The inside of Sweet Basil had been redecorated for the holidays. Holly and evergreen lined each nook and cranny as well as themed pictures and candles. The hostess smiled warmly as the four of us approached, "I presume you're with the Emerson party?" David nodded, a slight smile formed on his lips, "Yes, we are." She gestured to follow her with a quick wave of her wrist. The way was crowded with full tables; waiters walking to and fro. I smiled as we neared our table. The boys had dressed in nicer clothing than they usually adorned and the sight made a giggle form in my throat. I swallowed harshly to keep it down. Max stood, reaching his hand out for my father's, "I'm Max, David's father. This is my wife Lucy and our other children," He pointed to each one in turn, going in a descending order, "Michael, Dwayne, Paul, Marko, Star, Sam and the youngest Laddie." My dad smiled, "Nice to meet you, this is my wife Katherine. What a great bunch of good looking children!" I smirked as David pulled my chair out and then made his way around the table to sit across from me. Quickly the waiter took our orders and then whisked away to put them in the kitchen window.
Max was talking to my dad about how well the restaurant was doing, even mentioning his other business back in California that was still doing well. Lucy was deep in conversation with my mom about the upcoming school semester for Sam and Laddie. The rest of the family was either talking lowly amongst themselves or not talking at all. Sam elbowed me in the side while whispering, "How do you think it's going?" I looked up and around at everyone once again before talking, "As well as we could expect. I think." He nodded, "Me too." Rubbing his hands together he nodded in a direction, "Here comes the food. I'm starving." I shook my head; eyes meeting David's. In them was an emotion I couldn't place…they seemed darker than usual, and it seemed liked he was in a debate with himself about something. Raising an eyebrow, I leaned closer to him, "Penny for your thoughts?" Quickly his eyes went back to normal, his familiar smirk formed, "All in good time. Enjoy your food; I know I am going to try too." He winked and I chuckled a bit. The understanding that it wasn't his preferred meal of choice passed between us.
All too soon the meal seemed to whisk by and the party divided amongst various cars to make the drive to the house. David drove as I sat quietly, watching the trees go by, "So…are you nervous, babe?" My gaze drifted over to him as I laid my head back against the seat, "No, I think my parents are safe with Max and Lucy." His laughter rumbled out into the confined space. It sent shivers down my spine as he calmed down and spoke again, "You know what I mean." Shrugging I played with the hem of my dress, "Nah, not really. Things seem to be going well." He noticed my hesitance and placed a hand on one of mine, "What's wrong?" I tightened my grasp on his hand, "What if I agree to join the family…in that way. This will be the last time I see them. Right?" He sighed and pulled the car to a stop at the side of the road. He turned his whole body towards me, placing his hands on either side of my face, "Sage, I would never ask you to do something you didn't want to do. It's entirely your choice…but yes, this would be one of the last times you would see them. The other would be our wedding."
My heart skipped a beat at the last of his words, "You really want to marry me?" He placed a small kiss on my temple, "Yes, but it's more like we have to get married twice…" I pulled my eyebrows down in confusion, "What do you mean?" He took his hands off my face and restarted the car, finishing the topic as we drove. His husky voice seemed shaky, "Well, we would obviously have a ceremony for your family and friends. After that we would have to hold a ceremony with a High Priest from Max's family. In it, we pledge our eternal lives together and you would also pledge to learn the ways of being a vampire." My thoughts flash back to Max's words mentioning a High Order wedding, "What else happens?" He parked the car behind the others, "We drink each other's blood and you become a vampire…forever." He got out and walked around to let me out, we walked up the porch slowly after the others. He stopped me from going in, his eyes intense with emotion like they were at dinner, "The others already know…I fully intend on asking your fathers permission this evening. I will be asking you to marry me tomorrow after Midnight Mass. I want you to know and understand the implications of when you say yes. Please, think about it and make the decision you will be able to live with." He gave me a slight smile, before kissing my hand and leading me into the house.
My mother smiled at me, holding out her hand to bring me to her side. As I wrapped my arm around her waist I watched David walk over to his brothers. They seemed to be having a conversation amongst themselves. My father joined them and they all began to talk lively, jesting with each other. Max made drinks for everyone and the evening began to unfold pleasantly. Star, Lucy, my mother and myself found ourselves in the kitchen, helping set things up for the next day. My thoughts drifted to what David had told me and I seriously began to think about…it. It wasn't just a maybe anymore…David wanted me to marry him and become a member of the Vampire family. I would have to live off blood and kill living things, the thought made me shudder. I walked to the doorway and leaned against the paneling. All the boys had sat around the table and where playing cards. David looked over at me with a genuine smile, his eyes were bright and I knew at once…that it didn't matter. I would find a way to be happy as a vampire. I would say yes.
Soon the grandfather clock in the hallway sounded 2 am. My mother yawned holding her hand delicately in front of her mouth as she stood from the table and gave Lucy a hug, "It was lovely to meet you. When Sage came home, she couldn't stop talking about you and your family." Lucy smiled at me as she returned the hug, "I'm glad we could do this and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow for our Christmas Eve party." I walked with my mom to the door as she motioned for dad to join her. Lucy had called a taxi for them but David intervened, "No, I wouldn't be able to sleep knowing you spent money on something so trivial. I'll give you ride back to the hotel and then one of the boys will pick you up tomorrow." My parents nodded their thanks and told everyone goodnight. My dad pulled me into hug, "See you soon, sweet pea." I nodded as I watched them walk down the porch steps and get into the car. Star grabbed my arm and pulled me playfully back inside the house, "Your mother has a nice sense of humor." I laughed as Max refilled my glass, "Really? I always thought differently." I noticed the guys getting ready to leave, "Time to go…feed?" They nodded, Dwayne walked over to me and gave me a quick hug, "We have to, every night. You'll get used to it. I promise." He smiled and lead the rest of them outside. I didn't hear their bikes, so I looked out the window to see them flying away at high speeds. I shook my head as I took a sip of wine, thinking to myself, "I hope so…"