Chapter 20: Reconciliation Dinner

As Mitch and Amy got ready for dinner the next evening at their separate homes, they both felt a little apprehensive. The same apprehension was felt at the Fleming's, but for slightly different reasons. They all were hoping that the evening would go well.

When Mitch arrived to pick Amy up so they could walk over together, they greeted each other with a growing familiar feeling – the warm hug and the kiss that was filled with pleasure whenever their lips met.

Lyndy heard Mitch come in and ran to greet him before they gave her goodnight kisses in case they didn't get back before her bedtime. They walked out the door, down the steps and held hands. Amy looked up at Mitch and said, "Nervous?"

He replied, "Amy, I'm always nervous around your dad. I never know what he is going to say."

Amy laughed, "Understood."

As they came up the stairs, Jessica greeted them. Tim was standing back a little, unsure of himself, but said, "Hello, Mitch."

"Tim," and Mitch nodded his head toward him reservedly.

Amy lightened the atmosphere a bit, "It surely does smell good in here! What are we having?"

"A braised beef recipe I like to make served with or over rice, your choice, some fresh sauteed vegetables, a fresh green salad, home-made rolls and butter, red wine or beer, and dessert is a surprise!"

"Mmmm, Jessica, that sounds wonderful!" Amy replied.

"Listen, it will take a few more minutes for it to be completely ready. Why don't the three of you sit down in our 'living room' while I finish up?" Amy laughed at her 'living room' comment.

Tim, Mitch and Amy moved to the sofa and chair. Tim took a deep breath and began, "Mitch, I owe you an apology for all that I said to you yesterday. It was wrong, and mean, and I should know you better by now than to have accused you of what I did. And Amy, I'm so sorry for any anguish it may have caused you. Can you both forgive me?"

Amy deferred to Mitch first since he was the wronged party. Mitch said, "Tim, I really appreciate your apology, and yes, I forgive you. Your opinion and approval of our relationship is very important to Amy and me, but I think you also know me well enough to know that it is not necessary for me to continue building a relationship with Amy. We didn't either one ask for this nor expect it, but these last few months as we've been getting to know each other on a deeper level have been more than either of us could have dreamed. I care very deeply for Amy…and for Lyndy."

"I'm seeing that now, Mitch. And I hope we can begin again on a new footing. It took Lou knocking some sense into me, but I really can see now that you two are good for each other."

As Amy observed her dad's humility, she also recalled when, in front of a whole room full of people, Tim had recently owned up to the injury he caused to Mike McLusky. It had shown that, even at his age, her dad was still growing (however misplaced the grace he'd extended Mike seemed to later prove to be).* Amy felt both great relief and pride, and a loving smile broke across her face as she got up to give her dad a hug and said, "Of course, I forgive you, Dad. I love you!" And as they hugged, Tim had tears in his eyes. He was feeling most grateful for both of his daughters and them being back in each other's lives.

Jessica had looked on and was so glad that things were being resolved between the three of them. She announced, "Dinner is served."

As Mitch and Tim got up, Tim shook Mitch's hand and held his shoulder with the other, "Thank you for being so gracious, Son. This doesn't mean I'll stop calling you Trooper, though," and with that comment, Mitch grinned.

Amy said, "You know, this is a first. We've never had dinner with you guys in your own place. I like it!"

They moved to the table and had a delicious meal and more relaxed conversation. Tim made an extra effort to get to know more about Mitch's background, something he'd never really taken much interest in before. Mitch was definitely growing on him, and rapidly, as he learned more and more.

Mitch said, "Jessica, thank you for a most delicious meal!"

To which she replied, "You are most welcome, but it's not over yet!"

Jessica surprised them with Crème Brûlée served with Moscato d'Asti wine for dessert. That was a new taste experience for both Mitch and Amy, and they decided it was a new favorite!

Before retiring for the evening, the four of them visited some more, Mitch and Amy got to know a little bit more about Jessica, and Tim pulled out cards for them to play a couple of rounds of Spades. An evening that had started with much uncertainty ended in a surprising amount of joy at hanging out with each other.

As they said their goodbyes, Tim thanked them both for forgiving him and wished them well.

As Mitch and Amy walked back to the house arm in arm, Amy looked up at Mitch and said, "You know that you are growing on my dad? I've never seen him take the kind of genuine interest in getting to know anyone Lou or I have been interested in before rather than just giving them a hard time. Not like he did tonight."

"I felt the difference as well. It was a lot different than when I was on trial while stacking the hay! There may be hope for his and my relationship yet," Mitch smiled as he squeezed Amy closer to him. She didn't mind one bit!

"I guess we can now truly rest in the belief that all our family is on board with us being together. I'm so grateful that part is behind us," Amy said.

"And even more exciting that we can now just enjoy being able to spend time together with no worries of what your family is thinking. And you know what, I think Jessica has been good for your dad."

"I have to agree. There was a time when I really hoped things would work out for my dad and Casey, and I was disappointed when they broke up, but Jessica really compliments him and seems to center him. I'm really glad they found each other."

As Mitch walked her to the porch, she stepped up on the first step turning to be nearer eye level with him. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he surrounded her waist with his, and they momentarily got lost in the longing that was clearly shining from each other's eyes. As their lips naturally came together, they were both filled with the warmth of their ever-deepening love.

A/N: *Mike McLusky shows up in Season 16, Episodes 4, 10 & 11.