Chapter 43

                                    

                                          
When Finn went to make breakfast in the morning, he realized they were running low on most things.  As he ate, he made a list of things they needed while he was out.  Although he didn't care for eating alone since Rory came along, he knew that she needed all the rest she could get.  It was a small sacrifice for her sake.  He'd make her breakfast once she got up.  Tori had finally started to go longer stretches between feedings, allowing Rory to get better rest.  After he was finished, he began loading the dishwasher when his phone rang.  He looked at the caller ID.
                          
"Hello, Father," Finn said answering his phone.
                          
"Hi, Finn," Art replied.
                          
"What can I do for you?" Finn asked, but he suspected it was about their usual farewell meal.
                          
His parents always had one last meal with him before they flew back to Australia.  It generally consisted of them criticizing his bachelorhood and slightly carefree lifestyle.  He wasn't anywhere near what he was in college, but he hadn't felt any pressing need to settle down before Rory.  At least, he had been successful in the family business, so it kept the disapproval to a minimum.
                          
"We'd like to have lunch with you before we leave later today.  Are you free?"
                          
"We don't have any plans that I know of, but I'll have to double-check with Rory," he answered.  He hoped that would please them to see Tori one more time, and it could make for a more pleasant experience.
                          
"We'd like for it to be just us," Art stated.
                          
"Oh?  I thought you liked her," he replied sounding slightly confused.
                          
"Your mother and I would like to talk to you.  That's all, and we do like Rory.  In fact, I think she may too good for you, son."
                          
"That, she is.  Text me when you work out the details.  I've got some errands to run this morning," Finn said.
                          
"Expect a message from your mother, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's the usual place," Art replied with a chuckle.
                          
"Ok, bye, Dad."
                          
"We'll see you later, Finn."
                          
Finn hung up.  I had hoped this time it would be different.  I've settled down with the woman of my dreams, but it's still not enough for them, he lamented.  I don't know what else they want me to do!
                          
He left before Rory got up.  There hadn't been a peep out of Tori, so he snuck out as quietly as he could.  He hoped the garage door wouldn't wake the sleeping beauties.  He left a note on the fridge, along with some fresh squeezed orange juice in the fridge, and the coffee pot was brewing.
                          
As he drove from store to store, he began thinking about the other farewell meals he'd had with his parents.  None of them had gone well at all.  He decided to quit dwelling for the time being and finish running errands.  Last stop was the grocery store.  He decided to add a few items to his list.  So he picked up what he needed to make one of Rory's favorite meals: pot roast and mashed potatoes.  He figured he'd have enough time after lunch to get back and make her a special meal for dinner.
                          
When he got home, he brought the groceries in from the car.  He was greeted at the door by Rory, who was in the kitchen getting some coffee for herself.  Even though she still had on her pajamas, he thought she looked as sexy as ever.  She came over, grabbed a bag from him, and gave him a quick peck.  They set the bags on the counter.  He began emptying them as she went back to drinking her coffee.  She saw that he'd picked up everything for a pot roast dinner, and her eyes lit up.  She stopped him, wrapped her arms around him, and brought his lips to hers in a passionate kiss.