Chapter's song: One by Ed Sheeran

ChaPtEr THIRTY _________________________

The dining table was elegantly set up. Mom's best china was displayed over a hand-stitched mantelpiece brought over from Hungary. The finest silverware was sitting next to the European-cut glasses.

Oh no.

Whatever happened with the term casual?

My stomach churned as I stepped towards the kitchen, where Mom was smelling one of the simmering pots over the stove. "Mom?" I asked trying to sound completely casual and not as freaked out as I really felt.

"Yes, honey?" her green eyes sparkled with glee as she turned to me. A white apron was hiding her glimmering over-the-top, dress.

"Are you wearing a cocktail dress?" my voice was high pitched. My eyes were wide as the elegant saucers placed on the other room.

She smiled, "well, it's not every day that our oldest daughter brings her boyfriend over."

I bit my lip. "I didn't bring him. You practically forced me to invite him." I muttered while my eyes roamed all over the kitchen's counter. There seemed to be a large amount of food already prepared. "Mom, isn't this, too much?"

She scoffed, "of course not! This is the first time you bring a guy home," her eyes shone excitedly, "it's a big thing."

"I'm not-"

"Same thing." She cut in pleased with herself.

"Mom," My stern tone of voice tried to convey how serious I was being. "I just saw him yesterday. And he's coming over for dinner because you made me invite him. I haven't seen him in a while and I definitely don't want to scare him away." Not until I can convince him that the paparazzi and every other thing lurking around in my life was worth it.

She chuckled at that, "I'm sure he'll be delighted to see that we're doing all of this just for him."

"It's too much."

"What would you want me to do? Treat him out to take-out pizza?" she shook her head and grabbed the wooden rolling pin. I flinched as she smashed it against a brown bag filled with old bread.

"What on earth are you doing?" my voice was soft and my breathing had hitched.

Oh, dear God. What had I gotten Jason into?

"I'm making bread pudding," she said in a duh tone, "the old way. Like my grand-mother taught me." She passed her right arm across her forehead. "You know, so there's something Mexican on the table." She looked at me. "Maybe it will bring out memories from the summer." A small smile played on her face as she smashed down the brown bag with the rolling pin again.

My heart warmed at that.

"That's really nice, Mom. But apparently we already have food for the whole neighborhood..." I gestured towards the kitchen table, where a chocolate cake was standing right below the lamp's reflection at the center of the table.

She made a dismissing gesture with her hand, "your father is making fun of my cooking skills and bought the damn thing. I'm proving him wrong, of course."

I sighed. There was no point in trying to tone done dinner now. Especially since Jason would be here in an hour, tops.

"How can I help?" I asked completely defeated.

Mom looked at me. "You could go put on something fancy, like really fast and help me out do this thing."

My eyes turned to my dark denim jeans and red-striped blouse. "I thought this was meant to be casual," I reinforced the term trying to make her feel bad.

She didn't even notice.

"Don't take long!"

I rolled my eyes as I sprinted towards my room.

I changed into a casual black dress and debated in my mind if I should warn Jason. But what if he didn't want to come at all? Well, he's not cancelling on the future King, that's for sure.

Quickly, I texted him mentioning that my mother was too excited and had forced me to wear a dress for the occasion.

A moment later, I smiled at his text: Can't argue against that. See you soon.

The kitchen was a bit crowded. Mom was still trying to smash the bread while Uncle Hugh and Dad made fun of her. "You did tell me to leave the bread out last week!" she eyed at my uncle accusingly.

"I can't believe you're actually trying to do this, Em!"

I rolled my eyes.

God, they all acted out like teens. Especially with Uncle Hugh around.

Uncle Hugh.

That worried me. More than I thought.

As soon as I walked inside the kitchen, I passed an arm on his shoulders. "You are going to be nice with Jason, right?"

Mom laughed at that, "Take that, Hugh!"

He pressed a hand on his chest mocking hurt. "I'm always nice, dear."

"Extremely nice," I stressed out.

He chuckled, "don't worry. I don't plan to grill him on like your father, if that's what's worrying you!"

Dad smiled slyly at me. My heart thudded faster in panic.

"Dad?"

"It will be fine, don't worry." He patted my uncle hard on the back. "Let's give Emily some space, mate." They both left snickering.

"Mom?" I asked completely panicked.

She rolled her eyes, "They're just trying to mess up with you." She glared at the space where they'd been a moment ago. "Bunch of morons, if you ask me."

Not reassured at all, I helped out by taking out the eggs from the fridge. "I really like Jason, Mom. Let's not scare him away, shall we?" I swallowed hard.

She smiled at me. "Is that all? You just like the guy?" she raised an eyebrow knowingly.

My cheeks flushed. "Is it that obvious?"

Her smile grew wider. She shook her head. "Do you mean that I haven't noticed how your eyes look alive again since last night?"

I looked down, "I'm sorry if I've been out of it..."

Mom grabbed my hand, "I'm happy that you're happy." She looked at me knowingly, "that's why I'm going all the way. He's not just a guy, is he?"

Blushing, I shyly shook my head.

"So, help me out. This dessert has to be good." Slowly grinning, I took out a large bowl and placed the bread in it. Since we didn't have much time, we both hurried while following an ancient looking recipe cookbook.

While breaking the chocolate that the recipe asked for, Mom's voice tone was nonchalant as she asked, "So how close are you with Jason?"

My hands froze and the dark chocolate dropped to the batter. "Huh?"

Mom gave me a look. "Do you really want me to give you the bees and flowers explanation again?"

"No!" I said flustered. While blushing hard. "We've been careful. I'm on the pill, too" I muttered agitated.

Bloody hell. I just had to give myself away, right?

"Oh," Mom's eyes widened for a moment. "Do you think Ashley and Ben had done the deed, too?"

ç

"I don't know!" Geesh...

"I should talk to her about it," she said more to herself than me. At that exact moment, the doorbell chimed. Mom grinned at me, "Go open the door, honey." She gestured with her hands before putting the cake on the oven.

Still blushing and completely flustered, I wiped my hands on my apron before putting it away and walking to the door. My heart was thumping loudly inside my chest as my hand gripped the door knob. Swallowing hard, I pulled it open.

And my heart skipped a beat.

There was Jason.

Dressed smartly in a grey suit holding a colorful flower bouquet in his right hand and a small box on the other hand. My lips tugged up instantly as butterflies fluttered in my stomach.

"Hey," I greeted him shyly.

"Hey yourself," his voice was dark and husky. My knees felt weak.

Some part of me was in awe that he'd actually agreed to come. Things were escalating sort of fast. And I still didn't know where we stood. My mind was still reeling from everything that had happened from the moment his phone rang back in Mexico, to his house and yesterday.

To be fair, we didn't start out like a normal couple does. We were unconventional. In many ways. And I loved it. I wouldn't have it any other way.

"You do know I need to enter the house eventually, do you?" he raised an eyebrow. I blushed and gestured for him to come in.

His eyes roamed all over the hall for a second. Before they locked on mine. "You look beautiful," he murmured as he took a step closer.

After handing me the small chocolate box, his hand reached my face and tucked a lock of hair behind my ear. My heart was already racing and my cheek tingled where he'd just touched me. My breath caught in my throat.

After the last torturing days, Jason was here. In my house. With me.

"I'm glad you're here..." I swallowed hard trying to contain the inside turmoil.

"Me too," he flashed me a boyish smile. Almost shy. Maybe somewhat embarrassed.

And I swooned all over him.

Someone cleared their throat behind us. We both turned towards the noise. Both my parents were there. Dad was embracing Mom. Uncle Hugh right behind.

My cheeks flushed.

"So, this is Jason Lee. And this is my crazy family," I smiled.

Uncle Hugh snorted at that. He pretty much pushed my father towards us before reaching out to greet Jason. "Nice to meet you. Thank you for coming over on such short notice. I believe that's my fault."

"Nice to meet you, Sir."

Uncle Hugh snorted at that.

"Do call me Hugh. I'm young at heart. Unlike those two," he nudged behind him. Towards my parents.

My father rolled his eyes and slapped him hard on the back. Apparently he was pretty fond of beating Uncle Hugh like that.

"Welcome, Lee." His voice was nice enough. But there was a harsh edge hiding in there somewhere.

Jason greeted him respectfully, none the less. "Thank you for having me over, Your Highness." Glancing at my mother, he gave her the flowers, "I believe this are for you, Your Highness."

Mom smiled sincerely at him. "You can call us on our first name, Jason."

"Ok," his Adam apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. "I'll try."

"Fair enough," added Uncle Hugh. "Let's move to the garden, shall we?"

The garden was illuminated with several torches around the porch. It gave an eerie and sort of magical look. Especially since they man I loved was right beside me. He placed his hand below his armrest. I did the same. Our fingers grazed for a moment before we both intertwined our hands.

Mom took out a large tray with different kind of appetizers. White wine was served as she made small talk about the weather and such.

Dad was silently studying Jason. Which was completely unnerving. And I could see that Jason looked somewhat on the edge. But he was polite and respectful towards everyone.

Even when Uncle Hugh joked around.

Ashley joined us after a while. And she was sporting a gigantic smirk. I so wanted to wipe that stupid smugly expression off her face. Payback is a bitch, isn't it? I rolled my eyes when she moved her lips saying the words in silence. Her eyes glinted mischievously.

The party eventually moved to the dining room. Uncle Hugh boasted about the amazing food he'd prepared. Mom glared at him. But they lightened the mood. I was thankful for that.

While serving salad on his plate and without actually looking at my boyfriend, Dad blurted out unfazed, "So, Jason what exactly are your intentions towards my daughter?"

I choked on the piece of bread I'd popped in my mouth a second before.

Everyone looked at me while Jason patted me on the back awkwardly. After drinking a glassful of water, I looked at my father. What the hell, Dad?!

Jason cleared his throat and wiped his lips with his linen napkin. "My intentions are sincere, Sir."

My heart started to race and I looked at my Uncle quite panicked. His lips were twitching as he played with his fork before him.

"I know that," Dad shot at Jason. Implying, you better. "But I want to know how serious you are. You're five years older than her. And your relationship didn't start in the most conventional way-"

"Dad!" I said at the same time my mother burst out, "Scott." She was full on glaring at him.

He raised his hands in mock surrender. "I'm just stating the facts here."

Jason's grey eyes turned to me before his hand reached out for mine. In some kind of reassurance, he squeezed it lightly. Still looking at me, he added, "I can only say that I wouldn't be here if my intentions weren't serious or real." His grey eyes glinted with a deep feeling while a soft smile played on his lips. I melted.

Mom dodged the situation by asking him about his family. His whole stance changed as he recounted about his father's past in the navy. He also talked about Danielle and his mother.

Finally, time for dessert rolled in. Mom, looking proud as hell, brought her bread pudding and placed it on the table. She talked about the times her grandmother made this for her. We talked about Mexican food and the variety of desserts Maria had made on our stay back in Huatulco.

Dad was much more composed. I supposed Jason's reply had been enough for him. It was for me.

After a while, Mom took pity on us and sent us out to the garden for coffee. Alone.

And I couldn't love my mother any more than I did at that moment.

The torches were still on as we strolled down the porch steps. "Sorry about all that..." I trailed unsure of what to say. I mean, he was bound to freak out, right? Especially after my father's little outburst.

Jason chuckled beside me. "Your father is intimidating."

I looked at him. "I'd never seen him like that. I'm really sorry about it."

He shrugged and then looked behind us for a moment. "I think it's pretty safe to say that he's trying to protect you. I respect that." He grabbed my hand.

"Are they looking at us?" I asked surreptitiously.

"If they are, they're being discreet." He glanced backwards again.

I giggled pulling him to a stop. Then I leaned on my toes to kiss him. Both his hands embraced me. "Thank you. For coming. For being here. For calling me...yesterday."

His eyes darkened. "You don't need to thank me, beautiful."

"But I do." I brushed my lips against him. "Life without you was completely dark."

He kissed me lightly. Probably because my family was nearby. Undoubtedly watching us.

"Is everything black and white for you Royals?" he raised an eyebrow while smiling.

"What do you mean?" I asked warily.

"It's either black or white for you." He flicked my nose, "and guess what? There's a shit load of different shades out there."

I rolled my eyes. "Like fifty shades of grey?"

He chuckled, "I didn't know you were into kinky stuff."

I shoved him playfully. "Wait until you see my room. It's painted in red. And I have a..." I frowned thinking about the names of the different things mentioned in the book, "closet full of canes." I finished uncertain. I wasn't even sure if that was the actual term for the thing Christian used to spank Anna.

Jason burst out laughing. "You read that thing!"

"Who hasn't?" I shrugged flushing.

"I haven't," he sobered up. "I believe it's degrading for women. I wouldn't want to see Danielle treated like that. And even if I intend to show you that life has different shades other than white or black, I will always try to treasure you to my best capacities."

I was left speechless.

And swooning.

And maybe...undeniable head over heels for him. As if that was even possible to begin with.

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Long chapter for you guys.
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Gabs.