That night, Liz's friends came over, and they stayed late talking; they finally managed to make the to-do list.
The week went by quickly, and Liz received a message from her mother saying that the flight was scheduled to arrive at 8:00 PM. Liz and Henry arrived at the airport early to wait for her mother and relatives. The flight was a bit delayed, but they finally arrived and went straight to Henry's house. They wanted to stay at a hotel, but he insisted they stay at his house, which was all prepared to welcome them.
Once at home, mother and daughter talked a lot. Liz shared how the preparations were going but said that after dinner, she would tell them everything they wanted to know and that she was very happy to have them all with her.
The next day, Liz didn't go to work; she wanted to spend the day with her family and had lunch at Mrs. Carl's house. She got up a little later. Henry left early for work as he had a meeting, so he didn't stop by to kiss Liz, not wanting to wake her. He sent a message saying he'd arrive early for lunch.
Liz got up, got ready, and went downstairs to have breakfast with her family, who were already up. After breakfast, they went outside to the garden to enjoy the sun and saw Henry's mother tending to her rose bushes. They went to greet her, and Mrs. Carl said she was very happy to have them close.
Mrs. Carl: "Your daughter is very special to all of us. We love her very much."
Liz's mother: "I'm glad to know she's in good hands, with people who truly love her."
Liz introduced her aunt, her mother's sister.
Mrs. Carl: "You will always be welcome in our home."
Liz's mother: "Thank you very much!"
They talked a bit more and then went inside, as Mrs. Carl had to prepare for lunch. Liz's cousin went out to explore the city and said he'd be back for lunch.
The three women continued chatting while Liz ate more of the cake her mother brought, her and her father's favorite.
It was noon when Henry arrived and joined Liz and her family. She kissed him and said she had missed him a lot.
Henry: "I didn't want to wake you because I knew you weren't going out this morning."
He greeted her mother and aunt and asked about her cousin.
Liz: "He went for a walk and said he'd be back for lunch. He should be arriving soon."
A few minutes later, he arrived, greeted Henry, and said he was going to take a quick shower.
At Henry's parents' house, they were waiting in the living room. Henry opened the door for everyone to enter, and his parents came out to greet them.
Henry's parents: "Welcome. We've been expecting you."
Liz and family: "Thank you!"
Mr. Carl offered wine, and everyone accepted. It was Liz's favorite wine, and she said she wanted some too. Henry looked at her and grabbed a glass for them to drink together, so he would drink more than her. He said they would be drinking water and natural juice.
Then lunch was served, and everyone sat down. Henry's father made a toast to celebrate his son's engagement to Liz and said how much he and his wife had been looking forward to this day. He said they were very happy to have Liz as their daughter-in-law and that from now on, she would be their daughter too.
Liz's mother thanked them both for the affection they showed for Liz and said that Henry would be more than a son-in-law; he would be like a son to her.
They toasted, and Liz was touched by the words she heard.
Liz: "I love you all too!!!"
She said with tears in her eyes. Henry hugged her and kissed her on the forehead.
Everyone fell silent, simply enjoying that lunch, which according to Liz, was a feast fit for the gods.
And the dessert was irresistible.
Liz: "I'm eating for two. Don't mind me."
She commented before anyone else could, and everyone laughed at the way she looked at them and spoke.
Then Henry teased her, saying:
Henry: "Today it's allowed."
He held her hand, kissed it, and looked into her eyes.