“Thank you.”
Robert’s mother waited for them in the entry, which opened into a large living room with cozy furniture. She was a petite woman, with wire-rimmed glasses and an ear-to-ear grin that illuminated her face. She walked straight up to Amber and enveloped her in a familiar hug. “It’s so nice to finally meet you, Amber.”
“You as well, Mrs. Blade.” Amber held up the plastic container in her hand. “I made my famous chocolate chip cookies.”
“That’s so nice of you, but you didn’t have to go to any trouble.” The woman seemed genuinely touched at the gesture, her voice heavy with gratitude. “And please call me Barbara.”
“It was no trouble at all. I like to bake.”
Barbara took the container, smiling profusely at Amber. “You’re so pretty.”
“Thank you. You’re very sweet.”
“Hi, Mom,” Robert said, waving to get his mother’s attention.
“I’m sorry.” Barbara’s hand went to her cheek, clearly embarrassed that she didn’t acknowledge Robert. “I was just so excited to meet Amber.” She went to her son, and he kissed her cheek. “How are you?” she asked, filled with motherly concern. “Are you getting enough sleep? I hope you’re not overdoing it. Are you feeling OK?”
“I’m great. The Bucks are on their way to the play offs. My game’s never been better. I’m making time to see my family.” He reached for Amber’s hand, she took it, and he pulled her to his side. “And I got an amazing girl. I couldn’t be happier.”
Both of Barbara’s hands were on her cheeks now, and it looked as if she was trying to hold her face together because her smile was so wide. “That’s the best news I’ve heard in a long time. I’m so happy for you.”
Robert eyed his mother with a curious tilt to his head. “You look pretty. You didn’t have to buy a new dress just because I brought my girlfriend over for dinner. And your hair. You had it cut and styled. Very chic, Mom.”
“Hush!” Barbara scowled and waved her hand at Robert to quiet him. She spoke in a whisper, but it was loud enough for everyone to hear. “I wanted to look nice. Everything in my closet is old, and my hair was terrible.”
“Well, you look ready for the runway now.” Robert helped Amber slip off the heavy wool coat she wore, thanks to a Canadian cold front that swooped down on the East Coast this week, and he hung both of their coats in a closet next to the front door.
“Can I get you something to drink?” Barbara offered. “Dinner will be ready in a few minutes.”
“No, thank you,” Amber replied. “Can I help you in the kitchen?”
“You’re our guest. Stay here and make yourself comfortable. I’ll get everything on the table, and then we can sit and chat,” Barbara said, and then she hurried off toward the kitchen.
Amber looked to Robert, because there was no way she was letting this endearing woman bring an entire meal to the table by herself.
“She’s fine,” Robert said.
“No. She’s not. I’m helping her.” As Amber followed the same path Barbara took, she heard Mr. Blade tell Robert, “Your girlfriend has impeccable manners.”
The statement made Amber stop mid-stride for the briefest of moments. She wasn’t used to compliments from a father figure, and she found herself a bit choked up. Swallowing and inhaling deeply, she continued to the kitchen where she found Barbara wearing an apron around her waist and standing over the stove stirring a large pot. “Sorry to intrude,” Amber apologized. “But I’m helping.”
“That’s so kind of you. You’re my guest, though. You’re not supposed to help.” The corners of Barbara’s eyes crinkled with affection, and she put down the large spoon. She went to Amber and took both of her hands. “On second thought, you’re Robert’s girlfriend. That makes you family, so I guess it’s OK for family to help.”
“What can I do?”
“Well,” Barbara covered her lips with her index finger and looked around the kitchen, trying to find a task for Amber. “Can you put the salad on the table for me?”
“Happy to.” When Amber entered the dining room, she stopped to admire the beautifully prepared table. A gorgeous vase filled with fresh flowers sat in the center. As she placed the bowl of salad down, she glanced across the room to watch Robert speaking with his father. Behind them, a shelf filled with trophies caught her attention. Curious, she joined them.
When Robert saw her, he placed his arm around her to include her in the conversation. “I was telling my dad he needs to fire his landscaper. That boxwood out front is all over the place. It was my job to take care of the lawn and shrubs when I was a kid, and everything was always meticulous.”
“Very true,” Mr. Blade said. “But not everyone has your work ethic”
Amber visualized a teenage Robert pushing around a lawnmower, helping his dad outside, and an image of a Norman Rockwell painting filled her head. Her heart was so full of joy at the scene her mind created that she could practically cry. Her gaze drifted to the trophies displayed in a shelving unit attached to the wall, which brought her across the room in the first place. “Are these all yours, Robert?”
“Yeah,” he answered, an undertone of humility in his voice. “They’re from when I was a kid and in college. I don’t know why my dad still keeps them on display.”
“Because I’m proud of you.” Mr. Blade’s voice boomed through the air. Then he extended his elbow to Amber, offering his arm. “May I show them to you?”
