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I lift my champagne flute, and everyone at the table does the same. I wonder for a few seconds if I will have to do the toast.
My mother smiles and says, “To both of you and your happiness.”
I look at my dad. He lifts his glass a little higher and says, “To Imogen and Alex.”
I take a sip of the chilled champagne and remind myself to breathe.
After tasting the champagne, Alex leans over and presses a brief kiss onto my lips.
“Immy and I are looking at condos in Brooklyn tomorrow. We’d like you both to join us. The idea is to purchase a two or three-bedroom unit that can become a base for us here in New York. It’ll be for the family, so when you’re in town visiting your grandchildren, we’d like for it to be a base for you as well.”
My mom shakes her head. “We wouldn’t want to impose.”
A waiter comes to the table and reads the specials. “Should I give everyone a few minutes?”
Alex says to my parents, “Are you ready to order?”
My father nods and says, “After you.”
Alex hands the waiter his menu and orders a bottle of red wine to have with dinner, oysters for an appetizer, and then a filet with Bearnaise sauce.
I look at the waiter and say, “The filet with mushroom sauce. Served with asparagus and cooked medium rare.”
My parents both order and the sever disappears.
I take another sip of champagne.
“Emily, to your point that you’d be imposing, I hope we can become close. I know you’re aware that I run an adventure company. It does require living in other parts of the world for extended periods. When we return to New York, we want to spend as much time with family as possible. So, it would be wonderful if you both felt at home wherever we purchase.”
My dad leans forward. “So, you agree that you’ll rarely be around?”
Alex touches the back of my chair. “We’ll be in New York about four months of the year. You are both welcome to join us for short periods for the remaining part of the year. I have homes in London, Belize, and we’re considering purchasing something in Antiqua.”
My dad leans back. “You’re in a different income bracket than we enjoy. We’re retired professors living on a modest pension.”
Alex smooths his tie down. “Immy has had the same objections. My grandparents were wealthy. I inherited a significant trust. I’ve taken that and increased it tenfold by launching an adventure company. My intention wasn’t to make money but instead to have adventures. It just happened that it’s taken off.”
My mom takes a sip of champagne and says, “So, you’re saying that we can’t blame you for being well off?”
Alex smiles. “Yes, that is what I’m saying.”
My dad says, “It’s just so much for us to get our head around. We assumed Imogen was happy teaching and would attend graduate school in the next year or two.”
My mom places her hand on my dad’s arm. “Yes. That is what we thought the future held. We spent our lives in a classroom. That is what we know. But we’re thrilled that you’re finding your own path.”
I can feel tears looming. “Thank you, Mom.”
The waiter comes with our appetizers, and the conversation shifts to discussing famous literary figures that frequented the restaurant.
Slowly over the next hour, I let myself relax and enjoy the evening. Alex can more than hold his own with my parents. He even quoted Keats and Lord Byron at one point. I can tell my father softened a little.
When the dinner ends, we all say goodbye outside on the sidewalk, and Alex and I climb into a car service.
He kisses me. “Did I pass the test?”
I laugh. “They fell in love with you. It’ll take a while for them to show it.”
Gathering me in his arms, he says, “Good. I want to make you happy. And I genuinely liked them. They are smart, caring, and committed to their family and their ideals.”
“I can see the future now.” Happiness bubbles inside of me. I can’t wait to marry this man and start our life together, wherever that takes us.
He curves his hand around my cheek and kisses me again. “Me too. I love you, Immy.”
I lean into his strong chest and watch the skyline out the window. I can’t wait to start our life together and travel the world with him. As I contemplate our wedding, I don’t see it happening in New York. I’m thinking of October in my parent’s backyard in South Carolina.
I hold him tight and say, “I love you, Alex.”
