"And I still couldn't tell you." He's a little flushed with embarrassment at the memory, but here and now it doesn't matter. Gabriel finally laughs.
"However, your mother forgave me for my albeit-unexpected overindulgence, and also for my distinct lack of skill with darts." The look he gives Regan is very fond. "On the other hand, I'm not sure Dennis ever forgave me entirely for marrying her-- but he did attend our wedding, so that's something."
And so it goes from that point forward. A few more anecdotes are traded, a few more amusing stories told, covering far-earlier days as well as the near present. Eventually, everyone's tired enough that the two couples go their separate ways, and the evening comes to its natural close.
In later years, when he looks back on this night, Gabriel knows that he will always remember this: himself and Regan, Simon and Kaylee, comfortable and at ease and happy in one another's presence, there upstairs on the first family evening in the new home in New Mayfair.
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"However, your mother forgave me for my albeit-unexpected overindulgence, and also for my distinct lack of skill with darts." The look he gives Regan is very fond. "On the other hand, I'm not sure Dennis ever forgave me entirely for marrying her-- but he did attend our wedding, so that's something."
And so it goes from that point forward. A few more anecdotes are traded, a few more amusing stories told, covering far-earlier days as well as the near present. Eventually, everyone's tired enough that the two couples go their separate ways, and the evening comes to its natural close.
In later years, when he looks back on this night, Gabriel knows that he will always remember this: himself and Regan, Simon and Kaylee, comfortable and at ease and happy in one another's presence, there upstairs on the first family evening in the new home in New Mayfair.
One couldn't ask for a better housewarming.