AN: Here we go

Chapter 9

Normal POV

Saturday

6:30 PM

Duncan was just walking up to Courtney's apartment door once again dressed up to take Courtney out on a date but not just a typical one.

He called the Restaurant where they had their date back in December and explained that he wanted to make a reservation, for a special occasion.

After clearing all of his thoughts and knowing he was ready to spend the rest of his life with Courtney, he finally decided that he was going to ask her to marry him.

Knocking on the door Duncan smiles " You got this " he breathes checking his pocket that the box was in his pocket.

Duncan was wearing black dress pants with a dark green shirt and a back vest, along with black shoes. His hair was neatly combed.

When the door opened Courtney smiled at seeing him "Hi " she greeted opening the door "Hello sexy lady " replies Duncan unable to resist checking her out head to toe "Behave yourself " laughs Courtney as Duncan walked in.

Tonight Courtney was wearing an off-shoulder floral print dress showing her body shape, especially her curves. With white strap heels. Her hair was straightened.

" Okay Bridgette will be arriving soon, " said Courtney walking into the living room to check on Serenity currently setting up things "Hello honey, " said Duncan getting her attention.

" Daddy, " says Serenity running up to Duncan "What are you doing? " he asks seeing her crayons, colouring books and a few toys set up. " Auntie Bridgette is coming to play with me " explains Serenity excited "Well looks like you guys are going to have fun tonight, " says Duncan imagining what the two will be up to.

* ring * * ring *

Hearing her phone Courtney picks it up from the table by her purse...

" It's Bridgette maybe she's running late, " says Courtney before answering...

Courtney: Hi Bridgette...Duncan just arrived now and we're just waiting for you

Bridgette: * groggy * Ummm Courtney I'm sorry but I can't come to babysit tonight

Courtney's eyes open up

Courtney: What? Are you okay?

Bridgette: Believe me when I say this I was fine all day, I had no signs or symptoms up til an hour ago I just started feeling sick...oh god

Suddenly the sounds of throwing up are heard making Courtney express a concerned look

Courtney: Listen it's okay...is Geoff there?

Geoff: Hey I'm here with her, she's blowing chunks like crazy. I'm holding her hair back she almost got puke in her hair the first few times

Courtney: thank you for the details Geoff, can you tell Bridgette that it's okay and that I hope she gets better

Geoff: no problem, I'll let you know when she's better

Courtney: Thanks Geoff

After hanging up Courtney sighs heavily getting Duncan to turn his head towards her.

" Is everything alright? " he asks walking up to her " Bridgette is sick and won't be able to come tonight " explained Courtney concerned.

Duncan's eyes open "Oh man " he sighs throwing his head back "Maybe we can go another time " suggests Courtney trying to make things not sound bad " I made reservations for tonight and there's a fee for a last-minute cancellation, " says Duncan holding her hands.

" Oh my goodness, " sighs Courtney feeling guilty "I'll call Mom and see if she could babysit, " says Duncan taking his phone out but gets stopped "No we've called her so much for last-minute things " replied Courtney.

Sighing heavily Duncan was determined to propose tonight even if...but then an idea came " Let's take Serenity with us, " says Duncan looking back at their daughter "What..do you think it's a good idea to take her? " asks Courtney glancing at Serenity.

" Come on we'll make it a family night out instead of a date for two, and she behaves well in restaurants, " he said sounding convincing "Okay if you're sure about it...I'll get her ready quickly, " says Courtney off to get Serenity dressed.

7:00 PM

Arriving at the restaurant the same hospitality was received, once the valet took the car they stood outside for a moment.

Courtney smoothed out Serenity's violet party dress with stockings and matching party shoes along with putting her hair in pigtails finishing with a matching burette.

" Why did the man take your car, Daddy? " she asks looking up at Duncan " he's going to go park it for us and when we're done eating we get it back " he explains smiling at her "Okay...where are we? " she asks looking at the building.

Courtney giggles while holding her hand "This is a restaurant " she answers as they all walk to the doors "Wow it's big " exclaims Serenity as they go inside the fascination continues.

Once Duncan gave his name for the reservation but requested one more seat be added to the table.

This time their table was two tables away from the bar and thankfully a third chair was added.

" Thank you so much for accommodating, " said Duncan to the hostess while Courtney and Serenity sat in their chairs "Thank you," says Serenity smiling.

" Alright well this worked out," said Courtney looking at the table along with the atmosphere, seeing that the popular eatery was full of many people.

A waiter just arrived giving them menus and asked if any requests for beverages were required. Courtney asked for water for the table for the moment.

" Daddy what's this? " asks Serenity from behind her menu which currently hid her making both Duncan and Courtney chuckle "It's a menu " he answers trying to not laugh "It's like a book honey but it tells you what food the Restaurant has " explained Courtney looking at Serenity stare.

Just as Duncan was about to say something Anthony was making his way toward them.

Duncan gets up from his seat to shake hands with Anthony " Mr.Stone so nice to have you back " he greets smiling "You as well clearly it's a busy night " says Duncan looking around " yes I see you brought the beautiful madam but also an extra guest " replies Anthony noticing Serenity.

" Yeah our daughter is with us tonight I hope it's okay," said Duncan smiling "Absolutely she's adorable " compliments Anthony "Please enjoy your time with us " he adds before leaving to check all guests are well.

" Alright should we get an appetizer? " asks Duncan sitting down " I'm not sure everything looks good but also so that Serenity tries it " answers Courtney looking over the menu "True and your right " replies Duncan looking over at Serenity looking around the restaurant.

" Well good evening "

Both Duncan and Courtney look up from the menus, " please tell me it's not who I think it is " says Duncan inside his mind before looking up to in fact see Alejandro, Heather and Miguel.

Duncan's POV

Oh shit...please tell me this isn't real?

" Good evening " greets Heather looking at us with a smirk "What a surprise to see you here," says Alejandro only to make my eye twitch.

Taking a deep breath I put my most convincing smile on before turning to look at them "Hello to you too " I answered all while squeezing my fist "It's nice to see you, what brings you here? " asks Courtney politely.

" Oh just decided to have a nice family dinner out since we don't get the chance that often " explains Alejandro noticing guests were looking at him " Papa just came back from working on a movie," says Miguel smiling at him.

Heather holds Alejandro's hand before speaking "Yeah and so why not go out for a nice meal " she says flipping her hair back " So what's the occasion for you guys coming here? " asks Heather.

I control my breathing to stay calm, clearly tonight we weren't expecting to see either of them along with my plan not going as I hoped but hey life...

" Daddy and Mommy are on a date " answers Serenity smiling at me " And they bring me too " she adds then looks at Courtney. I pick up my water to take a sip.

" Oh but isn't a date suppose to be for two? " asks Miguel looking up at his parents "Yes but sometimes it's okay for their children to come " explains Alejandro answering his son "Oh then can me and Serenity go on a date too? " asks Miguel causing me to choke on my water followed by me coughing.

" Duncan are you okay? " asks Courtney standing up from her chair to pat my back "Easy amigo easy," says Alejandro also assisting me but also the whole restaurant was looking at our table...

If I wasn't coughing right now I would be saying " hell no kid " but right now I was trying to recover...

" Mr.Stone are you alright? " asks Anthony rushing to us "Yeah...all good " I wheezed after finally calming down "We better go to our table and enjoy your dinner," says Heather before they walk away.

20 Minutes Later

After my chocking mishap we order an appetizer of garden salad ( served at the table ) and calamari to start followed by drinks I ask for a scotch on the rocks ( cause I needed it ), Courtney got a Prosecco and Anthony said to let him come up with something fun for Serenity to enjoy.

My eyes read over the menu trying to decide between the 10 oz New York strip loin with season vegetables or the chicken parmesan with pasta.

" The wild salmon piccata sounds delicious," says Courtney getting my attention "Yeah that does sound good " I reply looking up from my menu " And for Serenity I'll order her spaghetti with meatballs " she adds pointing at the menu.

Nodding in agreement I glance at Serenity she's been very well-behaved even though tonight hasn't been going as I planned it was still nice being here with both the two people who mattered. What the heck life ain't perfect...

I put my menu down and I take Courtney's hand which got her to look at me "Is everything okay? " she asks me but all I could do is smile " Yeah everything is good...Courtney you know that I love you " I said only to make her smile at me " Of course I do " she answered giving me full attention.

" I wanted tonight to be special, one we both won't forget I thought I had the words in my head but here goes Courtney...will "...

But just as I was about to ask the question Anthony arrives not only with our drinks but our appetizers and just as he said a special drink for Serenity which was a strawberry Italian soda.

" Thank you," says Serenity before taking a sip of her drink " your welcome little one...have you decided on what you would like to order? " he asks looking at us "Yes I think we were ready " I answered picking up my menu...

After our orders were taken I excused myself to go use the bathroom to have a moment.

Looking at the mirror I stare at my reflection...I was so close to asking, is tonight just not my night?

Taking the box out of my pocket I open it to gaze at the ring, it was beautiful and I know Courtney would love it. In some way, both the ring and Courtney are the same which is...unique.

" Just go for it " I breathed feeling better, just as I was about to put the box back in my pocket the bathroom door opened making me drop the box and slide into a pair of familiar shoes.

Smacking my hand to my face to see Alejandro enter the washroom.

"Butterfingers I see," he says picking up the box "You could say that " I answered seeing him grin " Can I have my box back please" I said getting annoyed but instead I see him open it which was getting me mad again.

" Well beautiful choice, clarity and colour pure as well as a nice cut," said Alejandro holding it up to the light " your a man with class " he adds closing the box before handing it back to me" Thanks," I said checking to make sure the ring was in the box " I'm guessing you were going to ask her this evening? " asks Alejandro smiling.

Taking a breath I put the box back into my pocket " I was but it's not going according to plan " I answer walking to the door "Oh and if you say anything " I add slamming my fist into my palm " I'll pretend I didn't see anything " said Alejandro crossing his heart making me roll my eyes before finally walking out.

Courtney's POV

While Duncan went to the washroom, the salad was served to us along with the fresh crispy calamari. As always everything served was delicious even though it was a salad it was so fresh.

Checking Serenity it looked like she was enjoying it, " good job " I said watching her eat her small portion of salad " I like salad Mommy" she said finishing up "Would you like to try a piece of calamari? " I asked her looking at the plate.

" It looks funny," said Serenity looking at the dish weirdly" It kinda does but it's delicious " I explain reaching for a piece and eating it to show her "Mmm it's very good " I add enjoying the warm crispy piece " okay I'll try it," she says smiling " that's my big girl " I exclaim before putting a small piece on her empty plate.

Just then I saw Duncan walking back smiling " I'm back," he said sitting back down " That's good and just in time to see Serenity try something new," I said as she chewed her piece of Calamari "Way to go, honey," he said about to eat his salad " your very brave to eat squid " he adds but I looked nervous when he said that.

Swallowing her food the look of curiosity was on her face" What's squid? " Serenity asked now eyeing the plate and then at us "It's a sea animal that has 8 legs and shoots ink " explains Duncan as he ate his salad while I shake my head " I ate squid? " says Serenity looking shocked "It's good though right," asks Duncan reaching for a piece before eating it.

Next thing I knew Serenity wiped her mouth and then grabbed her napkin using it to wipe her tongue "Yucky" she said as though it would take the taste of squid away " Nice going " I said frowning at Duncan " I thought you told her what it was " he said defending himself.

A few people were staring at us "Hey how is it going? " asks Duncan nervously while I try to calm Serenity down, " it's okay " I sighed standing up "Come on sweetie let's go get cleaned up " I add before taking Serenity to the washroom.

Once there I sit Serenity on the countertop, " that was not polite Serenity " I said grabbing a paper towel and then turning the faucet on.

" But mommy it was yucky " she answers looking at me sad "You can't say things like that out loud young lady that's very rude " I explain using the wet towel to clean her face " Why? " asks Serenity curiously.

Picking up a new paper towel I wet it again and wipe her hands "Well if the people who cooked the food heard you say that you hurt their feelings because they work very hard to prepare and cook the food we eat " I said tossing the paper towel away.

" I don't think you would like it if someone did that to you " I add looking at Serenity's face "No I would be sad " she answers looking back at me " That's right, " I said caressing her cheek.

Carefully bringing her down from the table I smile at her " I'm sorry Mommy" says Serenity shyly " It's okay but also I need to say sorry to you " I reply knowing I could have prevented this.

" You did? " asks Serenity " Yes, because I didn't tell you what Calamari was and if I had explained it to you maybe you wouldn't have reacted that way " I explained smiling at her "It's okay," she said coming closer to me and hugging me " I'm glad honey now let's go join daddy," I said as we left the bathroom.

10 Minutes Later

Shortly after arriving back at the table, our dinner arrived. We were all enjoying our meals not saying a word but then out of nowhere, I remember Duncan was saying something earlier...

I rest my fork on my plate" Hey what were saying or asking before? " I asked looking at Duncan as he took a sip of his water " Oh it was nothing babe just something silly " he answers trying to shake it off but for an odd reason I feel that it was something important.

" It wasn't babe " I sighed putting my fork down and turning to look at Duncan " No it wasn't remember what I said no more hiding things from me Duncan " I add sounding serious now Duncan gave me his full attention and giving me nervous expression.

" This isn't how I wanted to do this...I had something planned out " he starts saying but his tone of voice got me nervous " Courtney what I wanted to say earlier was..." he says I swear my heart is about to jump out of my throat.

" Will you...consider moving in together "My mouth dropped open upon hearing what he just said "Oh...you want us to live together? " I asked sounding confused "Yeah it's been on my mind for a while, I'm over most of the time and that way we can be together " explains Duncan taking my hands.

I was out of breath for a moment thinking he was going to say something else.

But I was happy to hear this as well maybe in a way this is the first step towards us being together always...

Duncan's POV

8:30 PM

We just finished dinner and it was satisfying "Wow that was delicious " sighs Courtney in pure bliss " It was well worth coming here tonight " I replied before sipping the last bit of scotch in my glass.

Just then our waiter arrives collecting our plates " I hope your dinner was to your satisfaction " he asks placing everything on a tray "It was yummy " says Serenity smiling at the waiter along with making us chuckle.

" Would anyone care for dessert? " asks the waiter looking at us but I knew Serenity was very interested " Please Mommy" she begs looking at Courtney "Well you did finish your dinner and you were well behaved " answered Courtney smiling "Okay you can have dessert " she adds.

" Give us a moment to decide, " I said giving a nod before he went off to take the dishes back " We should ask for a menu to see the dessert choices," said Courtney looking around for a waiter "Good idea " I reply but just as I was about to wave someone Anthony was currently making his way to our table with something in his hand.

When he was getting closer I got a clear view of what he was holding which turned out to be a very fancy-looking sundae and oddly a rose " Hello everyone " he greeted smiling " Hi Anthony what's with the fancy sundae? " I asked curiously.

" Oh yes...little Miss this is from the young gentleman," says Anthony carefully placing the sundae in front of Serenity while my eyes open up " Along with this rose and a message," he says holding a piece of paper...

" Señorita, you are as sweet as this sundae and beautiful like this rose "

My eye was twitching while Serenity got the rose handed to her "Well isn't that nice " says Courtney trying to sound normal but she looked at me to make sure I was okay.

" Yeah very nice...so who is it from? " I breathed already cracking my knuckle under the table " Oh the child from that table " explains Anthony looking down along with me and spot smiling and waving was Miguel.

Serenity looked as well and blinked a few times before looking back at the rose and sundae, before smiling and waving back at him. " Can I say thank you? " asks Serenity " I'll pass the message to the gentleman " said Anthony before leaving our table.

" Now Duncan," says Courtney looking at me " great now I gotta one to deal with, " I said watching Serenity enjoy her sundae...

Meanwhile at the other table...

Miguel smiled watching Serenity enjoy the sundae he sent her.

Alejandro felt a sudden chill go down his spine " I think someone is plotting my death " he says looking around but when he spots Duncan giving him a look of death he knew it was him.

" Thanks for letting me send mi amor dessert papa," said Miguel enjoying his sundae " No problem hijo although I'm now marked for death " replies Alejandro nervously trying to sip his espresso.

Heather returned from the washroom and noticed Alejandro acting weird " Is everything okay? " she asks raising an eyebrow" Yes everything is fun...let's just stay home next time " answers Alejandro now sweating.

The night was not how it was supposed to go but when does anything go according to plan?

AN: Hoping everyone enjoyed this chapter. I kinda had a few good laughs picturing it lol. Let me know what you think.