And that's how, two months later, I ended up on Bill and Marjorie's back patio, with Max casually holding my hand, and my parents talking about how great the food was.
"Really, Bill, everything is so delicious," my mom raved.
"Glad you're enjoying it, Lynn. It's nice cooking for folks who appreciate a good meal." Max's dad sent a purposeful look at his wife and son as he said the last comment.
"If we ever got one, we'd appreciate it," Max retorted, not looking at his father, but rather staring at our intertwined fingers as he drew lazy circles on my skin with his thumb.
"So, Max, Lily tells me you're doing really well with the hockey commentating. Is there room for growth with that?" My dad was smitten with Max, and who could blame him? It wasn't every day that I introduced him to my famous hockey player boyfriend. But he was still trying to play the protective father role. It was cute.
Max tore his attention from our hands to look my father in the eye, giving him the respect Max knew my father expected. "Absolutely, Howard. The post-game interviews I'm doing now could easily lead to doing play-by-play analysis during the game. I just need to wait for an opportunity to open up."
"Could that require you to move?" I knew my mom's question was asking more than it seemed. Even though she always wished I'd return to Chicago, she also didn't want me traipsing all over the country in order to pursue someone else's dreams.
"I have no intention of moving. My family's here." His eyes skated to mine. "Lily's here." Refocusing on my mom, he sat back in his chair. "I'm not going anywhere."
I knew he was talking about more than just relocating for his job. He was letting me know that he was in this for the long haul. And I loved him for it.
Our relationship had progressed rapidly, but none of it felt rash or sudden. I knew it was because we'd actually been building up to this for over a year and a half. And once we finally arrived, it just felt . . . right.
Which brought me to one of the reasons we were all having dinner together. Other than us obviously wanting our parents to meet, we also wanted to discuss something with them. I had tried to think of the best way to broach the subject, but nothing had come to me. So I finally decided to say the hell with it and just come out with it. "Max and I are going to move in together," I blurted as I pushed food around my plate.
Everyone looked up at me and set their silverware down. At least they no longer have weapons. I knew Bill and Marjory would probably be okay with the news, but my parents were pretty old-fashioned. There was really no telling how they would react.
"Are you two sure you're ready for that? It's only been a couple of months."
I had been prepared for that sentiment, though I'd been stunned that it was Marjory who had voiced it. But, when I thought about it, I had to admit that I had a habit of hurting her son. Therefore, I really couldn't blame her reluctance.
"I'm sure that I'm done waiting for my life to work itself out," I explained softy. "I want to start putting the pieces in place for my future. Our future. And I don't want to waste another second of my life. We only get one forever. I want to make every minute count."
Marjory smiled, clearly satisfied with my answer.
"Well, if you're sure, Lily, then your mother and I support whatever decision you make."
I nodded and looked at Max. "I'm sure."
"Great!" Bill exclaimed as his hand slapped his knee. "Now that all that's out of the way, what's for dessert?"
"Classy, Dad."
"What? We were all thinking it," Bill defended.
"I'm pretty sure everyone else was thinking about how great Lily and I are together," Max replied as he lifted my hand to his lips and kissed it. "Until you completely bulldozed the moment, that is."
"I'm going to bulldoze this table if someone doesn't bring me a piece of cake or a brownie or something. I slaved over a hot grill for you, and you can't even get me a piece of pie. With some ice cream. And maybe sprinkles."
"Ignore him, Howard and Lynn. He gets antsy without his post-dinner sugar fix," Marjory explained.
"Don't let her change the subject. She's just trying to keep dessert to herself. I'm wise to your games, woman."
My parents were grinning widely, clearly amused by Max's dad. And I couldn't blame them. If Bill was any indicator of what Max would be like in twenty years, then I was in for a life full of laughs.
"Max and I brought dessert. I'll go get it." I got out of my chair as if doing so was a great burden, though I couldn't stifle my grin. "I'll be right back."
When I got to the kitchen, I pulled the apple pie we brought out of the fridge and grabbed a plate to serve it on. Then I spread the cookies I’d made earlier around the outside of the plate. I was reaching up to grab dessert plates from Marjory's cabinets when I felt two strong arms wrap around me from behind.
"What are you doing in here?" I asked as I rested my arms over his.
"I missed you," he replied as he started trailing kisses down my neck.