Made to Love: Carmen and Cooper's Story by Candace Werts

mother just saying
that our love is like theirs. My heart is filled with joy. I guide
him to the living room, out of sight of my parents and plant one on
him. It is brought with all the feelings I have for him. He has no
choice but to wrap his arms around my hips and kiss me back. We
gaze at each other then head back to serve dinner.
    I remove the chicken from the oven, it smells
of Italian dressing and spices. It is moist with juices flowing out
of it as I cut a small portion to make sure no pink resides. I’ve
always been extra cautious cooking it because of all the things
that can happen if it’s not cooked to completion. The stove top has
a frying pan with freshly sliced potatoes that were fried with
organic oil. The pot to the left is filled with green beans,
flavored just like my mother taught me. The white rolls have
already been placed in the center of the table. They are met with a
glass holder which contains butter. The blue dishes are already on
the table ready for the occupants to pick them up and dig in. I
allow my parents to begin first as I fill the blue goblets of
water. My mom seems impressed with my cooking skills and said
everything looks wonderful.
    My dad nods in agreement as he
samples the potatoes. “Very good, Sweet Pea,” he says and sits
down.
    “ If you think this is good, just
wait until you see the raspberry swirl cheesecake I made from
scratch last night.”
    I giggle as Cooper collects both
our plates so we can join our dinner party. Once are plates are
loaded, we sit down. Gathering hands around the table, we thank the
Lord for this food, and the nourishment it will provide to our
bodies. “Amen,” we all say at the same time. The table gets quiet
as everyone enjoys their meal. The chicken is tender and almost
melts in the mouth. The seasoning has everyone licking their lips.
Very soon, the blue on the plates can be seen again. We all lean
back from fullness.
    Everyone again compliments me on
my menu selection this evening. I blush from all the attention.
Cooper kisses me on the cheek, saying he will take care of the
dishes if I’d like to offer my folks some coffee before
dessert.
    “ Thanks, babe. Now do you see what
I’m referring to mom?” I grin in her direction as I invite them in
the living room for coffee.
    “ He is quite the gentleman,
Carmen” my father says in meaningful voice. “I have no complaints.
Yet, that is.” He starts to laugh.
    “ Oh Dad, you know I wouldn’t have
even thought about settling down if I didn’t think the man would be
worth it.” I hug him tightly.
    Cooper comes in with coffee. He’s
the most relaxed I’ve seen him all evening. “Would you like some
coffee?” I ask him.
    “ No, thank you, don’t need any
caffeine this late, I’ll be up all night,” he replies.
    I think, Oh you’ll be up alright . His eyes
are on me as if reading my dirty thoughts, and he shakes his head
gently, as if to call me a naughty girl without words. Now is the
perfect time to end the evening with my baked goods. I want to get
my hand on his goods sooner, rather than later. I cut the
cheesecake into four slices and serve them on white saucer plates
with dark blue trim. Silence is all around the room, as everyone
eats until the plates are clear of any crumbs.
    “ So what did you think?” I ask all
of them as I collect the plates and forks. They say everything was
delicious.
    I hate to see my parents go, but at least
they’ll be in town for a few more days. We thank them for coming to
dinner, and they thank us for having them. My mom hugs Cooper and
tells him how pleased she is to finally meet the man who has made
her daughter happy. My dad squeezes me tight and extends his hand
to Cooper and tells him it was a pleasure to meet him. Cooper waves
them off and closes the door, giving me that look I’ve been waiting
for all night.
    My dress hits the hardwood floor.
We never make it to the bedroom