When I walk into the kitchen after having the kids rest before tonight, Leah has every counter space covered in food. There’s a giant turkey in a pan that she’s dressing, a ham in another pan still wrapped up, potatoes, yams, stuffing mix, vegetables, pie, and rolls. What the hell is going on here? Is she nervous because her dad is coming to her place for the first time? “Hey babe. What’s with all the food? How much does your family eat?” I ask.
“Shut up and let me cook. Out of the kitchen.” She says pointing towards the other room with a knife in her hand.
I throw my hands up. “Take it easy. It was just a question.” I laugh and leave just as the doorbell rings. “I’ll get that.” I holler over my shoulder. When I open the door my whole family is standing in front of me. Completely dumbfounded I just stand and stare at them. My mom throws her arms around my neck and hugs me tight.
“Merry Christmas sweetheart.” She says
“What, what are you guys doing here?” I stutter
“Leah invited us, silly. She wanted all of us to be together.” She tells me stepping inside. My father and each of my brothers hug me as they come in and wish me a Merry Christmas. I wasn’t expecting them to be here and I’m totally shocked. No wonder why she’s cooking so much food and been acting a little secretive since I mentioned how this was going to be our first Christmas away from the family and it felt weird. I show everyone around and entertain while Leah and my mom cook. Leah told her she didn’t have to, that she was a guest in her home but my mother insisted. Around three o’ clock Leah’s family arrives and her apartment is so loud and full, it’s music to my ears. That’s one of the things I love about being a part of a large family. It’s never silent enough to hear your own thoughts. I notice my brother Shaw is talking to Leah’s sister. I should probably keep an eye on him. He’s a perpetual student/ex football superstar and a bit of a playboy. Although from what I’ve heard about Emily from Leah, I’m sure she can handle herself.
My mom and Leah’s Grams seem to be old friends. You would never be able to tell that this is their first time meeting one another. My dad was talking to Leah’s father but moves to get a drink from the kitchen. I use my dad’s absence to talk to Luca about my intentions with his daughter. I know he hasn’t been in her life since her mother died, but I can tell that Leah would like for him to be. Call me old fashioned, but I would feel better to have his blessing as well as the blessing of her Grams’. I sit on the couch next him. Everyone seems to be lost in their own conversation and are fortunately not paying attention to us.
“Hey Mr. Romano How’s it going?” I ask, aiming towards casual.
“Not too bad, son. Just Luca is fine. How have things been with you and Leah? You two seem pretty close.” He says to me.
“Actually, that’s why I came over to talk to you. Leah and I are doing really well. I care about your daughter and grandson a great deal and I hope that you’re serious about being a part of her life because I know that she still needs her dad, even if she doesn’t want to admit it.”
He looks at me, seemingly taken aback. It takes him a second to gather his thoughts. “I made some mistakes when her mother died. I regret them every day of my life but I can’t change what I did. I can only try to make it better from this point forward. I don’t expect you to understand.”
“Actually, I do understand.” I interrupt him. I never would have left Abby by herself to figure things out in a time of grief. He had an obligation to his daughters to take care of them and he was a coward. “My wife passed when she gave birth to our daughter. So with all due respect sir, I understand completely.”
“I, I’m sorry, Steven. I had no idea.” He pauses for a minute then continues. Well, I want to be in Leah’s life and I hope that she will be accepting of that. As a father of a daughter, I imagine you can understand how much I appreciate you caring enough about her to have this conversation with me.”
“You’re here tonight, by her choosing. I think that tells you where she stands. I wanted to let you know that I plan on asking her to marry me tonight.” I tell him matter of fact.
“Wow.” He exhales “I wasn’t expecting that. I can tell you love her very much and Ethan too. Since you’ve given me the “big brother talk” I think it’s fair I tell you, she’s been hurt enough in her life so be sure you don’t add to that.”
“I never want to, sir.”
He shakes my hand and gives me a pat on the back right when Leah comes into the dining room.
“Dinner is ready.” she calls out after eyeing her father and I, and we all make our way to the table.
After dinner I catch Leah in the bedroom changing into something more comfortable. Today has been perfect and I wanted to thank her for it. I can’t believe she invited my whole family. We all barely fit but I am so glad she did it. I want her to know how much I appreciate the thought and effort she put into making out first Christmas, hopefully the first of many, so special. I grab her in my arms and rest my brow against hers. “Thank you.” I whisper. I know I don’t need to say anything else.
“You’re welcome.” She whispers back. We stand there for a few minutes just holding each other. I kiss her slowly and gently.
I leave, letting her finish changing and I go to find Seth. I’m ready to do it. Tonight couldn’t be any better. She’s brought both of our families together and created the best Christmas I’ve had in a very long time. I’ve been carrying the ring around in my pocket since I changed clothes at lunchtime and I can’t wait any longer. But I’m nervous. I’m certain that Leah is who I want to spend the rest of my life with so I’m not really sure where this nervousness is coming from. I just need to talk to my brother and calm my nerves before I can do it.
“Hey.” I walk up to him in the kitchen. “It’s time but I’m nervous as hell, man.”
He chuckles. “You’re fine. She loves you, dude. We can all see it. Now get out there and ask her.” He tells me punching my arm.
“Thanks,” I tell him then I walk out to the living room where everyone is sitting and tap a fork against my glass to get their attention. With all their eyes on me I hesitate a moment, but I do my best to quickly regain my composure.
“I wasn’t expecting everyone to be here tonight.” I start then turn looking directly at Leah. “Thank you, babe, for making this happen.” She blushes and smiles a shy smile at me. “I love you. I want you to know how special you and Ethan are to me and Abby. Since you’ve come into our lives…” the doorbell rings and Ethan jumps up to go answer it.
“Ethan wait! You know you’re not suppose to answer the door by yourself.” Leah gets up. Then I her Ethan shout.
“Daddy!”
Love Confessed Page 19