Hey-hey! It's me! :D

Glad you liked last chapter! I didn't, so glad someone did ;) And I like this chapter now, so...

I won't waffle on about random stuff, I'll just say that I don't own SWAC and I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 45 - Chad Comes To Dinner

Chad's POV

I head home that night with a plan. Okay, so I chickened out of proposing to Sonny today… but next time, I'm gonna make sure I'm prepared.

So, I have a kind-of plan. I know I'm going to propose to Sonny in the next week – even if it's on So Random, in front of the millions of viewers, I have to do it sometime this week. If not, I might not get the chance, or the courage, to do so for another few years.

I spend the whole of Saturday trying to find the perfect ring, which is lucky, because Sonny texts me on Friday night to say that she's busy this weekend and can't hang out. That's great – more alone time to find the perfect thing for her. I do find the one though – an amazing, sparkling ring with countless little diamonds around it and a big diamond on the top. I know Sonny doesn't like it too much when I spoil her – but it's the freaking engagement ring. It's gotta be perfect – and expensive. I also get the man to engrave a special message on the inside. Sure, that's extra fee, but Sonny's worth it.

I then spend some of Sunday trying to plan what I'm gonna say to her – I know. Weird. but I want this to be absolutely perfect. Sonn deserves no less than perfect, so that's what she's getting.

I go to bed that night with a positive attitude about the whole thing and the ring sat at my bedside, knowing that this time next week, I'm gonna be an engaged man.

Sonny's POV

"And now, let's get back to Mackenzie Falls…"

I'm sat in front of the TV in the living room with my Mom, my Uncle Stuart, Auntie Lisa, and their two kids, 10 year old Emma and 7 year old Willow, watching my guest-starring episode on Mackenzie Falls on Sunday night. I know Mackenzie Falls used to air on a Wednesday, but it's been changed around now. I don't know why – something to do with the ratings and the audience or something like that.

I really didn't know my family were coming for a visit (or a small chunk of my family anyway) – when I arrived home on Friday they were just here, and I was glad to see them, really. It means I haven't been able to visit Chad though, which is a shame because I want to know what's wrong with him. But I've had fun over the weekend, and I'll be able to see Chad tomorrow, when I go back to work, especially since he's guest-starring on So Random this week to pay for our little bet. So no worries, right?

The last few minutes of the show go by quickly, and at the end, everyone claps and cheers for me, except Willow, who's fast asleep on my lap, a brown curl of hair stuck to her forehead. I giggle – she must be so tired from our little tour around Hollywood yesterday. Tawni offered to show the relatives around Hollywood , and she was amazing with keeping Willow and Emma awake and entertained. And I thought she was only good with Abby – but Tawni's good with all kids. Huh, I never thought I'd say this, but she'd make an awesome mother someday!

"That was amazing, Sonny!" Auntie Lisa says with a grin, which makes me blush. "You and Mackenzie were so sweet together! I can see why you guys are together in real life."

"Speaking of which, when do we get to meet the boy?" Uncle Stu asks, and I cringe at his tone. Ever since my Dad left, Uncle Stu really was my father figure. Which means, any guy who wants to be with me has to pass the Stu test. No, really. It's kind of embarrassing, and he's not even my real dad! I guess he's just very protective to his family – we're all so close, we all care about each other so much.

"Uh, I could invite him round tomorrow for dinner." I say, before turning to my Mom, who's sat on the couch with the other adults. I put on a bright, happy voice and chirp, "That okay, mother dear?"

"It's fine." She says bitter-sweetly, "As long as nothing goes on. You remember last time?"

Oh yeah… the mud-fight incident. I feel so embarrassed at its mention, it's like my cheeks have been suddenly dyed red, and it feels like someone's turned the heating up by about 1000 degrees.

"Mom!" I hiss, "We weren't doing anything!"

"Good." She says sternly, "Best keep it that way."

"Don't worry, Mom." I say, resisting from rolling my eyes, "Chad and I are fine the way we are – we won't do anything like that… now can we change the subject, please?"

"Yes, please." Emma says, "I don't even know what you guys are talking about, and I really don't think I want to."

"No," I giggle, "You really don't."

The subject is changed after this, luckily for me. I'm just glad no-one asks me for anymore info on mine and Chad's relationship – I hate being interrogated about it. It's quite scary, and very awkward.

The next day, I walk into the So Random studio with a smile on my face. Sure, I kind of miss the hustle-and-bustle of working on a number-one drama show, but as they say, there's no place like home. And for me, So Random is my second Hollywood home – and the cast are my second family.

"Hey, Sonny!" Tawni says as she notices me, and she hands me this week's script, smiling. "Haven't seen you in a while, stranger!"

I laugh, "I was on last week's show, remember? Just because I was working on Mackenzie Falls doesn't mean I forgot about you guys!"

"Promise? She says, putting on a pouty face, and I just laugh and hug her. "So where's our guest star for this week?" She asks, pulling away from the hug and looking round for, I presume, Chad, "I'm surprised you guys didn't come in together tied to each other's waists!"

I roll my eyes and flick her with the script, before hearing steps behind me, creeping up sneakily. I chuckle. Must be the not-so-quiet footsteps of my boyfriend.

"Guess who?" He coos, covering my eyes with his hands, and I try not to laugh.

"I know it's you, you idiot." I say.

"You who?" He says in that same chirpy voice, and I snort with laughter.

"You, as in, Chad Dylan Cooper you." I say, before adding with a laugh and innocent eyes, "You haven't got amnesia now, have you Chaddy?"

He holds back a laugh, before mimicking my innocent face and saying, "Who's Chaddy?"

I bite back another laugh and flick him with my script, and Tawni giggles next to me.

"That thing is a lethal weapon with you, Sonshine." She smirks, mimicking Chad's nickname for me, before walking over to the others, and I turn to face Chad with a happy smile.

"Hi…" I say, swaying from side to side in a lovey-dovey motion.

"Hi…" He replies, doing the same thing. I try to carry out some kind of conversation, but right now, I don't know why, I feel more in love with him than ever. And something tells me he feels the same. And that means the only word that can come out of our mouths is…

"Hi…" I repeat after a few seconds of silence. I then remember how he acted on Friday and my bubbling mood goes slightly flat like an old bottle of soda. "Is everything okay?" I ask him, "I mean, after what happened Friday…"

"Yeah!" He grins, putting an arm around my back and leading me to the other Randoms, "What is there to not be okay about? I've got a wonderful girlfriend, awesome job, great family…"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa…" I say, digging my feet into the ground (which I know sounds weird considering the ground is lino) and turning to face him. "Who are you and what have you done with my Chaddy?"

Chad then smirks, "Okay, you got me." He says, putting his hands up in mock surrender, "I abducted him for an experiment on awesome people of the Earth."

I giggle uncontrollably.

"I'm serious," He says with a sneer, "He's up in my spaceship having his awesomeness drained from him by some big space-y machine thing."

"Yeah…" I say in-between my laughs (which sound kinda crazed…), "Real convincing, ET."

"Hey, Chad!" Tawni yells from the other side of the room, "Leave Sonny alone! If she laughs anymore she may die!"

"I'm not gonna stop it!" Chad shouts back, "I'm enjoying the laughter too much to let it stop!"

I whack Chad once again with the script, wrapping an arm around him and leading him to the other Randoms. Hmm, I guess, whatever was wrong with Chad on Friday, it's been solved. He sure seems happy now. "Let's just get over there, you freak." I say, dragging him along by the hand.

"Ah, but I'm your freak." He winks.

"Seriously…" I laugh, "What the heck is wrong with you?"

"Nothing, Sonny-Son." He says, "Just getting in the random mood ready for being a Random this week. Besides, I have an awesome surprise for you in the next few days…"

"Ooh! A surprise?" I say, "Me like surprises! Tell me what it is!"

"Well, if I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise, now would it?" He laughs, and I tilt my head in thought.

No. I guess not.

"So, did you see the Mackenzie Falls yesterday?" Chad asks, and I nod.

"I watched it with my family, and they all loved it!" I say with a happy squeal.

"Your family?" Chad asks, his brow crinkling in confusion. Ah, he looks so cute when he does that.

"Yeah, my family." I say, "Well, a small chunk of 'em. They came to visit for the weekend, and they're going home tomorrow morning." A lightbulb then goes off in my head as I remember what they asked of me last night, "How would you like to come round to my house tonight for dinner to meet them?"

"Tonight?" He asks with a smile, and I nod. "I'd love to."

"Good!" I chirp.

"Good." He winks back, and I realise what I've started.

"Fine."

"Fine."

We continue our little fight for ages, until finally all the Randoms simultaneously tell us to shut up, and we laugh and high-five each other in our successful efforts to annoy everyone, before Marshall arrives and rehearsals start.

The day of rehearsals goes quick, and it's not long before I'm at home, getting ready for Chad's visit. I root through my closet, trying to find my best dress, and after a few minutes (cough, two hours, cough) I finally find something suitable – a silver dress with spaghetti straps, and a black sequinned cardigan (I'm not sure, is that what you guys call them in America? I really don't know…), along with a necklace with two diamond-encrusted charms on – a 'C' and an 'S', as in Chad and Sonny, which Chad bought me for my eighteenth birthday. I touch up my make-up a little, before running into the hallway just as the doorbell rings. I gulp anxiously as I open the door.

I don't know why I'm so nervous – I'm acting like this is our first date! I guess I just want everyone to enjoy it, and, more importantly, to get along with Chad. If my family approve of him, I'll know he's the one (not that I don't know that now).

I open the door, twirling a length of my hair around my finger, beaming like an idiot. There, looking handsome as usual, stands Chad, smiling, holding a bunch of multi-colored flowers. He looks incredible, as usual.

"Hey!" He grins when he sees me, straightening his navy blue jacket. I scan the rest of his outfit, the clean white shirt, the black jeans… he looks so handsome…

"Hi…" I say flirtatiously, "You look great!"

"You too…" He says, scanning me, before looking up into my eyes, "As usual, of course." He then looks behind me and beams, "Hey, Ms Munroe! These are for you…"

He hands Mom the flowers, who I've only just realised is behind me. She takes the flowers, smiling. "Thanks, Chad!" She grins, "They're lovely…"

Mom walks off to put them in water, and Chad puts an arm around me. "Don't worry sweetie," He says, kissing me lightly on the cheek, "I've got a present for you too."

"Ooh!" I grin, clapping quietly, "Can I see it yet?"

"Not yet…" He says softly, "Just wait a little, Sonshine."

"Fine." I groan.

"Fine." He winks. I don't carry on the fight though; instead, I lead him into the living room, where the family are waiting. When they notice us enter, they smile.

"Ah, so this is him!" Auntie Lisa says, looking up from her book and peering at Chad over the rim of her reading glasses. Uncle Stu does the same (minus the glasses thing because he doesn't have glasses, and yes, my family are intense book-readers. I once dared my Aunt to read the whole of the Twilight Saga and she did it in 4 days. Wowza, right?), and I suddenly feel Chad's hand tense up a little. So I squeeze it tightly for comfort and I feel him relax a little, before walking up to the couch, going to shake Stu's hand and give Lisa a peck on the cheek, which makes me giggle.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both," Chad says politely, "Sonny's always talking about how much she cares about her family, and I've been wanting to meet the clan for ages."

The two of them smile and nod approvingly to Chad's first words to them, and I inwardly cheer for my boyfriend. So far, so good!

"Dinner's ready!" Mom yells from the kitchen/dining room, and we all head into the room, Chad gripping onto my hand and trying to restrain himself from running in there, and I feel the sudden need to snigger at him. I know Chad – when he's hungry, he's more like a starved bull. Gotta love him.

"So, Chad…" Uncle Stu says after a few minutes of random conversation while tucking into his dinner, "How long have you known Sonny?"

Uh oh. Munroe-family boyfriend-interrogation time. Chad seems to take it okay though; he's answered every one of the questions thrown at him so far with a smile and an honest answer that's managed to please the whole table. And, if his confident body language is anything to go by, this topic on me and him is gonna be no different. Ha, my boyfriend rocks!

"Uh, it's been almost three years…" He says, "But we've been a sort-of couple for about two years." He then turns to me with a big smile spreading across his adorable face, "That's about right, isn't it, Sonshine?"

"Yeah…" I reminisce, "Two awesome years, with a little break in the middle."

"An agonising break." Chad adds, which makes me giggle.

"But you know what they say…" I grin, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."

"That was definitely the case here…" Chad says, before kissing me lightly on the cheek, causing the women in the room (including me) to "Aw". Well, except the girls, Emma and Willow, who pulls faces and groan.

"Ah, someday you girls will feel the same way." I say with a smirk, before giving Chad a return kiss, and they both groan simultaneously.

"Not while we're eating, please!" Emma moans, before cautiously pushing her food around her plate and then dropping her knife and fork onto the plate and folding her arms, "I think I'm put off my food now." She huffs.

"You hadn't touched it anyway." Lisa says.

"And I won't now." Emma insists. Lisa groans at her daughter's fussiness, and begins to get up to talk to her, but Chad stops her.

"Allow me…" He says, getting up and walking over to Emma, before whispering something into her ear. The moment he does, she grabs her cutlery again and starts tucking into her food like she hasn't eaten in years. Chad sits back down next to me and winks at me, leading everyone else to gaze at him in awe.

"How the heck did you do that?" Lisa asks, "She's so fussy at home…"

"Easy," Chad shrugs, "I have a stubborn brother at home who I've been taking care of for quite a while. You start to learn the tricks on what makes them happy."

Lisa grips her chest in shock and sighs sympathetically, "You take care of your brother all on your own?"

"And sister." Chad adds, "But not on my own. At least, not now that I have Sonny."

"Aw…" Lisa sighs, "That's so sweet! Something tells me you two would make excellent parents one day."

"We know." Chad grins.

"Speaking of which…" Lisa continues, "Have you two thought about, well, you know… the future? I know it's a hard topic to think of, but… have you?"

Chad suddenly sparks up a little and he smiles shyly, "It's funny you'd mention that, ma'am," He says. Huh, what does he mean by that? "We have thought about it a little. But we haven't really done anything about it."

"That's not true…" I protest, "You gave me the promise ring."

"True…" Chad says, "But… I've wanted to say something to you, Sonny, for a few days now. A week ago, I wouldn't have even thought of it, but now… I know that I have to say it, because I love you and never want to lose you. I was gonna wait till later in the week until I said this, but I just now will do just fine too. And I don't care how crazy it makes me sound, because I just… I want to be with you forever…"

He then takes my right hand. I can feel him shaking, nervous, and I start to wonder what he's about to say. Think about what he just said, you idiot. He's gonna… you know? No, I don't. Ugh, you're hopeless. Oh my God. Is he…? Looks like it, genius.

He then fishes around in his back pocket, and I suddenly feel sick with nerves. I can't believe this is really happening… the air is so thin, so tense… you could cut it with a butter knife. He pulls out a small, velvet box, and I gasp with shock, surprise, and happiness. He then opens the box and I'm blinded by the shine coming from inside the box. You may not be surprised to hear that, although I'm nervous and totally shocked… I'm also excited beyond belief!

"You've probably guessed what I'm about to say…" Chad chuckles, "And I know it's a little bit of a surprise, but… Sonny, will you marry me?"

The air is so quiet, you could hear a penny drop. I feel my cheeks grow from grinning, and I try to say something, but I'm honestly speechless. In a good way though, believe me.

"I know we said we were gonna wait," Chad is saying, "But to be honest… why wait? It's not like we'd be making the wrong decision coz we're never gonna break up, right?"

All I can do is nod.

"And we don't have to get married straight away, right?" He continues, "I guess we can wait a few years before we actually do get married… but I just want you to know that I love you so much, and, well, that's what I'm doing this for. So… what do you say?"

I open my mouth to say 'Yes', but my throat is dry, and my heart is thumping like a drum. I also feel a little sick from all the excitement. But it's a good kind of sick… if that's even possible.

"Chad, I'd…" I finally find the breath and the words to thank him for this amazing gesture and to accept his proposal, until I notice the panic-struck look on my mother's face in the background. She grabs a few people's finished plates and gets up, avoiding eye contact with anyone, before heading to the kitchen. I watch her go in a panic. Is she okay? What do I do? I can't leave Chad just hanging like this, but my mother…

"I'll be right back, Chad," I say, "My Mom…"

"It's okay." Chad smiles a little, wiping away the slight disappointment and changing it to understanding, "You go."

I smile at him thankfully, before getting up and walking into the kitchen. When I get there, Mom is sat at the breakfast table, looking confused and upset.

"Mom?" I say softly, and she looks up to see me with a frown, "I-is everything okay?"

"I don't know, Sonny…" She says, "I'm worried about this thing with you and Chad…"

"You think he's moving too fast?" I ask, and she nods sadly. I take a seat next to her. "Mom, it's okay. Chad and I will be fine. I want to say yes to him, I really do, and if that scares you a little that I'm saying it so quick… I'm sorry, but I know I'm not going to be making the wrong decision."

"That's what I thought when your father proposed to me when I was your age." Mom blurts out, and I suddenly freeze up.

"W-what?" I stutter.

"I thought nothing would break up me and your father either," She continues, "Until he just left."

I frown, "Mom, you think Chad's gonna just leave me?"

She doesn't react.

"Coz he won't," I say, "Chad loves me – he wouldn't do that."

I've never exactly known the true story of my Mom and Dad – except for the fact that when I came along, Dad left. And it wasn't like my Mom was young when she had me either – my Dad was just a jerk, the way I heard it.

"Chad would never do that." I say, feeling tears sting in the back of my eyes at the very thought of it.

"Please, honey, just think about it…" Mom says, holding my hands tightly, "Getting married at eighteen?"

"Well, we won't get married right away," I protest, "Chad just said we could wait years before we actually do!"

"I don't know, sweetie…" She says, "Just… take it from someone who's experienced this – maybe you should wait a little before you do say yes to a boy, whether it's Chad or not…"

"It will be Chad." I say, "I know it will."

"You don't know thought, Sonny, that's the thing." Mom says, "You never know. Something bad could happen to break you two up, and believe me – that's a much easier thing to get through when you're just boyfriend and girlfriend rather than husband and wife. I just want you to be happy…"

"Fine." I say, "Then let me be happy. Let me go in there and tell Chad that I'd love to marry him."

"Fine." Mom frowns, "You do that. Do that, and then live to regret it."

I scowl at my Mom for even daring to suggest that Chad wouldn't stay with me forever. We love each other so much… we're not going to break up! Even though Mom has a point… no, she doesn't! She can't be right… Chad loves me… I know he does…

I think he does.

No, I know he does.

…Don't I?

I walk back into the dining room, where everyone, including Chad, is still sat. Chad's face lights up when he sees me. I think he's just happy to see my Mom didn't force me to run away from here and never come back.

"So… Sonny?" He asks, flashing the ring once more. "What do you say?"

I smile at him, happy. Isn't this what I've wanted for years? But then, seeing my Mom worried like that… it hurt. And she has a point, waited a few years wouldn't hurt… but then, getting married now wouldn't either.

Oh… what to do?

Yeah... cliff-hanger. Sorry... review and I'll give you her answer quicker! :D

So what do you think? What will she say? What will everyone else say about it? Review! :D