"Smile because it's all over;"

O N W A R D S;

Caleb had never felt this nervous before in his life as he pulled up outside of her house. He could see from the window of his Mercedes that the lights were in which meant she was home and waiting for his arrival. Strangely, thinking about it now— turning back and driving him didn't seem to be such a bad idea; but Caleb sucked it up and pushed the car door open. With the bouquet in his hand he walked up to the front door.

Pulling at his grey jacket, he fixed his attire before making three tentative knocks to the door.
"Caleb!" She opened the door with a huge smile on her face, it was the smile that Caleb adored seeing on her face. The kind of smile that could cure cancer and end all wars was sent his way and Caleb grinned back. She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him tightly, she held him awhile and Caleb realized she did that often, just held him not that he minded but it was as if, if she let go too soon he'd disappear.

Caleb leaned back only slightly to give her a kiss to the lips. It was sweet and all consuming and Caleb smiled when he felt her shiver in his hands.
"I brought flowers." He pushed them forward and Georgia giggled.
"You didn't have too" she smiled taking them from him and putting it to her nose.
He shrugged, "I couldn't just come empty handed; after all you did cook"

Georgia grabbed his hand and led him inside, "Well my mom helped me cook."
Caleb gulped as he entered the living room and was met with three pairs of eyes. He gave a curt nod to Adrian who nodded back with a lingering smile to his lips, "Caleb!" Anastasia Graham greeted him walking towards him.
"How have you been?" She leaned forward and kissed his cheek.
Shocked at the pleasant greeting he answered, "Uhh, yes I'm fine. You?"

Anastasia grinned, "Great, I made a chocolate crème and I'd love for you to try it,"
Caleb smiled, "Sure."
In the background, Caleb heard a cough and his eyes met Richard Graham. The older man had a smoldering look to his stern face and he seemingly sized Caleb up.
"Mr. Hearst." He greeted.
"Mr. Graham."

"How are you Mr. Graham?"
"I'm fine. Didn't think I'd be seeing you again though." He narrowed his eyes at Caleb.
"Dad!" Georgia said sternly but Richard paid his daughter no mind, "But, I did promise to give this a chance and I do suppose a thanks is in order for helping Georgia." Then Caleb saw his eyes soften just a little as he extended his hand.
Caleb nodded his head and shook his hand, Richard regarding him cooly. Caleb turned his attention to Georgia who had clasped her hands together, trying to clear the awkwardness.

"Dinner is ready! I suggest we head to the table."
"bout time I'm starving" Adrian spoke up as he patted Caleb on the shoulder and made his way to the table.
Caleb took his seat between Georgia and Anastasia as the food was served. There was a silence that overtook the table and Caleb looked up wearily before the first question was directed at him.
"So Caleb," Richard trying out Caleb's first name made him feel weird, "I presume your company is doing well?"

Caleb nodded his head, "Yes, it is. I just finished closing off a few deals with King's company..."
"The King's Company?" Adrian cut in, "As in owned by Hugh Chapman?"
Caleb nodded, "Yes,"
The look on Richard's face looked pleased, "He's a successful man."
"So is Caleb." Georgia cut in, taking his hand in hers and squeezing it on the table.

Caleb watched as Richard took in his daughter's sudden movement as he made no move to retract his hand from hers as their entwined fingers were on show for the table to see, "Why yes he is." Richard said looking thoughtful.
"Surely making his parents proud."
"So Caleb, how are your parents?" Anastasia asked.
Caleb kept a calm demeanor, "My father passed a few years ago and my mother is currently traveling with a few of her closest friends." He answered Anastasia's question.
"I'm sorry to hear that—but when next your mother is in town we should invite her to lunch. I'd love to meet her."

"Of course. I'll let you know."
Conversation after seemed to be of less consequence as Adrian told stories of his adventures as an FBI agent agent. Caleb laughed along and suddenly a thought crossed his mind, that this was the first time he'd ever attended a family dinner of the sort; as his parents hardly ever shared the same room with each other when he was growing up and looking at the beautiful woman beside him who was smiling broadly at something her brother hadsaid, he couldn't help but feel the happiness pouring out of her.

It wasn't until later that Georgia and Anastasia had taken all of the plates from the headed to the kitchen, leaving him alone with Richard and Adrian who conveniently decided he needed to use the restroom. Caleb looked up to see Richard already staring at him, "Caleb," he paused as if contemplating whether he should have spoken or not, "do you know what you mean to my daughter?"
Caleb furrowed his eyebrows, "Mr. Graham, what exactly do you mean?"

Richard straightened his back, "Let me tell you how I see it Caleb. Whether I like it or not, Georgia, she wants to be with you. So as her father I must support her in her decision in who she chooses to love."
The last word had caught Caleb by surprise and the meaningful look from Richard made him realize what he was hinting at—
"This is why I ask that you take care of my baby girl, treat her right and make her happy."

He took a deep breath, "In all the five years since Greece, I'd never seen her so happy; ever. I just want to see that smile on her face always and as of right now, she's happy with you."
Caleb knew what smile he was talking about and gave Richard a quick nod before Georgia and Anastasia entered the room again. At their silence Georgia furrowed her eyebrows at Caleb but he only smiled at her and beckoned her next to him.

He placed a kiss to her forehead and he felt her lean into him.

He caught Anastasia's eye as she was looking at the exchange between the two of them, a small smile on her lips.
"I think we'd better be going." Anastasia said softly.
Soon Caleb and Georgia walked them to the door and he shook both Richard and Adrian's hand before receiving a kiss to his cheek from Anastasia.
"Goodbye." They both waved them off.

Georgia closed the door after and turned to Caleb sliding into his arms. He tightened them around her, "I hope it wasn't too torturous for you...."
He shook his head, "Nope, I enjoyed it."
"Liar." She chuckled.
He chuckled, "No seriously, it was okay."
She shook her head at him and leaned up to press her lips to hers, "Mhm."

Caleb leaned back as he stared at her, and her face reddened at the attention he was giving her, "Would you like go out with me this weekend?" He asked, suddenly.
Georgia furrowed her eyebrows, "Like a date?" She smiled cheekily.
Caleb grinned, "Like a date." He agreed.
"I mean I'd have to check my schedule, make room for you...." she trailed off.

She looked thoughtful, "What time were you thinking?"
"Seven?" He played along.
She pursed her lips, "I'd have to reschedule a few things but seven could work."
He grinned, "Great." He rolled her eyes at her attempt at humor.
She giggled and kissed his cheek, "I'll be waiting Casanova."

Caleb grinned at her and thought of what Richard had insinuated— could Georgia really love him. Sure she'd loved him before but that was five years ago but there was a the bigger question, did he love her?
Caleb shook his head, he already knew the answer to that but choose to push it to the back of his mind.
"What's are you thinking about?" She asked.

"You." He smirked.

"God you're so cheesy!" She erupted in laughter.

But Caleb just shrugged, since when was the truth cheesy.

~*~