Back inside, the living room buzzed with soft laughter, the clinking of cocoa mugs, and my grandma's dramatic stories. Danny and I returned from the balcony just as Mom was fussing over the coasters, and Dad, pretending to be unaffected, had this proud glint in his eye.
Danny sat beside me, his hand lightly brushing mine under the table. The cocoa he made for everyone was a hit—Grandma even whispered, "He's a keeper," loud enough for the whole room to hear.
As the evening stretched on, my family chatted about everything—my childhood mishaps, the time I cut my bangs with paper scissors, and how I used to hide behind curtains during guests. Danny was enjoying every second, laughing softly, eyes occasionally sliding to me with that warm, steady gaze that made my stomach flip.
Then Mom brought out an old photo album—of course.
"Oh, no," I groaned, hiding my face, but it was too late. Baby me was on full display—missing teeth, wild curls, chocolate-stained cheeks.
Danny grinned. "You were adorable… and so dramatic. Look at that pout!"
I elbowed him. "You're one to talk. You used to wear Spider-Man socks over your jeans, didn't you?"
Everyone burst into laughter—including Danny, who shook his head in mock shame.
Then, Dad glanced at the clock and cleared his throat. "Well, it's getting late."
My mother turned to Danny, "Would you like to stay for dinner? It's been ages since we had such lovely company."
Danny glanced at me. "Only if I get to help cook."
Mom lit up like a chandelier. "You do cook?! My dreams have come true."
As the kitchen came alive with sizzling spices and bubbling laughter, Danny rolled up his sleeves and moved like he belonged—like he had always belonged.
And when dinner was finally served—steaming, spicy, delicious—we all sat together, hearts full, stomachs fuller.
Just as we were all beginning to settle into a comfortable silence over dinner, warm plates before us and laughter still lingering in the air, my mother suddenly looked up from her bowl and asked, "So… are you two dating?"
I nearly choked on my water, coughing into my napkin as my eyes darted from her to Danny.
Danny, however, was completely unfazed. He smiled—cool, confident, and proud—and replied, "Yes, ma'am. We're official."
The room erupted into cheers and teasing claps.
My grandmother beamed, clasping her hands together. "Ah, I knew it! This reminds me of how your grandfather proposed to me. It was a chilly evening in December, and he—"
My father cut in quickly, "Oh no, not again, Ma…"
Grandma shot him a look and lightly smacked the back of his head with her spoon. "La! He's your father, don't talk like that."
I stifled a laugh. "But, Grandma, you do brag about him a lot."
She raised her chin with pride. "So what if I do? He was my husband—and a handsome one, too."
The whole table burst into affectionate laughter again, that rare kind of warmth wrapping around us like a soft blanket.
And in that moment, with Danny's hand resting over mine and my family glowing around us, it felt like the universe had aligned just right.
After dinner, we all sank into the plush couch, full and smiling. The room buzzed with lingering conversation and soft laughter when my father suddenly stretched and said, "Well, I think we should get going now. I have work in the morning, and your brother's school admission is tomorrow."
As if on cue, my little brother, perched on my mother's lap, let out the cutest coo. I reached out and took him in my arms, pressing a kiss to his soft forehead. His tiny fingers curled around my hair, and my heart melted.
Danny leaned in and ruffled the little one's hair. "He's adorable. How old is he?"
"Just turned three," I replied with a proud smile.
Grandma chuckled, clapping her hands gently. "Alright, alright, let's give the lovebirds their alone time now!"
My cheeks flamed instantly. "Grandma! Stop!"
"Stop me? Why should I?" she smirked. "Your grandfather and I used to—"
"Please, Mom!" my mother interrupted, raising her hands dramatically. "We're still in the room!"
We all burst into laughter again. The joy, the teasing, the chaos—it felt like the warmest kind of love.
Soon, everyone stood. I hugged them all goodbye, holding on a second longer than usual. As they walked out the door, I waved with a soft smile and glassy eyes, blinking back tears.
The door clicked shut.
Danny stepped behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder. "Your family is beautiful,do they live far off?" he whispered.
"They're a little chaotic too and no just two blocks away," I said, sniffling through a soft laugh.
"I like chaos," he whispered against my ear.
"And if that is the case we can meet them often baby".
Then, with no warning, he swept me up into his arms.
"Time for bed," he declared, grinning at my startled squeal.
I wrapped my arms around his neck, heart full, as he carried me away into the comfort of the night.