Dinner is almost ready.

"I see you the two of you had a busy day!" Catherine noted, looking at the boutique bags that her son was holding, after opening the door. She greeted the couple with a warm smile and kiss on the cheeks as they stepped into the house.

"Do you want me to bring these upstairs, hon?" Ryan asked his wife.

"Dear, why don't you go downstairs to help your father with dinner and give him some company?" his mother interjected. "I'll help Sam bring the bags upstairs."

"Um, sure," he nodded, setting down the bags in the foyer before heading downstairs.

"I see you have expanded your fashion collection," Catherine smiled as she helped her daughter-in-law carry the bags up the stairs to Ryan's old bedroom. "I hope your closet is big enough!"

"If it is not then I will move my stuff into Ryan's closet!" Marlissa giggled. "He only wears t-shirts and jeans!"

"I long gave up trying to get him to wear clothes that befits his profession," Catherine sighed. "Please show me what you bought, dear."

"Hey, Dad," Ryan said when walked downstairs to the kitchen, "what are you making for dinner?

"Your mother's favorite," Edward replied.

"Fish and chips?" Ryan chuckled.

"I dare you to say that to her face!" his father chided.

"Touché," Ryan nodded. "So do you need any help?"

"No, you'll just make things worse," Edward replied. "No offense."

"None taken, Dad," Ryan shrugged. "I guess Mom just sent me down here to keep us occupied while she talks to Sam."

"Yeah, well, she suddenly gained a new daughter-in-law and wants to get to know her better before you two fly out to Europe."

"She's perfect."

"I'm sure she is," his father responded but stopped to turn to face his son. "We just don't want you to get hurt again... like what happened with Madelaine."

"Dad, we parted on good terms."

"She's still at the faculty..."

"I know."

"Perhaps you could introduce her to Sam?"

"Dad..."

"Yeah, maybe not," Edward shrugged and returned to cooking.

Ryan took out his phone and looked at his calendar. "Do you know if she's there tomorrow?"

"I believe so but I'll have to check my calendar."

"Do you mind getting the table ready?" Edward asked. "Dinner should be read in about five minutes.

"Sure," Ryan nodded, still contemplating if he should take a detour to astronomy and astrophysics department on his way from his campus office.