Our Hearts as One

Ted: Part 22

Spanish Translations at the end of the chapter
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"Ted did you set the table?" Mom asked.

"Yes." I answered.

"Did you get the drinks?"

"Yes."

"Did you straighten up the living room?"

"Yes."

"Did you really?"

"No."

Mom sighed and rephrased the question. "Did Suzie clean up the living room?"

"Yes."

"Good. Are they on their way?"

"Yes."

"Can you stop answering me in one syllable words?"

"No."

My mom sighed again and then left the room. I let out a breath I'd been holding and shook my head a bit. Who would have thought I'd be having my boyfriend over for family dinner. I was extremely nervous. The back door banged open and my dad came in.

"Oh good your home! Hurry up and get ready! The Vasquez's will be here soon."

"Okay, okay son relax. Ill be ready in five minutes." Dad said in his gruff voice.

"Oh so he gets full sentences does he now."

"Really mom?" I asked. She gave me a face then left me alone in the kitchen with my father. I began to pace the kitchen, jumping when my phone buzzed on the counter.

Johan: We're in the lobby.

"They're here!" I called to my family. Then buzzed the doorman and told him to let them up in the private elevator. Mom, dad, and Mayrse came downstairs and we all waited in the living room. The elevator dinged and open to 5 little girls, Johan, and his parents. I was about to step forward but my mom swept toward the elevator.

"Hello!" She said in her cheery voice. "I'm Camary Baxter. This is my husband Peter, and our daughter Mayrse. And of course you already know Ted." She said with a slight laugh.

Amie stepped forward to shake my mom's hand. "Hi, I'm Amie Vasquez. This is my husband Jack, and our daughters Tina, Maxine, Leanne, Ava, and Anna."

My mom disregarded Amie's handshake and pulled her in for a hug. "Dinner is just about ready right this way." She said and led the family to the kitchen. I hung back with Johan.

"2 mom's, 6 kids, and 12 people. This is gonna be fun." He muttered.

"Tell me about it." When we entered the dining room, Paul was finishing up plating the food. Once everyone was seated Mom spoke up again.

"Do you say grace? I don't want to offend anyone..."

"Oh, yes, of course we do." Amie said. Everyone held hands around the table. I smiled slightly when my thumb brushed the back of Johan's hand. Dad blessed the food and people started to eat.

"You have a very lovely home." Amie said.

"Oh thank you." My mom smiled.

And just like that the conversation struck like a match. Our mom's went from one topic of conversation to the next at blinding speed while our dad's talked about sports. It only came to a standstill when Amie began talking about Johan as a little boy. I was thoroughly enjoying the conversation but Johan was embarrassed.

"Amie!" He said. She just laughed but my dad stopped talking.

Aw carp. I thought. My dad was big on respect.