The sun takes its sweet time to rise from the horizon. Dawn drags on as the last bits of the night move away and the horizon glints with the sunrise indicating the comings of an early morning.

I imagine a typical commercial morning when people wake up with smiles on their faces. That first cup of coffee hits all the right spots as you plan on what activities you will be partaking in today.

Not me.

I'm not having that type of morning. I did not get proper sleep last night and it shows. My eyes are bloodshot and swollen. The bags under my eyes are even more pronounced by the dark circles that accompany them.

I spent most of the night tossing and turning. My brain going through so many scenarios as to why this dinner might not be a good idea.

Number one being the fact that my mother has no filter. That woman's attitude and behaviour towards Alexander could make or break this whole thing.

I wonder what type of questions she has for him. I know for a fact that the age gap thing is going to be brought up. It is the biggest elephant in the room after all.

Staying in bed and wrecking my head over this won't help me so I get up, make the bed and go take a shower.

Since Alexander won't be around until late afternoon, I slip on a pair of shorts and one of my dad's old band tshirts.

Padding barefoot down the stairs, I go to the kitchen to make breakfast. Mom said that Nana likes to have oats and fruit in the morning, so I start with her food since the oats requires cooking in a pot.

Once it is cooked and dished up in a bowl I cut up some banana, a few strawberries and a kiwi.

For mom and dad I make some scrambled eggs, avocado toast and crispy bacon. Dad loves bacon so I make a big pile of it.

The family all walts in freshly showered. Well mom walks in and dad pushes Nana on her wheelchair to the table.

"Something smells nice", Nana says.

I place the food on the table and carefully put the bowl of oats and fruit pieces in front of Nana.

This time I switch places with mom and I sit next to Nana to help her eat. "Thank you Rosie". Her wrinkly hand is placed over mine in an act of gratitude.

After mom says grace, we dig into my bowl of cereal.

Throughout the course of breakfast, mom keeps staring at me with a weird grin on her face. It's like she's gauging my reaction and seeing if i'm not pooping myself about tonight's dinner.

Well I am pooping myself mentally but I am not going to show her that. I refuse to show weakness. So that's why when she does her weird stare thing, I mirror her actions back at her.

She raises a brow at me, as if to ask, "You dare challenge me?".

Before I answer her with my own facial expression, my father notices what is going between us, "Are you having a stroke?", he looks at mom questioning her contorted facial features.

I burst into laughter, Nana laughs along with me.

Dad goes off to visit one of his buddies and Nana takes a nap while mom and I cook up a storm in the kitchen.

Thank the heavens we went grocery shopping yesterday or this day would be longer and even more exhausting than it has to be.

We chop up vegetables and grill meat. I wonder how the wonderful smells coming from our kitchen have not called the neighbours over yet.

After an eventful afternoon filled with cooking and laughter we are done by the time late afternoon creeps in. Once the kitchen is cleaned, I go upstairs to freshen up and get ready for Alexander's arrival.

I don't know what to wear.

I feel like a toddler waiting on their mom after a bath as I sit wrapped up in a towel on the bed. I have a few outfits in my mind but I'm not sure if they will work out.

After a few minutes of deliberation and my mother's knocks on the bedroom door, which are accompanied by her screaming, "Finish the heck up!", I finally come to a decision.

I settle for some black skinny jeans, a red blouse and a pair of black block heels.

For old time's sake, I style my hair into a sleek low bun. A little light makeup and some gloss on my lips then I am ready to go.

Once I grab my phone, I halt at the door threshold and say a little silent prayer for this night to go well.

I get downstairs and finish up setting the table. My phone vibrates with text from Alexander saying that he's parked outside our driveway.

"Mom!, he's here", I called out to her from the kitchen.

"I know, I can see through the curtain", she shouts back.

Groaning in frustration, I collect myself and head towards the door. Walking past her in the living room I see her squint through her glasses to look at the car parked outside.

"Stop being a creep and move away from the window", I say to her.

"Stop standing there and go get your sugar daddy", she retorts.

I roll my eyes and actually stomp my foot like a two year old, "He's not my sugar daddy, stop saying that".

"Uh-huh, we'll see about that", she says with a grin.

I don't like this side of her. It creeps me out.

I open the front door and immediately shut it the moment I step outside. I don't want Jelly Bean who has been following me around since I came back to come outside.

She'll be too traumatised by Ginger, our neighbour's fat cat. He reminds me of Garfield, like the only thing he eats is lasagna.

Making my way down the steps, I walk towards the handsome man leaning against the sleek black Mustang.

He looks so delectable in black jeans that show off his toned legs and thighs. They are not tight on him but not too loose to look big on him. The collar of a crisp white shirt peeks at the neck of his black Ralph Lauren knit sweater.

The late afternoon sun's reflection bounces off his silver Rolex Datejust as he runs his hand through his hair.

It looks like he has done that for quite some time as it looks messy, but it's an attractive, sexy messy kind of way.

His arms feel like home as he pulls me in for a hug. A nice, long warm Alexander Cain hug. The one he only reserves for me. His scent caresses me as I relish the feeling of his arms around me.

He looks down at me into my eyes with such longing, I almost melt at the emotion in his eyes.

We stare into each other's gazes for a few seconds, saying all the words that we can't pour out loud.

His gaze flickered to something behind me, "Your mother is peeking through the curtain", he says with a grin.

For the second time today, I groan out in frustration, "Why is she so nosey?', I mumble.

He chuckles at mom's curiosity, "It's okay, I'm also excited to see her".

We pull away from each other as he opens the car door and reaches in for a bouquet of a dozen lilies and two gift bags. One black and the other is grey.

"Are you sure those are going to win them over?",I ask with a raised eyebrow.

He shrugs in response, "If they don't then my charming personality definitely will" he finishes off with a wink.

"Damn you're confident. Come on, let's go inside".

"These are for your grandmother", he says, handing me the flowers.

I take a deep breath as he follows me up the front steps that lead to the front door.

The moment I open the door, Jelly Bean is the first to welcome Alexander. Her little barks are the only sound in the house while my mother stands next to the couch with a small smile on her face.

"Mom this is Alexander", I say to her as we walk towards her.

"Lex, this is my mom, Alina Jones".

"Pleasure to finally meet you", he says with a smile.

He proceeds to hand her the grey gift bag, it seems to be working as she mutters a small thank you.

"Rosie, you look so beautiful", Nana says once she comes into view with Dad pushing her wheelchair. "And who is this handsome man next to you?", she asks.

"Nana, this is Alexander, my boyfriend", It feels weird saying this out loud in a room filled with my parents and grandmother.

His large hand cups her small, veiny one as he leans down to her face level, "I'm Alexander Cain, nice to meet you ma'am".

She scoffs, "Oh honey, please don't call me ma'am. I'm Francis, just call me that or Franny".

They share a smile, "Okay, Francis".

"And this is my father, Darius Jones", I gesture to my father who is as calm as a cucumber. He honestly did not even make a fuss when mom told him that I had a boyfriend who is almost twice my age.

"Dad, this is Alexander Cain, my boyfriend".

Lex's face suddenly becomes serious as he and dad shake hands.

"This is for you sir" he hands over the black bag to dad.

"Thank you and please, just call me Darius".

Okay now that I've said Lex's name in this whole encounter than I ever have since we started dating, I usher everyone to join mom who is calmly seated on the couch in the living room.

She has been observing us like a wildlife expert from National Geographic.

Probably to see if I won't mess things up with my awkwardness.

My mom's a pessimist, so she would like to see me absolutely piss my pants from nervousness.

I realise I am still holding the bouquet of flowers, "Nana, Alexander brought these for you". I lay the flowers on her blanket covered lap.

"That is so nice, thank you sweetie", her grateful gaze finds him as he seats on the couch opposite where her chair is.

Mom gets up from the couch, "Thank you for the gifts Alexander", she says with a genuine smile. "Rosie, come help me with the food".

I follow her out of the living room, leaving Lex with my father and my grandmother who is having the time of her life gushing over the handsome man.

I took the lilies with me as I found a vase that I fill with water and place them inside.

After this mom and I quickly place the food filled dishes on the dining table. I open a bottle of wine, and some sparkling water. Then a mini jug of apple juice for Nana.

Through the whole setting of the food mom does not say a word. She is humming, "Swing low, Sweet Chariot" as she swiftly moves around the kitchen.

"Mom, are you okay?"

She stops mid-hum and stares at me with a smile, "I'm perfect honey, go get everyone".

She goes back to her humming.

God if this is you answering my prayer, thank you.

Once I get back to the living room, I find my father and Lex deep in conversation. It looks serious as they talk about the economy and business.

Trust my father to bring that up to a billionaire.

Nana is in her own world as she stares at the blank TV screen.

"Dinner is ready", I say to the two men, interrupting their intense conversation.

"Great, I'm starving. Alexander I hope you brought a big appetite, Reggie here has been quite the chef today."

He walks ahead of us as he wheels Nana out of the room.

"Reggie?" Lex confusingly asks me.

"I'll explain later" I say as we reach the dining table.

Everyone gets seated, Lex sitting next to me. Mom and Nana on the opposite side of the table and dad at the head of the table.

"Rosie, would you please say grace?" mom asks with a wink. A small smile makes its way onto my lips. I never say grace, that's her thing but if the good Lord wills it then I will obey.

After I ask the Lord to bless the food, we all take a moment to admire the food on the table. It looks very good. Welcoming and mouthwatering.

I am looking forward to seeing Lex's reaction to my mom's grilled chicken breasts and zucchini lasagna roll-ups.

As my family dishes up, I grab Lex's plate and put a little bit of everything on it. By the time he leaves he is going to be so full, it's going to be hard to breathe.

"Thank you", he says as I hand the plate back over to him.

My dad wastes no time shoving food into his mouth.

"Reggie this is good", he says, complimenting the steak stuffed peppers I made.

Heat rises to my cheeks as I mutter a 'thank you'

My mother, who was focused on helping Nana, settles and starts to throw questions at the man next to me.

"So Alexander, what is your deal?".

While I choke on my food, Lex calmly looks at mom as he prepares to answer her question.

"My deal?", he asks her.

Mom nods, "What are your intentions with my daughter?"

"What she said", dad says with his focus solely on the food on his plate.

Silence falls upon the table for a moment as all of us wait for Alexander's response.

His cool, calm demeanor fades, his face becoming serious as he speaks with his gaze on both my parents, "Your daughter is an incredible person, she is someone who makes all my days worth living", his hand finds mine under the table as he places them on his lap.

"Contrary to what you and everyone else might think, I like this woman next to me and quite honestly I see a future with her. I am very serious and committed to her and hopefully one day she'll have my last name".

The heat on my face is too much to bear. He wants to marry me.

No he said he wants you to have his last name, calm down.

Well...technically I have to marry him to share a last name with him.

So yeah...he definitely wants to put a ring on it.

Breaking away from my mental conflict, I take a quick sip of some water to cool down my burning face.

"Well damn", Nana says from across the table, "Your honesty is refreshing. People aren't that candor anymore".

Amen to that Nana.

Apparently his answer does not seem to completely satisfy my mother as she goes in for the final kill.

"Do you have some young girl fetish or something?".

The sound of cutlery hitting a plate echoes in the room as dad drops his fork on his plate.

"Alina!" he shockingly shouts her name at the same time I do,

"Mom!".

"What?", she looks at us as if we've lost our minds. Oh how I wish the ground would swallow me up right now.

Embarrassed, I take a peek at Alexander in my peripheral vision. He is actually finding this to be funny as an amused smile is visible on his lips.

"So...do you?", mom continues her onslaught of questions at Lex.

He slightly shakes his head, "No, Mrs Jones I don't have a fetish for young girls. As I said I genuinely like your daughter. There's no ulterior motive behind my being in a relationship with her".

Mom takes a few seconds to process this in her head, then she firmly nods at him, "Good, you can stop calling me Mrs Jones now."

I raise a brow at her as she continues to talk to him, "Just call me Alina".

"Okay then, Alina". He flashes his pearly whites as he smiles at her.

We have come full freakin circle.

We have reached the equilibrium, my mother is content.

It's kind of funny how my mom is the overprotective one yet she is not the affectionate parent.

Other girls get overprotective, gun slinging, boyfriend threatening fathers and I get the most chilled out guy on the planet as mine.

My mother is the spitfire in this family.

The rest of the dinner is spent with us eating and having meaningless conversation about trivial things. The air is less tense than it was when Alexander arrived.

My grandmother is having the time of her life as she flirts with Lex. She keeps saying that if he gets tired of me, then she is available for him.

According to her, he oddly reminds her of grandpa Louis.

I help mom clean up the dishes as Lex, dad and Nana relax in the living room.

"He seems like a good man", she says as she hands me a plate to wipe.

I can't help but to smile at this, "He is". I am so glad that she finally stopped being weird towards him.

"And before you even say anything about my behaviour towards him I had a good reason to be like that.".

This causes me to stop mid wipe, "Such as?", I ask her.

"Remember when Darren broke your heart and you came home a sobbing mess. I can't let that happen to you again. What kind of mother would that make me if I let you date some douchebag?"

My heart clenches as I remember the exact day I came back home with a broken heart. I just wanted to have my mother's arms around me. I needed to feel safe and loved in a familiar environment.

Dad was livid that day. He wanted to find Darren and kill him with his bare hands. I have never seen my father that angry before in my life.

"It's just going to take some time for me to get used to the age difference. He's sixteen years older than you. That's like me dating Charlie Gallagher from across the street."

We burst out in giggles at that, "I know it's a lot to deal with but I don't feel the age gap when I'm with him. It really doesn't matter to us."

"Are you falling for him?".

The air suddenly gets cool as a shudder runs down my spine. A part of me knew that this question could be thrown at me.

Mom's kind of predictable but filled with surprises at the same time.

"Yes. I am falling for him hard mom", I cover the blush on my cheeks with the dishcloth I am holding.

Her arms wrap around me and I welcome the warmth and safety that they bring.

"Sweetie it's okay. I mean it's kind of hard not to. The man treats you right".

She pulls away from the hug and stares deep into my eyes. When I was younger I could not stand it when she did this. It always felt like she was staring into my soul.

"You're not the only one, I could tell from the way he looked at you tonight that he is also falling for you".

My cheeks are going to melt from the amount of times I am blushing in one night. It's knowing that I am not the only one who is feeling like this.

Once the dishes are done, mom and I join the rest of the gang in the living room.

Mom and dad gush over the gifts that Alexander bought for them.

"How British of you", mom says with a smile as she looks at the box of truffles that he got her. It's not just any box of truffles though.

He got her Charbonnel Et Walker Truffles. One of Britain's earliest chocolatiers, founded in 1875.

Dad's gift surpasses her by all standards when he almost screams like a little girl. He received a bottle of whiskey. I don't know anything about whiskey but from what dad screams out it seems to be a $37 000 bottle of whiskey.

Getting closer to him, I see the bottle's name is Balvenie.

Damn, Lex really wanted to make a good first impression.

Once my parents and Nana retire to their bedrooms, Lex and I end up sitting in his car. Dragging the night as long as we can.

The night air is warm, I feel summer creepin her way in.

"Thank you for tonight", I say to him.

"I should be the one thanking you, your family is fun to be around".

I playfully scoff at that, "Even with my mother's attitude?".

He chuckles, "Yes, even with that. I would give my entire fortune to have my mother back".

I nod, "If you don't mind my asking, what happened to your parents? I notice that you don't speak about them".

And he really doesn't. The only family of his that I met is Isadora. She also does not speak about their parents.

The sounds of Tom Misch fill the car as he takes a moment before he answers my question. He takes hold of my hand, his thumb mindlessly moving in a circular motion on the back of my hand.

"My parents died in a plane crash years ago. It's been myself and Isadora ever since because we have no extended family from both sides. Harvey and June became our legal guardians till we both became of legal age."