Eden makes her mother’s macaroni and cheese. The cheap, boxed shit from grocery stores doesn’t even begin to compare. She comes in early to make the macaroni from scratch, rolling and kneading pasta dough with deft hands. The cheese sauce she uses is also made from scratch, generous helpings of butter and cream and sharp cheddar—a sprinkle of salt and pepper and oregano, too—melting into one cohesive concoction she then pours over her recently boiled pasta. She makes every bowl to order, placing everything in cute little ramekins they found on sale, popping it into the oven beneath the broiler so that the butter-coated bread crumb topping can turn a beautiful golden brown. With a bit of chopped bacon and fresh green onions sprinkled on top, it’s arguably one of the most demanded dishes at The Lunchbox.
And then there’s Shang. He doesn’t struggle to come up with something to contribute.
Ever since leaving La Rouge, ever since being here—with the woman he’s sure is the love of his life and all of his friends—his mind’s been overflowing with ideas. Dishes from all around the world. Simple things. Complex things. There’s a little bit of everything for everyone.
He cooks on a whim, spurred on by the oddest moments of inspiration. It’s what makes The Lunchbox’s specials menu so...
Well, special.
It’s a strange feeling, but he’s getting used to it. Feeling like he belongs. Sometimes it’s overwhelming. Sometimes it’s heartwarming. His kitchen has transformed from a place of cutthroat ambition to one of love and support and creativity.
Shang’s never been happier.
With Eden at his side, he feels invincible.
* * *
His parents come to visit, just as they promised. Shang and Eden take the night off so that the four of them can sit together at the back of The Lunchbox, enjoying their meal. It’s been a while since they had a family dinner together.
Li enthusiastically shows off his new wheelchair.
“It even has a seat warmer!” he exclaims, showing Eden the button that adjusts the temperature settings. “I mean, I can’t exactly feel it on my ass, but it’s wonderful for my neck and shoulders. Oh, and look here.” He presses another button. The wheelchair gives out a softbeep beep. “Now people will know to get the hell out of my way when I come barreling down the sidewalk.”
“Yes,” Xu Hong hums. “Barreling down the sidewalk at eight miles per hour.”
“Careful the cops don’t catch you,” Shang chides. “I’m pretty sure that qualifies as drag racing.”
Li puffs out his chest and grins. “Fuck the police. I’d like to see them try to catch me. Besides, Eden will back me up if it comes down to a fight.”
Eden giggles. “You bet.”
“Attagirl. We’ll be unstoppable.”
Shang rolls his eyes. “You’re really not helping me set the mood, Dad.”
She turns to him and arches an eyebrow. “Mood?”
“I’ve been trying to build to it all evening, but Dad won’t stop talking about his fancy new toy.”
Li snorted. “I’m sorry, okay? I’m just super excited.”
Xu Hong huffs. “Oh my God, Li. We get it. Bells and whistles and all that. The anticipation’s been killing me.”
Eden frowns. “Shang, what’s—”
When she turns to face him, she finds him down on one knee with a ring box in hand, opened to reveal the massive shimmering diamond inside. The centerpiece is surrounded by a circle of tiny sapphires, the band itself made of white gold.
Eden’s mouth drops open.
Somewhere in the background, Shang swears he can hear Rina scream, “Holy fuck it’s happening! Everyone shut the fuck up!”
“Shang,” she breathes, initial shock melting away into the sweetest, most beautiful smile he’s ever seen.
“You have made me happier than I’ve ever been in my entire life,” he starts, voice unwavering. “You challenge me. You know when to push, you know when to hold back. You make me laugh like no one else. You make every day so much brighter. I didn’t realize how lost I was before I met you. You helped me come back to my family. You helped me make friends. You helped me find my passion again. I love you so much, Eden. I want to spend every waking moment with you. So will you do me the honor of letting me be your husband?”
She whispers a teary-eyed, “Yes,” before throwing herself at him, kissing him hard and happily in front of the entire restaurant. Shang’s only vaguely aware of the loud applause that follows, too elated to notice much else other than Eden in his arms.
He slips the ring onto her finger and marvels at how she’s his entire world.
