Love by Design

Adrian sat down next to his father. “That’s true. I bet you have them timed out just right.”

“You’d better believe it.”

Norma Jean rolled her eyes.

“Mom, what can we help you with?”

“Nothing.”

Both Milán and Adrian turned to Norma Jean.

“What?” they said in unison.

“Everything is ready. I’m just waiting on the rest of the crowd.”

“Who’s coming?”

“So far everyone. Your dad helped me put the leaf in, and we’ve already set the table.”

The doorbell rang. Norma Jean got up.

“Mom, I can get it,” Adrian replied.

“No, you sit right there. I’ve listened to your father’s commentary long enough. It’s your turn.”

The Mangums were next to arrive.

“Hi, honey, you look lovelier each time I see you. It appears family life becomes you.”

Tiffany hugged Norma Jean. “I’ll say.”

She took Gavin out of his father’s arms and hugged him. “Oh, my goodness, what are you feeding this boy? Every time I see him, he gets bigger.” She kissed Ivan on the cheek. “How are you, Ivan?”

“Just fine, Ms. Jeannie.”

“And work? Gone out on any assignments lately?”

“I’ve cut down since this little guy was born. Tiffany doesn’t like me having fun like I used to.”

“If by fun you mean the time you went to Monte Carlo, and the man you were protecting almost got kidnapped, and you shot the kidnapper so he couldn’t get away, then yes, I don’t like when you do that.”

Ivan hauled his wife to his side. “See, just like I said. No fun.”

She eyed the plate of bite-size appetizers that Tiffany held. “This looks delicious, honey.” She turned to Ivan. “I’m glad your wife puts her foot down. That’s just what you need, Colonel Mangum. You own the company. It’s time for some of your single operatives to go protect people. You’ve got a family at home to worry about.”

Ivan looked properly chastised. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Everyone’s in the den. You all head back while Gavin and I get some plates.

“There’s my little man,” she cooed. “Now let’s see what we can find in the kitchen, Gavin.”

“That’s the last thing I expected to see in your hands,” Logan said from the doorway.

“Well, look who decided to remember where we live,” she said in a singsong voice.

“Aunt Jeannie, I was here for dinner two weeks ago. Like I could ever forget where you live.”

“Hmph.” She walked over and kissed him on the cheek. “Which do you want? Baby, or plates and napkins?”

Logan stared at her for a moment, as if pondering the question. “Uh, definitely plates and napkins.”

“What, are you worried you may get the urge to procreate if you hold Gavin?”

“Definitely not.” He laughed. “I just don’t want you getting any ideas.”

“Rascal.”

Dinner was loud, fun, and Norma Jean loved every minute of it. By the look of happiness on her husband’s face when their eyes connected across the dining table, so did he. After dessert, Tiffany, Ivan and baby Gavin were the first to leave, followed by Justin and Sabrina. Norma Jean made sure everyone had plastic containers with the leftovers. She was not wrecking her diet for anyone.

“Jeannie, don’t you want to keep some for yourself?” Sabrina inquired.

“I’m not going to eat all this, and Cliff doesn’t need to eat all this. Especially since he complains every time I insist he come to my senior water-aerobics class.”

“I told you, that’s because you’re bossy. I’ll let you be bossy at home, or at the community center…not both.”

Norma Jean raised an eyebrow. “You’ll let me?”

“Dad, quit while you have a chance. You are not sleeping on our couch,” Adrian warned.

The only ones left thirty minutes later were Adrian and Logan. Milán was tired and had work in the morning, so Logan said he would give his cousin a ride so that she could leave. The boys offered to take care of the dishes.

“You and Dad go relax,” Adrian told Norma Jean.

She immediately took her apron off. “Well, you don’t think I’m going to say no to that, do you? Who knows when you two will offer to do dishes again?” She placed two pieces of pie on plates, kissed both of them and allowed Heathcliffe to drag her back in to finish Lethal Weapon.

* * *

After a few minutes of washing dishes together, Adrian looked over at his cousin. “So how are things going with Dakota? Have you made much progress?”