Meet The Parents Ch2
Stephanie had seen a very obvious change in her girlfriends mood in the last hour. Nikki had taken the first leg of the driving and that was no problem, but now Nikki had gone silent and moody, even giving short sharp answers to questions. It was a good job that the Sat Nav in the car was taking them all the way to where they needed to go, or they might never have gotten there. She could see that they were only a few miles from their destination, and knew Nikki was worried, but not why.
"Honey?"
"What."
"We're nearly there, aren't you happy?"
"Only to get out of the car."
Stephanie immediately pulled the car over to the side of the road, stopping quickly. It wasn't a great bit of driving, any cop would have been pulling in behind her with his ticket book, but she'd gotten lucky this time.
"What are you doing?" Nikki asked, a little shook.
"No, what are you doing. Nicole, if you don't want to see your family, then I'll turn around and we will go home. But you know you do. You've been excited about it, even if you've tried to hide it a bit. But today, you're different. What I don't know is why. Is it coming out to them?"
"No. It'll be awkward, but I have thought that through. If they wont accept me, we leave, we go to a hotel, and I spend the weekend tied to the headboard."
"Careful babe, we might not make it to your parent's place if you keep talking like that." Stephanie warned, feeling herself getting hot.
"No, don't." Nikki backtracked. "Not now. It's just I found out this morning, my sister is there."
"It's your moms birthday, of course she is. Wait…..sister?"
"Yeah, Brianna, or she prefers Brie."
"Like the cheese?"
Nikki laughed. "I knew I loved you. Yeah, like the cheese. She's the one I don't want to see."
"Why not?" Came the obvious question, but one Nikki didn't want to hear.
"You'll think it's stupid."
"Have I ever thought that of you?"
Nikki had no response to that that could help her arguement. "Ok, fine. She was always the golden child growing up. Got better grades, more achievements, more trophies. Never got in trouble. It's like we weren't even sisters. I made the soccer team, she was made captain. I got a part in the play, she got the lead. She got married to her high school sweetheart before I ever had a serious relationship. Every time I screwed up, it was 'Why can't you be more like your sister?' 'Your sister would never have done that.' 'You should take a page from Brie's book.' That last one was the worst. So one day, we were having a fight and my parents took her side again. That was it. I packed up what I could and headed to LA. Crashed at a friends place, got a job bartending, and started working towards proving them all wrong. The rest you know. Got a great job that I'm actually good at, and met you, someone who truly loves me. I mended fences with my parents slowly, but not Brie. I haven't said a word to her since. I'm nervous still though, they don't know I'm with another woman."
"Will they shun you for being a lesbian?" Stephanie asked.
"No, There's a family friend who is gay. They've never been anything but good to them. You have nothing to worry about." Nikki answered.
"Ok fine. Brie is older than you right?" Nikki stuttered over her answer, so Stephanie continued. "Ok, so if she is, she was always likely to reach milestones first, develop first. That's what happens as a kid."
"Whose side are you on?" Nikki asked, trying to keep calm.
"Yours, always." Stephanie quickly replied.
"Then can we go, it's going to be awkward enough." Nikki said, getting back in. Stephanie was even more confused than when they stopped, but returned to her seat, and they continued the short distance to their destination.
Stephanie took in the house they pulled up to, pulling up behind an SUV and a Prius. It was modest in size, but had a large yard, good for dogs probably. There wasn't any animal running out, but two people on the porch. Nikki came round and walked towards them. Stephanie instinctively went to take her girls hand, but Nikki knocked it away. Stephanie wasn't thrilled with that, but realised why just in time, as they were now all close together and Nikki went to hug her mother.
"Happy birthday Mom." Nikki said, holding the woman tight.
"Thanks honey." Her mother replied. Nikki then gave her father a hug, not quite as long, but still with feeling.
"So, this is Kathy and Jonathan Bella, my parents. Mom, Dad, I'd like you to meet Stephanie McMahon."
"Nice to meet you." Her father extended a hand, which Stephanie shook.
"Happy Birthday." Stephanie said to Kathy, as they shook hands as well.
"It's nice to meet you." Kathy responded.
"It is, but I'm surprised. Nikki, I thought you were bringing the new man in your life." Stephanie wanted to blurt out the truth, yet also wanted to climb into a hole in the ground.
"No Dad, I said I was bringing someone and to keep an open mind. This is her. This is my girlfriend."
"Oh." Was the only response he gave for what felt like forever. Stephanie fought her instincts and kept quiet, knowing how hard this must be for her love. "Oh, right then. How long has this been, I mean, is she your first, have you always been, you know, is it new?"
"Dad, stop." Nikki took his hand and held onto it. "I've been with Stephanie for about a year now. I love her, and she loves me. She treats me well, I want for nothing, and she has never made me cry. What more have you ever wanted for me?"
"Nothing sweetheart, this is just a bit unexpected, a bit sudden. I didn't think if either of you ever came out to us, it would be so blunt." Nikki's mother said.
"I get that, and I'm sorry, but I needed to tell you right away, so we can hopefully move past it. The first time we came out to anyone, it caused so much drama I nearly lost her. So the next day we went public at work and have lived out of the closet ever since. I'm not going to be embarrassed about this. I hope you can be ok with it."
"Nicole, you're our daughter. Whatever your choices. You never have to question that we love you." Nicole immediately hugged her mother and her father enveloped them both, before turning to the other person there, who had been left out a while.
"Stephanie, please excuse us, it's a pleasure to meet you, I'm glad you could come. I'm John, and my wife is Kathy, welcome." John offered another handshake, and Stephanie accepted it, before a friendly hug.
"I'm really happy to meet you both, Nikki is truly amazing and I do love her very much. It's…..what?" Stephanie lost her train of thought as she saw some else step outside the house.
It was Nikki.
But it wasn't Nikki.
Nikki was stood next to her.
Stephanie did a double check to make sure, and realised Nikki was looking at her feet, not wanting to meet her eye. She looked back, and the other Nikki was walking towards them with a not so happy look on her face.
"Nikki, what's going on?" Stephanie asked.
"So you don't even tell people about me? Wow, I knew you were mean sometimes but this is a lot." Not Nikki said.
"Brianna, stop. Not today. John said.
"Brianna? So this is Brie? You mean she's? You're?
"I'm Nicole's twin sister. Clearly she never mentioned that."
"Well, no. I thought you were older." Stephanie didn't know how to react.
"I am, by eleven minutes."
"Yet you act so superior." Nikki snapped.
"Nicole!" John quickly interrupted. "That goes for you too. Not today. It's your mothers birthday and she's excited to have you both here. Now it's late, let's have a drink before we all turn in." John took his wife's hand and they headed in the house.
"Why have you brought a friend to Mom's birthday?" Brie asked her sister.
"She not a friend, she's my girlfriend." Nikki snapped back.
"Girlfriend? You're a lesbian now?" Brie said with condescending tones. "Well well. Hi, I'm Brie, but you know that." Brie turned her attention to Stephanie, who was still looking at her in shock.
"Twin sister?" Stephanie repeated, before finding her composure. "Sorry, yes, I'm Stephanie."
"I'm surprised to meet you Stephanie. Never thought Nikki would switch sides like this."
"Shut up Brie." Nikki intervened. "Honey, I'll show you where we are sleeping." Stephanie followed quickly. Keeping her thought to herself, they went to Nikki's old bedroom, dropped off their cases and joined the others for a nightcap. The conversation was minimal. John told them about the restaurant he had booked for all of them for lunch the next day, Kathy insisting on preparing a light dinner for the next evening, before the visitors needed to depart on Sunday morning. She found out Brie lived closer to their parents than she and Nikki did, which is why she had arrived first, working on her own business from home most days. She did see how much her parents were impressed by Bries tale of her business success, and Nikki didn't get a chance to talk about her accomplishments, but at the same time she couldn't stop looking between the two, unable to believe Nikki had a twin, and that she kept that a secret.
"I know what you're going to say." Nikki said, the moment the door to their room closed behind them. "Please let me explain."
"Explain what? How you have a twin, have always had a twin, and didn't tell me, even when you knew we were about to come face to face?"
"Nikki sat down on the bed, she then patted it, wanting Stephanie to join her. "Please."
Stephanie sat down on the edge, not wanting to give Nikki what she wanted fully, but when her girl came to her and held her from behind, she found it harder to stay angry. "Nikki, why didn't you trust me?"
"Can you imagine what most guys think when they find you have a twin?" Nikki answered a question with a question.
"Yeah, I can imagine." Stephanie tried not to smirk, but then realised what she meant. "So you think I'd have tried to get her in bed with us?"
"You wouldn't have been the first. Or the fifth. In college, one guy asked for a HallPass with her."
"A what?"
"A HallPass. Permission to sleep with her without it being cheating. Just flat asked me if he could screw my sister. He was quickly dumped. But it happened all the time. Some even asked me out to try and get with us both, or get to her. I don't want to be in that position ever again. I asked for her to be kept away this weekend." Nikki lost her words as she couldn't keep from crying.
Stephanie's tough exterior crumbled instantly, she couldn't cope with her love crying. She hugged Nikki tight, and it was reciprocated.
"Honey, you can't think I'd ever want anyone but you, surely?" She felt Nikki shake her head.
"No, but I thought that before. She's got some hold on men, and I thought that you found me attractive from the start, and the possibility to have two of us might have tempted you."
"Two of you is tempting, but only as long as they had your mind, and your heart. Not another person who just looks like you. I love you, not her, you.
The notion that I'd cheat on you is insane, just, get it out of your head, forever."
"What if you'd met her first?"
Stephanie smirked. "Then there would be a problem, because I'd cheat on her with her twin on the spot."
Nikki was about to get mad, but then realised what she meant. "You mean you'd still choose me."
"Was there ever any doubt?"
Nikki felt stupid as she wiped her tears away. "I'm sorry Steph. Just, so many bad memories."
"It'll be ok baby, just never worry about me and her, it'll never happen. Besides your boobs are so much….." Stephanie stopped mid sentence for a second then continued. "Nikki, is she the reason you got your breasts done?"
Nikki pushed away and threw herself down on the bed, head in hands, face down. "Maybe." She said, muffled by the sheet. Stephanie, always the stronger of them, pulled her over and intentionally grabbed Nikki's chest with both hands.
"And they are spectacular, I'm never giving them up. But they aren't why I love you. I knew we had a connection right away, and you are my soul mate. That's why I love you, she can have your looks, but not your soul."
Nikki suddenly flipped onto Stephanie and kissed her hard on the lips, which was returned happily. "I love you so fucking much. How do you always know what I need to hear?"
"I told you, I've always known what you want." Stephanie smiled at Nikki, recognising the look of lust she was getting in return.
"I bet you know what I want right now." Nikki said, knowing the answer, not that the hand she was putting up her lover's shirt wasn't a giveaway on its own.
"Yes I do, but have you forgotten who's in the room 20 feet away?"
That was like a bucket of ice water being thrown on Nikki, who retrieved her hand when it was millimetres from entering Stephanie's bra, a likely point of no return. "My mom and dad. Yeah, maybe not tonight, it was enough for them to find out I'm sleeping with a woman, they don't need to hear me doing it."
"Right, so as much as it pains me, let's get to sleep." Both women stripped down, each watching the other strip down until they were nearly naked, each just in a cotton thong. They got into bed, arms wrapped around the other, Stephanie cradling her girl the way she liked to.
"By the way, even with a twin, you're by far still the sexiest piece I've ever met, and don't you ever forget that every single piece is mine." Stephanie whispered to Nikki as they both went to sleep.
Stephanie awoke to find she was alone in the bed, she looked over to see Nikki hadn't gone far as she was looking out of her bedroom window. Since she had not added any clothing, Stephanie enjoyed her view for a few moments before getting out of bed and wrapping her arms around Nikki's waist. She rested her head on her shoulder after stealing a quick cheek kiss. "You ok honey?" She asked.
"Yeah." Nikki sighed. "Just thinking about how long it's been since I looked out this window. I'm glad we did this, thanks for giving me that push."
"Hey, when have I ever pointed you wrong?" Stephanie replied, but not in the smug way she would normally.
"Never. Well, I kinda wish we hadn't gotten caught in bed by Charlotte that time, but even then, it had good results overall."
"See, I'm magic." Stephanie joked.
"Yes, you are." Nikki replied, and turned around to kiss her girl, it quickly turning from a peck to a deep kiss, but stopped upon hearing the voice that just came in.
"Hey, coffee's on and Dad's cooking breakfast so get your….oh my god." Brie was on her phone as she walked in, but stopped when she realised she was looking at her twin kissing another woman, both of them only in very small underwear.
"Don't you knock?" Nikki said, upset as she grabbed shirts for each of them in an all too late attempt to cover them.
"Shouldn't have to, this is Mom and Dad's house, not your lesbian love palace. I really didn't need to see what I look like making out with another woman, but at least I didn't catch myself eating out, do you even need breakfast?"
"You bitch!" Nikki went to slap her sister for her crass words, but Brie just turned around and left. Stephanie held her hand to prevent Nikki from going after her sister. "Steph, let go."
"No. Honey, you stay here, calm down a bit, I'll be right back ok?"
"Steph wait…" Nikki couldn't finish the thought as Stephanie was gone, happy to find Brie in a room on her own, she closed the door.
"Nikki, I hoped you got dressed, I really don't want to kick your ass in your panties, oh, it's you."
"Yeah it's me." Stephanie took a breath. "I know you just met me. You don't have to like me, you don't have to accept me. In fact you can be downright homophobic to me and that really doesn't matter. But Nikki is your sister, and the love of my life, and I'll be damned if I will ever let anybody talk to her like that."
"So what are you going to do? Hit me, in my parents house? Good way to get yourself kicked out."
"No, I'm not. Im not looking to get kicked out, I'm not looking to get sued for your dental bills. I'm not even looking for a fight. Nikki was so nervous about being around you again. Now I see why."
This took Brie back a bit. "She was nervous? Why? Im the one who had to be talked into this."
Not picking up on it, Stephanie decided to go all in. "Because she feels like she can't measure up to you. It's crazy, but she feels like you overshadow her."
"I overshadow her? Miss L.A. big shot with the girlfriend sucking her face off? Oh no, she has it so bad, let me stop while I fix my bleeding heart." Brie pantomimed, frustrating Stephanie.
"So you weren't the A student, the captain of the soccer team?"
"She was on the team too!" Brie interrupted.
"The lead in the school play, the queen of the High School? Dating the captain of the wrestling team, then married him while Nikki wasn't even a bridesmaid?"
"Don't talk about that!" Brie squealed. Stephanie realised she had found a weak point, and was about to use it to make her point, when she saw Brie cover her mouth with her left hand, and at the same time Nikki entered the room.
"Brie, you evil bitch, this is low even for you, I should scratch your eyes out!" Nikki was ready to fight, but Stephanie got in her way and held her from getting to her sister. "Steph, get off of me!"
"No honey, you don't want to do this." Stephanie held tight, while Brie just sat on the couch, staring at her twin.
"She deserves it. I won't take that homophobic bullshit from anyone, especially not her."
"It wasn't homophobic." Stephanie said with conviction.
"Yes it was, and it deserves to get her ass kicked."
"Nikki please, she was rude yes, but it was misplaced, that's all. I understand."
"You understand? Normally if anyone insults me, you're ready to set them on fire, but she gets a free pass, why, because she looks like me? I knew it, she's a nasty piece of work, and you can't see past her face." Nikki was hurt and angry, so Stephanie hugged her for a second, to try and defuse things and talk to her lover.
"Nikki, I think there's something you don't know." Stephanie said, looking to Brie.
"What?" Nikki asked impatiently. "Brie, you think any fake hurt is going to stop me here, you're wrong."
"Nikki don't. Brie, I'm sorry." Stephanie added.
"You're apologising to her?"
"Yes, I went too far. I attacked her marriage, and I shouldn't have."
"After what she said upstairs, she deserved it. Like hers is so much better." Nikki was still ready to fight.
"It isn't. Look at her hand." Stephanie told her partner.
"Why?"
"Just look!" Stephanie told Nikki with force. Nikki did as she was told and although it took a few seconds, she eventually realised her sisters ring finger was bare.
"Brie, where are your rings? That huge rock you usually show off, what's going on?"
Fine, I didn't think you'd notice, but it's all over ok, my marriage is over. I know you didn't want me around but I'm living here for now, so there wasn't much choice."
Nikki walked past Stephanie and took her sister by the wrist making her sit on the couch, sitting next to her. "How long have you been here?"
"Two months."
"Two months?" Nikki was shocked. "Why didn't anyone say?"
Brie scoffed. "Like I wanted you to know. You in your Californian beach house, living the Hollywood life while I get thrown out on the street and have to move in with my parents again."
"Hollywood? I wish, but if that's what you think, you really have the wrong idea." Stephanie felt bad for Brie in that moment, and tried to be comforting, sitting next to her.
"Might as well be. In Dads eye you're living the dream, and it's so clear they're ashamed of me compared to golden child over there." Brie wasn't calming down but Stephanie had a light bulb go off.
"Golden child? Brie, do you know Nikki used the same phrase to describe you?" This brought on confusion from Brie and guilt from Nikki, but neither talked, so Stephanie continued. "Don't you two see? You've been competing with each other all your lives, but you both feel like you're the loser in the battle. Any success for the other, of setback for yourselves and you think you failed, like you let your parents down. For Nikki it was not reaching the same sporting levels or popularity in school. Now you have a great job and a great life in California, but again, not on the beach and not in Hollywood, and Brie sees that while she's going through a terrible time. Brie, I'm sorry your husbands a moron, and I hope you take him to the cleaners in the divorce, but your sister is here for you, right Nikki?"
"Of course." Nikki said, only just holding it together.
"Exactly. And Nikki, Brie didn't become captain, or lead of anything to spite you, she lived her life, just like you lived yours. You want to compete, fine, but do it in a friendly way, go shoot hoops or something. But be sisters. I'd love to have you in our lives more Brie, I'm going to be in Nikki's life for a long time, and well, I always wanted a sister. But it is all up to the pair of you."
Nikki was the first to speak, getting in quickly. "I hope you see why I love her now Brie. She always knows what to say. I'm sorry Bryan left,you, but that doesn't make you a loser. It happens. Like Steph said, he's a moron. To hell with him. If you don't want to stay here, we have a guest room. You'd be welcome to come stay for a while." Nikki looked to Steph, and got a nod of agreement.
"You two live together?" Brie asked.
"Yeah, we did do that pretty quick, but it doesn't matter, I love her too much not to." Nikki and Steph shared a look.
"I won't come stay, but I'd like to visit sometime, once I'm back on my feet. I'll only be here till the accounts are divided. The lawyers are on it." Brie said.
"Anytime, just call first, I don't want you walking in on us again ok?" Nikki joked.
"I'm sorry I made such a inappropriate joke. I was embarrassed walking in on you making out, especially with a woman. But she clearly makes you happy."
"She does, she really does." Nikki confirmed.
"Then I'm happy for you. I'm still sorry though." Brie sounded nothing but genuine.
"Oh come here." Nikki said and the two sisters embraced each other for the first time in many years. Both couldn't hold their emotions any more and they quietly cried while holding the other. Stephanie was so proud of her girl at that moment, and only then realised their father was in the doorway. He put his finger to his lips, to indicate he did not want Stephanie to give him away yet, then silently mouthed to her "Thank you." Stephanie waved him off, not wanting the credit for any of it, pointing at the twins who were just releasing their hug.
"Morning girls." John said. "Breakfast is ready." Both twins gave their father a kiss on the cheek as they went to the kitchen. Stephanie then let him follow. She hung back, wanting to give them a little family time. She put one foot on the staircase, thinking she might go sort her makeup, when she heard her name, and looked to see John there. "That means you too." He said, but in a warm tone, clear that he wanted her to join them.
"Yes sir." Stephanie said, joining the family. Breakfast was delicious and plentiful, then they got ready for the day's activities. Kathy had selected the days itinerary for her birthday. She took them to a nature reserve, where they went for a long walk, taking in a picturesque desert view that went on for miles. It ended at an ice cream stand, which everybody welcomed, as it was very hot and dry out there.
In the afternoon they went to a museum, which wasn't Stephanie's preferred way to spend an afternoon, but it was indoors, and she was more than happy to enjoy it. She wasn't looking at the exhibits, but what she was noticing is that neither were Nikki or Brie, who had been in deep conversation with each other for the entire day so far. She wasn't even mad, as it was the two of them reconnecting with each other, something that they both needed. She was spending that time rehearsing a speech she planned on giving later that night.
The last stop of the night was at a wine bar, where they enjoyed some choice vintages and tapas.
"To my wife." John said at the end of the evening, tapping his glass with a spoon. "Happy birthday"
"Dad, you don't have to make a speech." Brie told him, trying not to laugh.
"Hold on…" John took a second. "Kathy, I love you and I'm glad we are all here, and that our girls are finally talking to each other, and both smiling. It's been a long time. Stephanie, welcome, I hope today hasn't had you rethinking of doing a runner. Here's to all of us."
The five clinked their glasses and had a lot of fun the rest of the evening. Stephanie thought about asking for embarrassing stories about her girlfriend, but it wasn't the right time, she didn't want to lower the tone of the day, not with what she still had to do.
"I'm exhausted." Nikki said when they retired to their bedroom later that night. She had just changed into some pyjamas, a cami top and shorts.
"Nice." Stephanie said, wearing a slip nightie that went down to just above the knee.
"You too." Nikki said, admiring the view.
"Don't get any ideas, remember where we are, and I've kept my panties on." Stephanie warned.
"Like they would stop me. It's not often we even wear nightwear, well, that we intend to keep on anyway."
"That's why you left the lacier items at home then?" Stephanie gave Nikki a look that any other time would have had them naked in seconds, but she knew it wasn't on the cards here.
"Stop. You know how irresistible you are to me." Nikki turned away to make sure she didn't react.
"Well maybe I better put some distance between us for a few minutes. I'm going to the bathroom to wash up. Don't wait up." Stephanie left the bedroom, but walked right past the bathroom, going to the other end of the house, knocking at the door once she could see a light was still on.
"Come in." Was the response.
Stephanie entered and saw that both Kathy and John were sat up in bed watching Jimmy Fallon.
"Stephanie, is everything ok?" Kathy asked.
"Yes, fine. I'm so sorry to come in so late, but I needed to talk to you, and there hasn't been any other time, and I doubt another will come up before we leave tomorrow."
"Well you have our attention now, what is it?" John asked, putting the television on mute.
"Well, sorry, I'm a little nervous." Stephanie took a breath and began her long rehearsed speech. "Mr and Mrs Bella…."
"Nope, none of that. John and Kathy to you, ok?" John interrupted.
"Yes sir, sorry." Stephanie was taken back by getting stopped so quickly, but quickly recomposed. "John, Kathy. I know meeting me was a big shock, and to find your daughter is in a relationship with a woman is a bigger one, but I need to tell you that you will never have anything to fear from me. I love Nicole more than any human being loves another. I would die for her, I would kill for her, I live every day for her and to make her happy is my only goal in life. I have no doubt in my mind that we were meant to be and I have felt that way since the moment I laid eyes on her. Once she saw it too we have been near inseparable, and I love that fact. I could tell you all the ways and things I love about your daughter, but I'm sure we all want to sleep tonight." She paused to assess things, and her little joke had raised a smile, so she took that as a good sign.
"I also know that you have only met me today, and that this is going to make what I have to ask a little difficult, but I hope you will at least hear me out." She got held her hand out with the ring box in it, open so they could see what was inside. "I want to spend the rest of my life with your daughter. I honestly don't think I could function without her love, and I consider myself the luckiest woman on the planet. She is the love of my life and my soul mate. So I'm standing here in front of you both, to ask for both your permission and your blessing to ask Nikki to marry me. I hope you will give it, but I understand if you cannot do so yet. I only ask that you do not refuse to give it period. If I have to earn it, I will do whatever has to be done. I will wait as long as I can to propose to her, but if I am honest, I don't know how I have waited this long sometimes. Maybe it's because I know I want to do everything right by her, and i know she loves you both. She has a sparkle to her that she gets when she's really happy, and I saw it today. I hope to be able to enjoy more days like this with you all, and I hope I haven't ruined it with this speech." Stephanie had exhausted her speech, and didn't know what to say next.
"Can I see the ring?" Kathy asked. Stephanie handed it over and Kathy opened it. "Oh John, look, it's beautiful."
"It is. I won't ask how much it set you back, but I can guess it wasn't 20 bucks." John quipped.
"No sir, it was more than 20, quite a bit more. It's custom made, 18 carat gold and a 1.25 carat princess diamond."
"It's really something Stephanie, the inscription is different, but makes sense for an engagement ring."
"It's a thing between us, I promise it will add even more to the ring when she gets to see it."
"Have you planned your proposal?" John asked.
"About a thousand different ways. I have had this in my purse every minute since I paid for it, in case the right moment came up, but when I knew we were coming up, I knew I needed to speak to you first. Wait, if you are asking about the proposal, does that mean…" Stephanie trailed off in hope.
"Stephanie. I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Do you know what happened on the few moments you weren't with us? When you were getting the ice cream, or went to the restroom?"
Stephanie shook her head, unsure where this was going.
"Every time you weren't in earshot, it was the same. 'Do you like her?' 'What do you think of her?' 'See, isn't she great?' And more besides that. She has never really cared what we thought of anyone she's brought home before, but she really wanted all of us to like you. It's pretty clear how much she cares about you, she made a huge change to her life to be with you."
"I know she did. She didn't make the choice lightly, and to be fair, I really tried hard to win her heart. She rejected me flat the first time I tried to make a move."
"She said the same, although she didn't mention any moves made, thankfully." John said lightly, but enough to still make Stephanie blush.
"Sorry. I just want you to know that I had to earn her love, and I will never take it for granted."
"I can see that, and I think anyone who sees you two together will see that. She loves you deeply, and wanted us to see what she sees. And I think we do." John looked to Kathy, and got a nod, as Stephanie couldn't help but feel excited, thinking she was getting the answer she wanted.
"You have to understand something Stephanie. You are asking a lot of any father. It's not just to take his daughter, it's to join his family. And the fact you are a woman doesn't change how I feel here." John took a breath and Stephanie felt panic, not knowing what was coming next. "All I want from the person who takes her hand is that they will love her, be faithful to her, treat her with the respect she deserves, and most importantly, never, hurt her. If she ever turns up at my door crying because of you, I'm in the car and looking to mount your head on my wall, clear?" It was hard to tell if John was joking, but Stephanie understood his warning, and was expecting it.
"Nikki is my world, and I will never do anything to hurt her, I swear it. I can't cope with the idea of her crying in pain, and I know for a fact that she feels the same." Stephanie said, thinking about what happened when they nearly broke up.
John smiled, happy with the answer. "Then there is only one thing left I need you to understand. Nikki is her own woman, she's strong, independent, smart. She doesn't need me to give permission for her to do anything. But if you want my blessing, you have it. Just look after my little girl."
"Of course." Stephanie said, wanting to hug her Father-in-law to be, but realising it might not be appropriate, but he then moved to her and they indeed shared a hug for the first time. Kathy had gotten out of bed and Stephanie hugged her in turn.
"Everything he said goes double for me." Kathy said. "Today you got my girls talking for the first time in a long time. It was the greatest birthday gift anyone could ever get me. You're a wonderful woman, and my Nicole is clearly in love with you. Anyone can tell you are a good couple."
"Thank you both so much. I won't let either of you down, but I think I should leave you now."
"Goodnight Stephanie." Kathy replied. Stephanie left their room and almost floated back to her own. She found Nikki was already in bed, but had left the bedside light on for Stephanie to find her way. Of course, to get to it, Stephanie was going to have to crawl over her, a fact she was certain was done on purpose. Sure enough, when she got under the blanket and held her self over Nikki to turn off the light, the second she did she found Nikki pounced, grabbing her and rolling over so she was lying on top of her lover.
"Oh honey, every part of me wants to make you moan, but we can't, I don't want to upset your parents."
"They won't hear, and since when did you care about upsetting anyone?" Nikki whispered, kissing Stephanie's neck gently.
"Come on, after what happened with your sister, you really want to risk it? We'll be home tomorrow, and I swear you're mine until the next morning."
"I'm yours now." Nikki cooed. "I'm yours forever."
"Damn right." Stephanie said.
"And I think my family loved you."
"Of course they did. I'm adorable." Stephanie joked.
"Do you think your parents will like me next weekend?" Nikki asked.
"Of course." Stephanie said, but she felt the wind taken out of her. "Let's get some sleep, ok babe?" Nikki didn't answer, but rolled into a spoon position so she could be held as they slept, Stephanie was only too happy to oblige, finding it calming as they drifted off.
A.N.: Thanks for reading.
That went about as well as it could, and Steph managed to find a way to make herself very popular, and got the blessing she hoped for.
Will Nikki have the same success convincing Stephanie's parents that she is right for their daughter?