Sebastien

The night I've been waiting for was here. In my mind, I knew my mother had to be the most excited one. I had to end our last call by force, she was trying to pick my brain as to what Becca will like from wine to jewelry. They both wanted to spoil her, even her father Kellan. After their lunch meeting, he visited me at my office to gush about her. The happiness in his eyes was a comfort to see, I was happy that Becca brought him back to life. I knew he missed his wife but now he was back to his old self. They both had a grand time talking, found out they had a lot of things in common even made plans to visit his family. What made me proud of my girl was how eager she was to meet him again. She invited him to the family dinner which we didn't mind.

Thinking of family dinner, I finally got dressed and was ready to meet my parents downstairs. This was Becca's big night. The grand re-opening of Benedict's. I was lucky to see how dedicated she was to this opening and making sure the staff was comfortable. At night she brings home, work and sits next to me at my desk while we both work in silence, occasionally bouncing off ideas with each other. It was great to have someone who understood the business enough to help me when my eyes are threatening to close for sleep.

Taking one last look at myself I had a silly smirk on my face. As usual, she picked out my outfit before she left for work this morning. I loved whatever she chose. The penthouse felt empty without her laughter and teasing, I couldn't wait to see her. Grabbing my wallet and phone I made my way down to the waiting car.

"You look so handsome tonight." was the greeting I received from my mother as I entered the limo. "Thank you, mother. Goodnight father." I returned as I received a small hug from them each.

"All Becca's doing."

"Ah! I see she doesn't mind your glasses." mother commented with a small smile. Rolling my eyes, I knew she wanted to make that comment for a while now.

"Yes. She doesn't mind and helps me focus in the mornings. I'm really grateful to her. I can't wait for you two to meet her. She will be a bit busy but I know she will make time for us." I returned. I caught my parents sharing a smile before they nodded in understanding. I was a bit nervous no matter how excited they were to meet her. Becca is my everything.

Approaching the restaurant I knew it was going to be a fanfare but not this big. A barricade was built to allow the patrons to enter safely, they were surprised at the reporters. Ahead I saw a couple stepping out of a town car, "Isn't that Sampson?" I said aloud craning my neck to see better.

"It is. Thank heavens he left that woman." my mother commented with a huff. She was a gentle soul and it took a lot to get her to see you like a thorn. Father and I simply hummed uninterested. We haven't discussed the day but it was mutually decided not to. That chapter was closed. Finally, the limo came to a stop and I hurriedly stepped out onto the sidewalk, instantly the crowds erupted. Helping my mother out they went wilder knowing my parents have accompanied me. "This surely gets old." my father commented taking my mother's other arm as we both escorted her up the little pathway.

The questions began to fly over our heads about the video interview then they moved on to Becca. They were all still curious about her and they will stay that way. I know she can protect herself but I wanted to keep her life out of their radar. We gave them a smile and a small wave before stepping into the hostess area. The young lady standing at the podium got still and wide-eyed in shock. "Hello table of five for McRoy" I stated with a smile. A few other patrons came in and she was still shell-shocked.

I was about to ask again when I caught a glimpse of red hair then the sound of a very melodic laugh. The smile on my face got wider when I saw her coming towards me. Her blue eyes were shining and were only focused on me. It was then I saw her attire. Chuckling at her cuteness in our matching outfits I opened my arms to accept her curvy body against mine. "It's been six hours and I missed you," she said softly against my neck. I held on to her tighter kissing her neck, "I missed you too. You look simply breathtaking." I returned. Not caring for an audience I framed her face with my hands and placed a kiss on her red glossed lips. Slowly I moved my lips against hers allowing us both to feel each electrifying tingle that course through our body, making one kiss so powerful. She was addictive, my own special drug. I wanted more of her. Her light touches were always a spark to the raging emotions inside me. Feeling her little bites on my lips rewarded her with a chuckle against hers. The sound of a camera going off stopped us from going any further. "Question. Are we going to be that kind of matching hopelessly in love couple?" I asked kissing her lips briefly.

"Yup all we need is a cute dog at our feet," she answered smiling up at me.

"Done." was all I said loving the mischievous look in her eye. My smile turned into a frown seeing how tired she was. Becca noticed my worry and quickly placed a kiss on my lips giving me a reassuring smile. Though her efforts in trying to distract me were accepted, that didn't stop me from worrying.

We went to the side of the lobby area to allow the other patrons in. Every now and then they will stare in awe at our little group before proceeding to their tables to be seated. "Becca" my mother was the first one to grab hold of her to bring her into a tight hug. All I heard was her muffled laughter and her calling out mother's name in amusement. "So happy to finally meet you. You're so gorgeous. Oh my... your eyes so much like Kellan's." mother gushed. A blush stained Becca's cheek as she was held at arm's length.

"Thank you." She then turned to my father who was silently watching over the women of our lives with a small smile. "Hello Donovan" Becca greeted my father with a mischievous smile. "Am I missing a key point here?" I asked putting my arm around her shoulders as my mother went back to her husband.

"Oh, nothing. He just gave me the talk over the phone ." Becca said with amusement in her voice. "There's a talk fathers, give to their son's girlfriends?" I asked in confusion.

"Apparently yes but for the new girlfriends of sons who had their heartbroken," she answered sincerely, wrapping her arms around my torso. My shoulders slumped in relief and was appreciative of my father even more. I knew they both loved me and it definitely showed in what Becca revealed. I said nothing in reply but simply sent him a thank you nod. "Why don't we get to our table. Again I'm sorry for choosing the busiest night to agree to our family dinner." I held her tighter after hearing her say the last words. She was accepting her new life and at the right moment. I knew I didn't have to wait to do what I longed to do but common sense knew I had to. When she confessed how much she loved me it all came together.

Becca led us into the dining room with her hand enclosed in mine, other diners found our entry very interesting. The room was now filled with a curious buzz, phones were out, fingers were pointing but we all strode through it with our heads held high. Thankfully we were seated at a table in the corner, giving us a wide view of the room. As we sat a waiter immediately attended to us with complimentary drinks while another came bearing a platter filled with hors-d'oeuvres. "Good evening. The chef sends his greetings and hopes you have a delightful meal." the waiter said bowing lightly to the table before leaving.

Becca explained that their chef was originally from Montrose but made a living in Britain studying under the greatest chefs. Father made it his duty to visit the man before our night was over. It wasn't every day we meet one of our own in the States so this was more than a duty to him. During a bit of a small talk, Kellan finally showed up. I was taken aback by how excited Becca was to see him. She greeted him with a massive hug in which he returned kissing her temple. From the table, my parents and I saw how happy he was to have her in his arms. "Come on sit."

Dinner talk was lively and animated, stories were told, questions were asked, the food was marvelous. Our first family dinner was on a high note and not once were we interrupted by Becca having to deal with any problems.

The night was finally winding down when my father decided to go pay the chef a visit leaving us in an amusing debate of today's tv shows. It was then at the corner of my eye that I spot Mr. Hurst. He chose that opportune moment to look to his left, right at me. He gave me a quick nod then smiled at Becca who now had her head on my shoulder as I held her hand tightly below the table. I didn't hold a grudge against the man, I returned his nod of acknowledgment wishing him the best of luck in my own way. The woman next to him seems pleasant enough and from the looks of things they seem right for each other. It wasn't his fault that his daughter grew up to depend on men with hefty bank accounts. I blame the choice she made in having a role model. They were all behind me now.

"Excuse me Miss Callum but you are needed." Looking at the sound of the soft voice I came eye to eye with a petite server who was blushing from head to toe. "Thank you, Marjorie. Baby, this is one of my new servers, just finished college. Majored in IT development. She followed your family's business which led her to her career choice." Becca explained beaming brightly at the girl. It seemed my girl has taken someone under her wing. "Is that so? I would love to hear more about why you chose to follow MacTech. Can she stay awhile, my love?" I asked kissing Becca's cheek.

"Sure baby." was her quick reply before apologizing to the rest of the table. I couldn't take my eyes off her as she walked away. How can I be blind to the way her hips sway lightly as she walks, to the way her hair bounces to her every step. Did I mention how gracefully she walked in those heels.

Reluctantly I returned my attention to Marjorie, after introducing her to the rest of the table we got caught up in our conversation. I was listening to her first-hand view of our latest product, a translator and it gave me enough information to upgrade it in the future. She was bright and had so many ideas. I will love to have her on our development team. It got me thinking of other students in her position. In all the years of being in this fast-paced business, we've never ventured into the possibility of having an internship program because of the never-ending application and company trades. "I have to thank you, Marjorie. I will like to hear more of your views. Why don't you come by to the office on Monday." I stated. The smile on her face was bright enough to light up the whole restaurant.

"Really? I mean Miss Callum said you will listen but I didn't expect you wanting to hear more of what I want to say."

"Despite the overpowering title I am pretty down to earth" I explained giving her my business card.

"Thank you, Mr. McRoy. I won't let this opportunity go." she gushed giving me an impulsive hug.

"You're welcome." I returned patting her back awkwardly. After thanking me again she actually ran into the kitchen sharing her good news.

"I know that look." my mother quipped along with Kellan's amused chuckle. "I want to run it by father first," I commented.

"What do you want to run by me first?" I heard my father asked me. It was then we realized we were the last table. Busboys were clearing tables with the servers putting away the tables behind them. "I will be by tomorrow to discuss everything in detail but now I think we should allow these fine people to work and go home," I said bringing their attention to their surroundings.

"Oh. It's so comfortable and welcoming here. We should make here one of the venues for family dinner." mother commented writing a check for the bill while we left our own tips for our designated server.

"What do you mean darling?" father asked motioning for the server.

"Well, Kellan and I were talking about how great this all was. Seb and Becca finding each other and him now having a daughter. We can have family dinners every week or weekend. Like a Friday night or Saturday whether it be at our homes or here. What do you two think?" she asked.

"I love it."

"I agree. A start of something great." my father commented.

They were all right. Overall I wanted this for Becca, she deserved it. Kellan left to find her, leaving us to talk among ourselves. The server came by to collect our bill and was in momentary shock seeing his tips for the night. "This..This is too much." he stuttered looking at the money in his hand.

We were confused, "This is how we usually tip our servers for the night. We tend to overstay when we dine out. That is our compensation." father explained.

"Wow. Thank you but it's not really needed. Miss Benedict and Miss Callum treat us wonderful already."

"Then please accept this for great service." I pushed.

Still, in disbelief, he graciously bowed to us and took his leave. "Tonight was wonderful, son and you have chosen well with Rebecca. The chef and his staff sang praises of her and even the owner. She is something special." father said pulling me in for a hug.

"Thank you. It means a lot." I returned honestly. Everything was perfect.

We decided to wait for Kellan and Becca in the lobby after five minutes they joined us, both teary-eyed. I immediately came alert, "What's wrong?" I asked wiping away her tears and pulling her into a hug. "Nothing. Everything is just.... perfect now." she said over a sob. How ironic it was that I thought the same.

"Then why the tears love?"

She turned to Kellan with a big smile which in return he did the same, hastily he wiped away the tears from his eyes.

"I never expected to be this happy after Colleen's death. She was and still is the love of my life and a part of me died when she did now I have Becca. I have a daughter who's not only a replica of the Brooks women but also smart, independent, loving and so caring. She went through a lot in growing up and as she said to me a moment ago, this is her new life." he explained.

Her arms tighten around me in which I kissed her head lovingly, letting her know that she was right, that I was there for her.

"Knowing her now I realized she was never a Callum. She's my daughter. A Brooks. That's why I asked her to accept my family name."

This was a big step.

"And I said yes. I finally found where I belong. Tonight was the first time I felt like myself I didn't have to watch my words nor think I will be judged for what I want to do. Thank you for accepting me." She stood looking at us with tears in her eyes holding my hand and her father's. She was happy. Truly happy.

Mother pulled her into a hug with my father doing the same after.

Watching them comfort her I wish this content and happy feeling in my heart never leaves.

Just one more thing to do for a perfect happy ending.