My Emerald Donaldson
The dining room buzzed with a warm, familial energy as the Donaldsons welcomed Demitri and his mother, Irene.
The long oak table was set with fine china and crystal glasses, casting delicate reflections under the chandelier's soft glow.
Harold greeted them at the door with a firm handshake, while Irene handed him a bottle of wine with a polite smile.
“This is an excellent choice, Demitri,” Harold said, examining the label. He gave Demitri a hearty pat on the back, approval evident in his expression. “You’re a man of good taste.”
“Thank you, sir,” Demitri replied, his tone respectful but relaxed. “I thought it’d pair well with dinner.”
Irene chuckled softly as she held up a tin of cookies. “And these are for dessert. Family recipe—perfect with tea or coffee.”
Ashley’s mother, took the cookies with delight. “How thoughtful, Irene! I can’t wait to try one after dinner.”
As everyone settled into their seats, the conversation flowed naturally. Demitri’s deep voice mingled with Ashley’s soft laughter, and the older generation shared knowing glances as the couple exchanged subtle smiles.
“Let’s talk about the wedding,” Harold said, taking a sip of his wine. “Have you two decided on a date yet?”
Ashley glanced at Demitri, who nodded. “We’re thinking late spring,” she said. “The weather will be perfect, and it gives us enough time to plan.”
“Good choice,” Irene chimed in, her eyes twinkling. “Spring weddings are so romantic. I had mine in the spring as well.”
Ashley’s mother leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. “Do you have a venue in mind?”
“We’re still deciding,” Demitri admitted. “But I want something intimate and beautiful—something that suits Ashley.”
Ashley blushed, her cheeks tinged with pink. “And Demitri, of course,” she added quickly, earning a playful grin from him.
Irene reached into her bag and pulled out a small album. “Speaking of weddings, I brought some photos of Demitri when he was younger. I thought it’d be fun to share some embarrassing moments.”
“Irene, you didn’t,” Demitri groaned, though there was a sparkle of amusement in his eyes.
“Oh, I absolutely did,” Irene said, flipping open the album. The first picture she held up showed a young Demitri, perhaps six years old, wearing an oversized cowboy hat and holding a toy lasso.
Emma, Ashley’s mother burst out laughing. “He looks like he’s auditioning for a western!”
Ashley covered her mouth, trying to suppress her giggles. “I can’t believe this. Demitri, you were adorable.”
“Adorable isn’t the word I’d use,” Demitri muttered, shaking his head with mock dismay.
The next photo showed him as a teenager, sporting a questionable hairstyle and a rebellious smirk.
“Irene,” Harold said, chuckling, “you’ve truly outdone yourself.”
“You haven’t seen anything yet,” Irene teased. “Wait until you see his first dance recital photo.”
Demitri groaned louder this time, but even he couldn’t hide his smile. “Alright, enough about me. Let’s see some of Ashley’s pictures. Turnabout is fair play, right?”
Ashley’s eyes widened, and she shook her head vehemently. “Oh no. Absolutely not.”
“Come on, Ashley,” Demitri said, leaning closer. “I showed mine. It’s only fair.”
Linda clapped her hands. “I think it’s a great idea! I’ll go get the album.”
“Mom, no!” Ashley protested, but Linda was already halfway up the stairs.
Demitri leaned back in his chair, a triumphant grin on his face. “This is going to be good.”
“You’re evil,” Ashley muttered, crossing her arms.
“Maybe,” Demitri teased, “but you love me anyway.”
Ashley rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched with a reluctant smile.
When Emma returned, she held a thick album brimming with photos. “Here we are! Emerald’s greatest hits.”
The first picture was of Ashley as a toddler, her face smeared with chocolate cake.
“Classic,” Demitri said, laughing. “Even back then, you had good taste.”
The next photo showed a gangly pre-teen Ashley with braces and pigtails, posing awkwardly at a school dance.
“Oh, no,” Ashley groaned, burying her face in her hands.
“I think you looked adorable,” Irene said kindly, though her laughter betrayed her.
The final photo was a snapshot of Ashley in her high school graduation gown, her smile radiant despite the wind blowing her hair into her face.
“See?” Demitri said, his voice softening. “Still beautiful. My Ashley. My Emerald Donaldson.”
The room fell quiet for a moment as everyone took in his words. Emma wiped at her eyes, touched by the sincerity in Demitri’s tone.
Ashley blinked rapidly, fighting back tears. “Demitri…”
He reached across the table, taking her hand in his. “I mean it,” he said. “You’ve always been beautiful to me, Ashley. Inside and out.”
The warmth in the room was almost tangible as smiles spread across every face. Harold cleared his throat, his voice gruff with emotion. “Well, I’d say this young man knows how to charm a family.”
“I think so too,” Emma agreed, giving Ashley an encouraging nod.
“Welcome to the family, Demitri,” Harold said, raising his glass.
“To family,” Irene added, lifting her own glass.
“To love,” Ashley said softly, squeezing Demitri’s hand.
As they clinked glasses, laughter and joy filled the room, and for the first time in a long while, Ashley felt truly at peace. This was her family. This was her future.