen's family very well, this still surprised her that they would spring it on them all this way. After so many letters written to Idhal, the queen would have had plenty of opportunities to let Tiana know about the law. Maybe they thought she and Naveen already knew about it? Whatever the reason, Tiana wasn't going to spend a lot of time thinking about it.
They could all laugh about this later, when everything was solved and they were all sitting around her restaurant and Naveen, as her husband was by her side.
Because there was no way in hell that Tiana was going to lose either of those things, law be damned. The Shadow Man had shown her what her restaurant would be like without Naveen, and these past six months had given her a taste of what life without him would be like. Tiana never wanted to experience either again.
Tiana took a deep breath and sat up, holding a hand to her forehead as the dizziness faded.
"Are you feeling better?" Eudora asked.
"A little," Tiana said.
The front door opened and Naveen poked his head out. "You're looking better," he said, stepping out to join them on the porch. "I brought you some water."
"Thank you," Tiana said, taking the cup from him. The water tasted cold and refreshing, and it helped clear her head, what little good that did at the moment.
"I'll leave you two alone," Eudora said and stepped back inside.
Tiana had a feeling her mother was going to give Naveen's parents some sort of lecture about how they couldn't talk to Tiana that way, royalty or not. Part of Tiana wanted to see it, but she wasn't ready to go inside yet.
Naveen sat down next to her on the porch swing and took the empty cup from Tiana's hands, setting it aside. "Come here," he said gently and opened his arms to her.
Tiana gladly rested her head on his shoulder as his arms circled around her, holding her tight. It felt so nice to be in his arms like this. Naveen was very good at hugging, and she'd missed that so much when he had been gone. Now all Tiana had to do was make sure he never left like that again.
He peppered her with kisses as he rubbed her back softly. "Are you alright, my love?" he asked quietly after a moment.
Tiana sighed and nestled herself further into his embrace. "I'm alright now."
"Good." He kissed her temple again. "I'm so sorry about all of that," Naveen said, resting his head on top of hers. "I didn't know about the law, and I should have. Even so, my parents shouldn't have brought it up like that. They can be very forthright, sometimes in the worst possible ways. I'm sure you've noticed by now."
"Yes, I've noticed," she said.
Naveen kissed her again, moving to her forehead and then her cheek. Kissing her helped keep his anger at bay, and he was angry. He was angry at his parents, angry at Maldonia, angry about this whole situation. But still, even beyond all those other feelings, Naveen was also growing afraid.
Even though his parents still hadn't approved of their marriage, they had effectively given Tiana a choice - him, or her restaurant. Every scenario that ran through his head only made him tremble more with fear.
Could he really live with himself if Tiana gave up her dream for him? Every day he would have to face the knowledge that such an important part of her hopes and dreams would be gone. Yes they would be together, but at what cost?
Then on the other hand, after knowing what it was like to live without her, Naveen felt like he might die if he had to do that for the rest of his life. Of course he would be happy that her dream was fulfilled, but there would always be a part of him that would wish he could have helped her get there.
It was a horrible feeling of deja vu. He had felt this way when they were still frogs. That night on the riverboat when he had wanted to propose to her. Their circumstances were much different now than they had been, and yet the promise Naveen had made to her that night echoed in his head. 'I promise, I will do whatever it takes to make your dream come true.'
He couldn't break that promise. Much as it pained him, he knew he had to let her go. Even the thought was heartbreaking, and he felt his breath grow shaky as he breathed in to speak. But breathing in this close to her meant breathing her in as well. The scent of her drove him crazy, and Naveen shivered with longing.
He had dreamt of her for so long, how was he supposed to say goodbye? This was even worse than when he had left before, as he knew for sure that this was the end. Naveen kissed her cheek again, letting his lips linger longer that he probably should have. But he needed to savor every moment.
At last he drew another breath. "Tiana, I love you so much," he said softly and stroking her hair. "But I could never ask you to give up your dream."
Tiana tried to pull back, but Naveen held her firm against his chest. Much as he wanted to look at her beautiful face, he was afraid of what he would find there. It seemed easier to talk without looking at her.
"And with this law…" Naveen cleared his throat and swallowed hard. He was getting choked up. Taking another shaky breath he continued. "I don't know if there is a way around it."
"Naveen." Tiana successfully pulled back this time, but Naveen avoided her gaze, still unable to look at her.
"Please Tiana, don't talk me out of this. It's hard enough as it is." His voice was shaky now too.
Tiana clutched his hands. "Naveen, no!"
He brought her hands to his lips and kissed them sweetly. "I don't know how we can be together and for you to have your dream," he said. A tear escaped and Naveen brushed it away quickly. "I couldn't live with myself knowing I'd taken it away from you."
Tiana cupped his face and turned him towards her, but when his eyes still wouldn't meet hers, she brought their lips together instead.
If the kiss surprised Naveen he didn't show it, and soon their hands were clutching each other as the kiss intensified, full of the desire they had held at bay for so long. It felt so wonderful to be kissing her this way. Naveen wanted to go on kissing her forever, he wanted to pull her into his lap and hold her tight, he wanted to lie her down and make love to her right then and there.
He wanted to do many things, but none of them involved Tiana breaking their kiss. When she did just that Naveen cried out and tried to pull her back, but she only came close enough to touch her forehead to his.
Breathing hard, Naveen finally met Tiana's gaze.
"Do you remember," she said, breathless, "what I said to you before midnight on Mardi Gras?"
Naveen tried to catch his breath as he combed through his memories. Mardi Gras seemed like years ago, but then it started to come back. Mardi Gras was when the night they tried to break the spell, and he had been going to kiss Charlotte to do it.
"You told me you loved me," Naveen whispered, trembling at the memory of that first time she had said those words to him. Of all the times she had said it since.
Tiana nodded and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. "I also said that my dream isn't complete without you in it," she said. "I meant it then, and I mean it now."
"Oh, Tiana."
She kissed him again, loving the way he kissed her back. "I think we can both agree that these past six months have been torture."
Naveen huffed out a short laugh. "That's putting it mildly."
"I can't go through that again."
He nuzzled against her softly. "Me either.
"I can't give up my dream though."
"I told you, I would never-"
Tiana placed a finger over his lips. "I know."
Naveen kissed her finger, her palm, her wrist, making her shiver despite the hot humid air. "So what do you propose we do then?"
"I don't know exactly," Tiana said, giggling as Naveen started kissing up her arm. "I don't know enough about Maldonia to say for certain. But I think we'll have to fight for it. For us, and for the restaurant. If you're willing, that is."
Naveen had kissed his way up to her neck now, and had wrapped his arms around her again. "Always, my love," he whispered against her skin, making her shiver again. "I've lied awake so many nights, thinking of you and imagining our future. Building your dream together has always seemed to magical to me." He kissed her neck again. "I want that so much. I want it so much more than I can possibly say, but," he pulled back to look her in the eyes, "do you really think we can do it?"
Tiana smiled and cupped his cheek. "We've survived everything else the world has thrown at is."
"The Shadow Man," Naveen offered.
"A curse," Tiana replied.
"Kedar."
"So I think we can survive this too," Tiana said.
Naveen smiled at her. God he loved this woman.
"Ever since we got that first letter from your parents and through these past six months I've felt so frustrated because I didn't know how to go forward," Tiana said. "All this stuff with your parents and Maldonia…. There's so much about it that I don't know."
Naveen laughed to himself. She wasn't the only one here who didn't know much about Maldonia.
"But now we know what's in our way," Tiana continued. "It's not abstract anymore, and we can figure a way around it." She laughed softly. "I haven't the slightest idea how, but for the first time in a long time I'm feeling confident, and I don't know about you, but I'm going to hold onto that feeling."
He brushed his lips with hers in a soft kiss. "You're right," Naveen said. "You're absolutely right." He kissed her again, he couldn't stop himself. "We can do anything as long as we are together. I know we can get my parents on our side, and then they'll have to see how ridiculous that law is."
Once more he brought their lips together. And then once more, and then once more after that.
Tiana giggled into his kisses, smiling all the while. It was so good to have him back. "I love you, Naveen."
"I love you, too."
She had wrapped her arms around his neck and was now twirling his curls around her finger. "Do you think it's time we headed back inside?"
"I suppose," he said with a sigh. "Though I would much rather stay out here."
Tiana giggled again. "Me too."
They sat in silence for a moment, then Tiana said, "My Mama's probably gonna kill us if we stay out here much longer though."
"Oh." Naveen reluctantly stood and held out his hand to Tiana. "Sounds like we'd better go inside, then."
When they walked back inside, the air was tense, though Tiana was glad to see her prediction about Eudora's lecture to Naveen's parents seemed to have come true. They both had sheepish looks on their faces, while Eudora gave her a sly smile. If Tiana had to guess, she would say that this was the first time the king and queen had ever been scolded in such a way. Tiana was definitely going to ask her mother what she had said to them later.
Sunil cleared his throat after they sat back down. "Tiana, let me begin -"
But Tiana held up her hand to stop him. "I would like to say something."
Sunil gestured for her to continue.
Under the table, Naveen took Tiana's hand and gave her a squeeze.
"Naveen and I are very much in love, and we want to be married" she said simply. "But you knew that already. The whole reason you came all this way is to see if I'll be a good match for Naveen and a good princess for Maldonia, and I understand that.
"I may not know what it takes to be a good princess, but I want you to know that I'm willing to learn. I told you before that I'm not afraid of the responsibility, and I meant that. I'm also not afraid to work hard and fight for what I believe in."
Tiana took a deep breath. She wasn't used to this much attention from so many people. But the looks from her mother and Naveen were encouraging so she continued. "I've been working hard for my restaurant my whole life. One of the reasons I love Naveen so much is that he understands just how important my dream is to me."
Naveen brought Tiana's hand to his lips and kissed it softly. "Ammi, Baba…. I could never ask Tiana to give up her dream."
"But we need each other," Tiana said.
"So what are you saying?" Idhal asked.
"We want to be married," Tiana started.
"And have Tiana's restaurant," Naveen finished.
Sunil sighed. "Son, the law-"
"I know, Baba," Naveen interrupted. "But you've said it yourself that laws must be updated to stay relevant. Maybe it's time this one changed."
"Hmm," Sunil stroked his mustache. "Of all the things I've said over the years about laws, I never expected you to actually listen."
"We're not saying that the solution has to be found tonight," Tiana offered. "But this is what Naveen and I have decided we want."
"It's what we need," Naveen clarified.
Tiana caught Eudora's eye, and was pleased to find her mother beaming with pride.
Idhal gave a soft sigh as she sat back in her chair. "Well, this certainly makes things more interesting."
Sunil was smoothing down his mustache again. "I think…." he paused, and all their eyes turned to him. "I think it is an admirable goal."
Tiana could have jumped for joy but she didn't want to let go of Naveen's hand, which was now gripping hers tighter than ever.
"But I warn you," Sunil continued, "changing a Maldonian law is a complicated process, and nothing passes without my approval." He gave Tiana and Naveen each a long look. "I wish you the best of luck, but my mind is not easily swayed."
"Would some dessert help?" Tiana asked before she could think that maybe it wasn't a good idea to joke about this kind of thing.
Luckily Sunil laughed heartily. "It certainly doesn't hurt," he said, and smiled at her with a twinkle in his eyes.
The rest of the dinner went by smoothly much to Tiana's pleasant surprise. Everyone seemed to enjoy her beignets, especially Naveen of course. He snuck her back into the kitchen to kiss her with his lips covered in sugar. Man catching beignets, indeed.
It wasn't long after dessert that Ravi curled up on the easy chair and fell asleep. This seemed to signal the end of the party. The royal family said their thanks and wished Tiana and Eudora goodnight. Then Sunil gathered his youngest son in his arms and carried him to the car that was idling outside.
"Wait are we really leaving?" Naveen asked, glancing from his family to Tiana. He certainly didn't want to leave just yet.
"Ravi is asleep, darling," Idhal said, as she went through the door, "and we don't want to wake him. Say your goodnights, but don't dawdle please."
"But-"
"Naveen," Sunil whispered. "Five minutes. And I'm counting."
Ugh. This was so embarrassing. He felt like a child. But five minutes was five minutes, and after his parents stepped off the porch, Naveen took Tiana back in his arms and kissed her tenderly. It was so lovely to kiss her like this.
"Tonight wasn't too terrible, was it?" he asked.
"Well, you're here and that's all that mattered to me," Tiana replied.
He had to kiss her for that.
"I wish I didn't have to go," Naveen whispered, holding her close. "Even with this dinner party I feel like I hardly got to spend time with you." There was still so much he wanted to do and to say with her.
"I know what you mean." Her fingers twirled his hair again, and it made Naveen's insides squirm in the best possible way. "I have a feeling it's going to be harder to spend time together like we used to. At least for a little while."
Naveen gave her a soft smile, happily remembering all those times spent together, nights on the porch where they kissed, or dancing at the Paradise where they would kiss, or cooking lessons where he would sneak in some kisses too. Surely not all of that would be put on hold with his parents here, right? But Naveen could hear the engine idling outside and he could easily picture his father looking at his watch counting down the seconds before he would come and drag Naveen away.
It seemed Tiana had a point, and yet Naveen wondered.
"I do have an idea," he said, lowering his voice and giving her a wicked grin.
"Uh oh," she said with a smile on her face. "What is it?"
"What would you think if I came to see you tonight?"
"What?!" Tiana exclaimed, then immediately covered her mouth with her hand. She glanced around to make sure no one heard her, but Eudora was in the kitchen washing the dishes, and everyone else was still outside. She came in closer to Naveen and whispered, "Are you crazy?"
"Crazy for you," Naveen whispered back and kissed her nose.
Tiana shivered. "But … how? I can't let you in the front door!"
"There is still the trellis below your window, yes? I can climb up that way," Naveen said. "I'll throw some pebbles at your window to let you know I am there, and you can let me in."
"You really are crazy," Tiana said with a laugh, but the idea of it was so tempting. To be alone with Naveen in her room after all this time… how many times had she imagined just this exact scenario? And yet now that it was here in front of her it felt incredibly naughty. Not naughty enough to say no, though.
Still, she couldn't resist teasing him.
Tiana leaned into his embrace and raised an eyebrow at him. "I thought we weren't going to do this type of thing, hmm? What happened to not sneaking around and doing things properly?"
"I was a fool when I said that," Naveen whispered to her. "I want you, Tiana. I've hardly been able to sleep for want of you. But we don't have to do anything like that if you are feeling unsure." He kissed her again, lightly this time. "I just want to spend some time with you where we can be alone and not have to worry about anyone else. I've missed you so much."
"I've missed you too," Tiana said. She cupped his cheek and kissed him softly on the mouth. "You know, Mama is a heavy sleeper."
Naveen perked up. "Is that a yes?"
Tiana bit her lip and glanced around again. "What time can you be here?"
Naveen grinned widely. He wanted to kiss her again and again, but the five minutes were almost up. Besides, there would be plenty of time for that later. "I don't know exactly," he said. "I have to wait until my parents go to bed, and then I'll need to wait longer to make sure they are asleep. That, unfortunately, can take some time. Ammi, well, she gets restless, especially after long journeys."
Tiana's face fell, but Naveen kissed her. The headlights on the car flashed. It was time for him to go.
"Look, I don't want you waiting up for me all night," Naveen said quickly.
"I would though," Tiana said.
Naveen kissed her again. "I know." He tucked a curl behind her ear. "If I'm not here by one o'clock then I wasn't able to come. Not for lack of trying, mind you."
The lights flashed again, and Naveen kissed Tiana once more. "I love you, Tiana. I'll see you tonight."
"I'll be waiting."