Page 20 of Chosen By Love

7

Rebecca

The Dinner

Mom and dad had raised me in the home that sat near a small pond on Pinewood Lane. It was nothing fancy but it was a home built on love, hard work, and a lot of patience.

My dad had even surprised mom with a newly remodeled kitchen for her birthday two years prior. The kitchen had a new shiny stainless-steel refrigerator with matching oven; the new cabinets built were a bonus to mom’s surprise. This place would always feel like home no matter how old I got.

A slow grin spread to my lips, just thinking of the love my dad had for my mom. I knew that I wanted a love that great from an early age.

“Are you ready to meet my parents?” I asked Brett in a low voice.

Brett gave me a confident grin. “I’m more ready than you know, sweetheart.”

I pressed the doorbell, and after a few seconds the front door swung open. Mom stepped out on the front porch to greet us as Brett stood beside me with a winning smile on his handsome face.

* * *

Brett

We arrived at Rebecca’s parents’ home, and I took in the quaint red brick home with rose bushes dotting the lawn. The home looked comfortable and inviting.

Rebecca pressed the doorbell, and it gave off a whimsical chime.

“Rebecca! You made it!” her mom exclaimed taking both Rebecca and me in with a sweeping glance as she swung the door open.

“Hello mom, yes we made it,” Rebecca’s smile beamed brighter as her eyes met her mom’s.

“Come in,” her mom directed stepping aside as we walked through the door.

“Mom this is Brett Collins, Brett this is my mother Faye Woods.”

“It’s nice to meet you Mrs. Woods,” I replied. “I can see where Rebecca got her beauty from. I brought a Sauvignon Blanc to go with dinner, and your husband’s favorite imported beer. Rebecca informed me of both your preferences,” I added holding up my offerings.

“You are so kind and call me Faye. I’ll take those,” my mom reached out to take the wine and beer. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Mrs. Woods—I mean Faye,” I replied handing over the items.

“Becca your father is out back on the deck frying the fish,” mom said. “You know how I dislike the smell of fish in the house. The odor clings to everything. Go out and introduce Brett then you can come back to the kitchen to help me plate the side dishes.”

“Okay, mom,” Rebecca placed a kiss against her mom’s brown cheek and led me through the home in the direction of the back deck.

I inwardly hoped that Rebecca’s father was as friendly as her mother.

Rebecca’s father was a medium sized man with an averaged sized build. His hair was low cut and peppered with gray. He turned as Rebecca slid open the sliding doors, and we stepped out onto the wooden deck.

“Sweetheart!” Rebecca’s dad turned and swept his daughter in an affectionate embrace. “It’s good, as always, to see you,” he said kissing both of her cheeks.

I could see that Rebecca had a close relationship with her parents. I was glad to see such love and affection between them.

“Dad this is Brett Collins, my—” Rebecca stuttered as her voice trailed off, and our eyes met. There was a sudden shyness and a question in her glance.

“I’m the boyfriend,” I cut in and extended my hand to Mr. Woods.

His eyes widened as he gave me an intent perusal. Finally, he captured my hand in his and gave it a firm shake. A small grin eased around his lips as I returned his firm grip, never losing eye contact.

“Well, welcome to our home, Mr. Collins.”

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