Whitney and Kevin's dating began to become even more serious once they realized that they loved each other. It had become evident that they enjoyed being around one another, were comfortable with each other and formed a bond that they never experienced with anyone else. They could talk to each other about any and everything, without any bars being held and they were there for each other in ways that they never had in their first marriages. Soon magazines broke out the news of their dating, putting them on the cover of all of the tabloids of their "steaming hot romance". In interviews, they both would admit that they were smitten with one another and that they were seeing each other. However, they didn't give the press too much detail. This is turn drove the media wild, to figure out the secret and any dirty details of the oncoming "it" couple of Hollywood. The speculating couldn't get any more intense, as everyone wanted to know about the gorgeous Black Pop superstar/actress and the handsome White actor/director/musician coupling up.
They had gotten so close that they decided that it was time to introduce each other to their families. Kevin arranged it to where Whitney could meet his children Annie (who was 11 years old), Lily (who was 9 years old) Joe (who was going on 7 years old). Whitney also brought along Bobbi Kristina, so she could meet everyone as well. Kevin arranged a playdate to where they all would go and create pottery. Whitney thought that it would be a good idea to where they all could be creative and in an informal environment. "Hi Ms. Whitney Houston," Annie shyly introduced herself once they all meet at the pottery barn. Whitney smiled, leaned down and gave the adorable girl a hug. "You all don't have to call me Ms. Whitney Houston." She gently told her. "You can just call me Whitney, or Whit. Whatever makes you guys comfortable." Whitney also greeted Joe and Lily with hugs as well. Soon after, an instructor came in and taught Kevin, Whitney and the children a quick lesson on how to make pottery. Right after she left, everyone went to work on their masterpieces. Kevin took Bobbi Kristina from Whitney and helped her with her little creation. He also tried his best to make her laugh, tickling her side until she fell into a fit of giggles. Bobbi Kris instantly took a liking to him, as she liked anyone who could make her laugh. She instantly called him "Kevvy" and raised her arms to him so he could pick her up. Whitney was very impressed that her baby had taken such a liking to Kevin so quickly; she was very much like Whitney in not trusting people upon first impressions. However, Kevin seemed to have the exact calming effect on Krissy. Secretly, she knew that he had passed the litmus test. If her daughter liked Kevin, then he definitely was a true keeper, because Krissy did not click with just anybody.
As for Whitney, she was enjoying her time with Joe, Lily and Annie. She loved kids, and their everlasting energy, so she was able to bond with them right away. She started a race with them, to see who could finish their pottery the fastest. Between their race, she asked them a lot of questions, such as how they liked school, what their favorite foods were and what they liked to do for fun. Fortunately, the children realized how warm and sincere Whitney was and instantly clicked to her. They all chatted about a mile a minute, which was fine by her because she found it all to be hilarious and entertaining. Kevin watch from afar at times, smiling because he was glad that his kids were getting along great with her. He loved how Whitney was very nurturing, yet possessed a child-like demeanor that carried well with the connection she was gaining. He thought about how great of a mother she would be if they had a child together.
Once everyone finished their masterpieces, they all went back to Kevin's place. Kevin introduced Whitney and Bobby Kris to his four Labrador Retrievers, Daisy, Spinne, Wyatt and Jewel. An animal lover, Whitney immediately attached herself to the loyal canines. Her, Kevin and the children all played a huge game of catch with the dogs. The children all got along with other well and they all had a blast together – as a potential modern, blended family. The perfect day ended with homemade banana splits and watching "A Goofy Movie" on video until all the children passed out.
Whitney and Kevin put them all to bed and had some "adult time", sharing a glass of wine. "You definitely were a hit." Kevin told her. "I knew you would be though." Whitney stared at him. "And how were you so sure about that Mr. Costner?" she asked him. She asked. "Because you are amazing. And you were only being yourself. My kids pick up easily on that kinda stuff; fortunately that got that trait from me. That's why they took a quick liking to you." Whitney smiled. "Well my Bobbi Kris loves you too, and let me tell you, it usually takes a lot to impress that little diva." Kevin laughed. "She's such a charming little doll, just like you. It's gonna be fun having her around." So he's thinking long term plans here. I like what I'm hearing. Whitney thought to herself. Kevin put his arm around her and kissed her on her forehead. "Now the next thing is to meet each other's parents."
"Oh Lord." Whitney couldn't help but saying out loud. She knew how her family could be critical. She told her parents and brothers that she was dating Kevin, and they were indifferent about it all. Her mother, Cissy told her that she was happy for her, but thought that she was moving a bit fast after just divorcing. Her father had the same sentiments, but wanted her to just be happy for once. Her brothers and Robyn on the other hand, were the far most critical of her. Nip, why you wanna go all off the other end of the spectrum? Her older brother Gary questioned. Exactly how old is he and what is his intentions with you? Her brother Michael asked. I know you guys aren't already saying the "L" word! Robyn deadpanned. As much as she valued her family's support and opinions, she had to tell them to for once, mind their own business and that she was truly happy for once in her life. Kevin's parents Sharon and Bill on the other hand, were a bit surprised that he had moved on so quickly and had found love in the one woman he was in love with onscreen at one point. They were indifferent that Whitney was Black, they were more surprised that Kevin was seeing someone who was in spotlight as much as he was, maybe even more since Kevin could be such a private life guy.
"Listen, if we plan on being together, we have to have our families meet. You know how important they are to both of us." Kevin went on. "I know. Besides Dionne, everyone can be a bit critical, and outspoken so be prepared." Whitney told him.
"It's nothing that I can't handle. My mother's the same way. I'm sure your mother and my mother would get along great." Kevin told her. "As a matter of fact, we should get my family and your family together for one big dinner. Let's have it in two weeks."
"I don't think that would be a problem," Whitney told him. "Weren't you saying that your family was gonna be on the east coast visiting family anyway? We should just have a barbeque at my house in Jersey since I'll finally be back." Kevin and Whitney immediately started making plans for the families to all come together in a couple of weeks. Only time would tell if they all would be able to mesh well together.
A couple of weeks later, the barbeque was planned and had come in fruition. As nervous as Whitney was to meet Kevin's parents, she was also very excited about putting everything together. She loved putting on little events and entertaining family and friends. Kevin on the other hand, wasn't the biggest fan of events, but loved doing anything that involved family fun and connections. Whitney and Kevin kept the guest list small, inviting only a few people outside of their immediate families, so they could have the opportunity to focus on their parents. Kevin invited a close friend of his Steve, his parents of course and his older brother Dan, his wife and kids. Whitney invited her parents, brothers and in-laws Dionne, Robyn and CeCe.
The children frolicked in the huge Olympian-sized pool that had Whitney's initials engraved at the bottom. A huge mixture of music was set up on loud speakers and tables were set up for cards, board games, and all other types of entertainment. Her father and Gary had outdone themselves and smoked an array of meats. Kevin insisted on helping them out and showcased his barbequing skills with the ribs. He had already started off on a good impression with her father. Clad in some casual jean shorts and a cute flowing blouse, Whitney came out with a huge tray of deviled eggs. "Hey babes, how's it going out here?" she asked as she set down the tray next to the covered potato salad, macaroni salad, tossed salad, baked beans, assorted fruits and rolls. "Excellent." Kevin told her and he gave her a quick peck on the lips and popped an egg in his mouth. "I just finished up the ribs up, so your father is showing me the art of making a mean grilled steak and lobster." Whitney laughed. "Oh dear, don't let him occupy your time for too long. That man can go on and on about grilling this and that." Secretly, she was glad that her father had a spring to his step today. She knew that the diabetes had slowed down her once spry dad significantly as of recent and that he had to take it much more easier than he once did since he was getting up in age. Whitney and Kevin mingled with everyone for awhile longer and soon his parents arrived on the scene. "Sorry we're late Whitney, Bud. How are you dear?" Sharon told them as she reached out to give Whitney a warm hug. Sharon was a nice looking, vibrant woman who looked great for her 60 plus years on earth. She still had blonde streaks in her gray bob and Kevin shared her aqua blue eyes.
"I'm fine Mrs. Costner. How are you? And who's Bud?" Whitney smirked, knowing that they were talking about Kevin, who lowered his head. "Bud is Kevin's childhood nickname. He would always talk about drinking Budweisers just like cowboys did on TV and I would get so upset with him talking about alcohol. One day though, we just started calling him that to annoy him, until he didn't think it was cool to talk that way. So the nickname just stuck!" Already tickled, Whitney started cracking up. "Ha ha, very funny. Another fun fact you have learned about yours truly." Kevin scoffed. Bill laughed as well, looking like an older version of Kevin. "Well I love that you have a nice sense of humor. It's hard to believe that you are the glamorous star that we see on television because you are so down to earth." He gave her a kiss on the check and Whitney told them that the pleasure was all hers.
Kevin's parents introduced themselves to Whitney's parents and they foursome seemed to hit it off well. In the meantime, Whitney and Kevin mingled with Robin, who immediately changed her mind about him as soon as he got to talk with him a bit. CeCe was smitten with Kevin as well, as they all talked about singing gospel and in stole some of their time, telling them how happy she was that they got together and how good they looked together. Next, Whitney and Kevin mingled with Steve and Kevin's brother Dan who was a splitting image of Kevin. Steve and Dan took an immediate liking to Whitney's charm along with her quick tongue. Dan who was a jokester and trash-talker, got along with her right away. He whispered in Kevin's ear that Whitney was refreshing, after marrying that box of rocks named Katie. I mean how can you go wrong with a beautiful talented woman who actually have personality? He went on. Everything was going well, until Whitney introduced Kevin to Michael and Gary. Michael gave him a quick look and simply said "How you doing?" while Gary briefly gazed at him and told him hello. Kevin tried to spark more conversation with them, but they were not really interested.
"I don't think your brothers are taking a liking to me." He told her after they walked away. Whitney sighed, not wanting her anxiety to get the best of her. "I don't know what their problem is, but I'm not doing this today." Kevin assured her that it was fine and that he knew how brothers could be about protecting their sisters. He knew that he had his work cut out, but hope that they would be able to see that his love for Whitney was real.
Soon all of the food was ready and everyone sat around to eat; Whitney and Kevin sat near their parents and siblings. After a prayer led by Cissy, everyone dug in and little words were spoken. Soon enough, everyone began to speak more. "Whitney dear, this is such a beautiful place!" she said. "Did you design the whole thing yourself?" "I did mostly." Whitney told her as she nodded towards Cissy and John. "My parents had a huge hand in it as well though." "We sure could use you skills. Bud's been begging us to redecorate but I just don't know where to start," Sharon went on . "I love decorating," Cissy said.
"All you need is just a simple color and play off it that from there. I'll have to show you sometimes." Whitney turned to Kevin and smiled. She was glad that it was all going well thus far with her parents. "So what other things do you have going, besides, you, know, acting? Michael later interjected. Kevin cleared his throat as Whitney gave him a death glare. "Well, I also direct and looking into doing music. I also am looking into investing and real estate on the side as well."
"So with music, who do you think will help you with all of that?" Gary bluntly asked. Before he could answer, he went on. "Because you know our Nippy has been in the business for years and I'm sure that there a lots of those that you are just waiting to use." "Gary!" Cissy hissed. Whitney gave him an evil glare as well, clearly embarrassed. Kevin could only take a sip of his drink and glare at him as the table got awkwardly quiet.
This is going to be a long night. And I'm not putting up with it for much longer. He thought to himself.