Mindful Beauty

25) His Arms

Hey, guys! I think the wifi is back for good now. AT&T has been working diligently to return its services back for everyone. Regardless, thank you for your patience. The important thing is that most people were safe from the bomb and nothing too severe happened such as lives being lost, at least from what I know. I will be posting another chapter to thank those readers that have patiently waited and followed along with these updates, Truly, thank you guys. Anyway, enjoy the chapter, stay safe and kind!

Damien had finally agreed to allowing his parents to get to know Ella more after a whole two months of his mother pleading and begging. The only condition that Damien did place was that it would be in a safe and comfortable environment for Ella. She was his first priority now.

His parents had initially wanted to have her come for dinner at their home, but Damien disagreed. He knew that that place would make it more formal and stuffy for his simple and quiet Ella. The second option would be Damien's home, but he realized that even Ella had never been there before either, so that would also probably make her uncomfortable. Finally, though, Damien had spoken to his girlfriend for permission, a dinner get-together with all of Ella's loved ones was arranged in order to his parents to see her again.

"Hi, welcome," Ella answered the door that evening, nervously sliding her hands down her maxi dress. She had taken unreasonably long to find the right outfit for that day, and even then, she felt like she wasn't properly dressed for the occasion.

"Ella," Celeste smiled genuinely before moving forward to kiss Ella's cheek. Ella, surprised, looked at Damien in gentle shock, and Damien waited until Ella looked away to give his mom a disapproving look.

"Thank you for having us," Romano opted to just shaking Ella's hand, who seemed more comfortable with that greeting than the previous one. Not that Ella was too terribly shocked. Growing up Spanish, it was instinct for her and her family to be warm and greet people with hugs and cheek-to-cheek kisses but having previously met Celeste, Ella wasn't expecting for the woman to be so warm today.

"My pleasure. I'll go ahead and take you guys out to the back. My family is here, too. I'm not sure if Damien informed you guys..." Ella trailed off, looking to her boyfriend in question who nodded reassuringly, moving to her side to take her hand. "Mamá," Elizabeth was the first family member she saw, so she quickly pulled her in, presenting her to the Petrotti's. Soon after, everyone began nearing, introducing themselves.

Ella had made sure to tell everyone to be on their best behavior and treat her guests with respect, not that her family would do anything rude or mean but she was feeling a bit nervous and anxious.

"Hi, you must be Romano and Celeste." Timotheo appeared, a pink apron on with some tonsils in hand.

"Papá," Ella quietly scolded, reaching to take his utensil away as he shook hands with his daughter's boyfriend's parents.

Romano laughed heartily, shaking Timotheo's strong handshake with gusto. Both tall and experienced men seemed to be measuring each other up. "Glad to know I'm not the only one who steals my wife's apron."

"Who said I stole it?" Timotheo teased right back and that gave the entire family something to laugh about while Ella blushed deeply.

"Relax, sweetheart. They're going to get along just fine." Damien kissed Ella's temple, running a hand down her soft hair. He was going to make sure that they were going to get along, and if they didn't, he would make sure his parents faked it if they had to.

"I hope so." Ella prayed, paying close attention to all of the interactions, searching for any upset or negative reaction or expression the Petrotti parents could do, but throughout the entire night, it seemed as though they felt comfortable, calm amongst the warm chaos that Ella's family was.