Chapter 9:"A Delicious Surprise"

When Emily was laying in the bed and thinking about their first date, Just then, Grandma called from downstairs:"Emily, Mrs. Jennifer is here!"

Emily walked downstairs to find Mrs. Jennifer chatting with Grandma in the kitchen.

Mrs. Jennifer turned with a warm smile:"Emily, dear, I brought over some new recipes I'd love to share – and cook together! How about dinner here tonight?"

Grandma nodded enthusiastically:"We'd love that, Mrs. Jennifer! What dishes did you have in mind?"

Mrs. Jennifer replied:"Actually, I was thinking of trying out some Indian Kashmiri recipes – paneer rogan josh, dum aloo, ... Max already knows he's coming for dinner tonight, by the way."

Emily's heart skipped a beat – Max coming for dinner meant hours together before his "after shift" visit turned into just dinner together!

"We'd love to assist with cooking – Grandma and I can chop veggies or something!" : Emily offered help

Mrs. Jennifer smiled warmly:"Perfect helpers – Grandma can cut the paneer, Emily, you cut aloo's. Max can... set the table when he arrives." Emily giggled imagining Max. Mrs. Jennifer said that it's only now 4 pm we can start from 5:30 upto 7 it will be completed and Max will also come, Let's take a walk outside while it's time sighing to grandma so they leave for a walk leaving Emily alone at home. The silence was suddenly filled with excitement - she was alone, waiting for Max!

Emily glanced at the clock: Mrs. Jennifer and Grandma returned home and they all started to prepare the food. Emily was also preparing ingredients, trying to look busy and help them.

She began chopping veggies, her hands moving quickly as her heart raced with excitement...

Just as the last dish was cooking, she heard someone in the door. So, she ran away to open the door (expecting Max). Door opens:

Max's voice sent shivers down her spine"Hey Emily – Emily meeting Max's warm smile with her own.

They stood there for a moment, alone in the front of the door... Then she came into reality and said gracefully:"Come on in – Aunty and Grandma are still cooking."

Max smiled and entered, his eyes never leaving hers as he passed close by.

Emily felt a flutter in her chest from the brief proximity. She closed the door softly behind him.

Now they stood together in the entrance hall – alone, quiet, and filled with anticipation. Then only Mrs. Jennifer and grandmother entered and asked Max to come and sit. Grandma poured a glass of water to Max Mrs. Jennifer told him that only the last dish is cooking everything is ready you set the table and after Emily's grandfather comes we can eat, Emily you also help Max.

Emily walked with Max in front of the dining table: Together they stood side by side, pulling out plates, utensils, and glasses.

Their hands touched briefly as they both reached for the same napkin – a spark of electricity!

Emily felt her heart flutter as Max glanced at her, smiling softly.

Emily smiled back, continuing to set the table, hands brushing again occasionally.

Each gentle touch sent tiny sparks through her body – Max seemed affected too, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

As they worked together, the table transformed into a warm, inviting setting.

Max placed the last fork down and turned to Emily:"Perfect – thanks to my amazing table-setting partner."

The air is filled with sweet tension... Suddenly, they heard the front door open – Grandpa was back!

Then Grandma and Mrs. Jennifer also came out from the kitchen, Mrs. Jennifer said:"Perfect timing – dinner's ready! Let's sit down together."

They seated themselves around the beautifully set table:

- Emily beside Max

- Across from Grandma and Grandpa

- Mrs. Jennifer at the head

Grandpa looked around, smiling:"Feels like a special occasion – family and Max together!"

Emily blushed and glanced at Max, who was smiling at her.

Their eyes met briefly, sparkling with mutual affection – Grandma noticed and smiled warmly.

Grandpa, oblivious to the subtle moment, began:"The fishing trip was great – caught a huge bass! Max, you should join me next time."

Max turned to Grandpa:"That sounds awesome, sir – I'd love to learn from you."

Emily felt happy seeing Max fit in with her family so effortlessly...

Mrs. Jennifer served the paneer dish, and the room was filled with delicious aromas and chatter.

Dinner concluded with happy chatter and contented sighs – Mrs. Jennifers' paneer dish was a hit!

Grandma suggested:"Why don't you Emily show Max our little chickens?"

Emily and Max exchanged a smile before going to see chickens.

Once in the chicken house, Max turned to Emily and whispered:"Having your family around me feels... right. Like I belong."

Emily's heart swelled with affection as she whispered back:"You do belong – with me, with us."

They finished seeing and playing with little chickens, hands touching occasionally...

Emily smiled softly and leaned against Max briefly before joining the family.

Her cheek touched his chest for a gentle moment – Max wrapped his arm around her waist.

The brief embrace spoke volumes of their growing affection...

Then Emily stepped back, smiling up at him:

"Shall we join them – Grandma's probably would be waiting for us."

Max chuckled and offered his arm:"After you – or should I say, with you."

Together they walked into the living room, hands touching lightly on arms.

The room was cozy – Grandma regaling Grandpa and Mrs. Jennifer with tales of Max's childhood.

But Mrs. Jennifer stood up, after seeing us and glanced at her watch and saw:"Already later than I thought – time for me to head home, and Max."Emily felt a pang of surprise – the evening ended sooner than expected!"

Mrs. Jennifer smiled at Emily:"Thanks for dinner help, dear – Max, let's go!"

Emily walked them to the door, giving Max a brief, private glance before he left.

Their eyes met for a fleeting moment – sparkles of affection danced between them.

Emily watching them step into the evening darkness...

The door closed gently behind them. Emily leaned against it, heart racing slightly.

Suddenly, she heard Grandma call out: "Time to sleep now".

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