I don't own RvB.

"We can't afford a place like this." Allison whispered to Leonard before sitting down in the chair he had just pulled out for her.

"Don't worry about it, honey." He responded. She sighed, and he took her hand, which was set on the table.

"Sorry I'm late," Leonard's dad spoke, advancing towards the table. "I got lost." Church tried to suppress his laughter.

"Allison, you look beautiful. Leonard, you look…nice." Allison giggled and Leonard scowled.

"Well, people have always told me I look like my dad." He retorted.

"Excuse me, I'm gonna go to the restroom." Tex said before standing up. Church kissed her hand and then let go.

"You really do love her, don't you?" His dad asked.

"More than my own life."

"Your mom is convinced that she's… holding you hostage."

"And you aren't? I don't know why she's having so much trouble with it, but you've magically turned into some kind of nice guy that's actually supportive of me." His dad started to respond when he was interrupted.

"Excuse me, Mr. Michael, Mr. Leonard? Would you like some wine samples or menus?" The waiter asked.

"Allison's more of a beer person and I'm driving, so I'll take a coke and she'll take whatever your best tap beer is." Leonard told the waiter.

"I'll just take a water." Michael said. The waiter nodded and left.

"Sorry about that, there was a massive line." Allison apologized, sitting back down. Leonard took her hand again and smiled.

"What were you going to say, dad?" Leonard asked.

"I was going to say that… I was angry for so long. I thought that you left because you were unhappy with the life we had built for you. And now, I realize you weren't happy. We built your life. We expected you to just grow up and take over the family store and like it. But, you had other plans. You got a girlfriend. You got in trouble. You had fun. You got arrested a couple times. Then, she needed you, you began prioritizing, and we didn't understand. Finally, you left." He paused, taking a drink of his water. "We thought that she was taking you from us."

"Why is it so hard to understand that I am capable of making my own decisions?!"

"Because you're our son. You'll understand someday. Hopefully someday soon, your mother has always wanted grandkids." Leonard looked at Allison. She leaned over and kissed his cheek.

"Anyway," He continued. "I understand now. You grew up. You became a man, you've got a hell of a girl and a super cool job. I want to be a part of your life, and I know your mom does too. She just needs some time."

Leonard exhaled and took a large drink of Allison's beer.

"I'd like that, dad."

Short chapter because I wanted to get this parent stuff out of the way because now I can get into the wedding, so get ready because the next chapter starts

2 MONTHS IN THE FUTURE!