Allen and Gwen finally departed the baggage claim at OHare airport after waiting for the delayed arrival of their luggage. Gwen fiddled with her fingers as they stood curbside waiting for the car that Allen arranged for to take them to his parents home.
"Relax baby," Allen said in an attempt to calm Gwen.
"I cant relax, I am about to meet your parents."
"And they will love you just as I do."
"How can you be so sure they will even like me?"
"Baby, my father will like you because I love you and my mother will
like you because you are a true woman and that is what she has been
wanting for me to find me since I moved away from Chicago. Now please
relax before we get to the house."
"Ill try." Gwen said as the car arrived at the airport.
When they arrived at Allens parents home, Helen and Steven stood
on the porch waving and welcoming them as they got out of the car.
Steven left his wifes side and headed toward the car. He opened Gwens
door and introduced himself then assisted Allen with their luggage.
Helen reached for Gwen and embraced her then showed her into the
house and to their room.
"Shes a looker Son." Steven started.
"Thanks Pop."
"So is she the one?"
"Man Pop, you are starting to sound like Mom." He laughed.
"That did sound a little like your mother, didnt it?"
"Yeah it did."
"Well answer it anyway."
"Is she the one?" Allen asked himself the same question.
"You know
Pop, I hope she is. I really like her, hell I love her who am I fooling."
"Im happy for you son," Steven said as he put one bag in his hand
and wrapped the other around Allens shoulder as they headed for the
house. "And I hope that it works out for you."
"Thanks Pop," Allen said as he opened the door for the two of them to
enter the house.
Allen took their bags to the upstairs guest room in the four-bedroom
home and headed to the bathroom and turned the water on for a quick
shower. He sifted through his luggage looking for a pair of sweats and a
sweatshirt to change into hoping that it would be enough to keep him
warm while he attempted to bear the Chicago chill. While Allen
showered, Helen took the liberty of introducing Gwen to Allens past.
She showed Gwen tinted photos of Allens first birthday party that she
kept in a white leather photo album. Gwen looked as Helen smiled and
talked about the memory that each photo held. Steven took it upon
himself to serve lemonade to the ladies as they became more acquainted
with Allens past and one another. Steven sat and engaged in
conversation while she looked at the photos.
"So Gwen, what is it that you do in LA?"
"I am a corporate attorney." She answered.
"Really? Its good to see such a young woman in field like that. Im
sure you give hope to a lot of younger women who watch you."
"Well thank you sir." She smiled.
"Oh no," Steven said as he sat on the edge of his chair, "let us get rid
of the formalities now, please call me Steven," he hesitated, "or Dad."
"Well thank you Steven," she smiled, "I will have to talk with your son
on the Dad part."
"Awe dont worry about him, hes too much in love with you to think
anything different."
"Steven," Helen interrupted, "why dont you go up and get Allen so
that we can all eat."
"See," Steven looked at Gwen, "that is her way of telling me that I am
talking too much."