December 21st, 2010

?Was that a burp or an earthquake?? Shane?s voice sounded concerned.

Ethan groaned, stretching out further on the couch with his hands on his stomach. Bradley just laughed and finished clearing the table while Shane went to check on Ethan in the living room.

?Are you sure you?re not going to puke all over my couch, because if you are, I might have to hurt you.? The petite blonde moved to stand over her brother-in-law who lay prostrate on the couch, his stomach bloated.

?I can?t believe how much I ate.?

?Me either. I thought I?d made enough for leftovers tomorrow.?

?You?re such a good cook.?

?Thanks, Ethan.?

?I should have you cook the dinner I want to serve Maeve.?

Shane lit up, a wide smile spreading across her face. She clasped her hands together happily and sat on the edge of the couch next to Ethan, peering down at him. ?Bradley mentioned that you?re going to pop the question soon.?

?Yep.? He still sounded as though he might explode at any given moment.

?When? You?ll be joining us at your parents for New Years??

?Uh huh.? Ethan nodded minutely, not wanting to move too much. ?I?m gonna ask her sometime next week, maybe the 27th or 28th? Not sure yet.?

Shane pet Ethan?s forehead, smiling at him despite his obvious discomfort. ?It will be so nice to have a big family get together.?

?I just wish Alicia could be home for it.? Bradley came into the living room, then, drying his hands on his jeans. He sat in the lazy boy and propped his feet on the coffee table. Shane moved to sit in his lap.

?It?s too bad we won?t be here with you when it happens, Ethan. But I suppose seeing you a few days later is good enough. What are you planning to do??

?I?m still trying to work it all out in my head. I want to have a picnic, but not sure where. On the Reserve, I think, because it?s warm there. Comfortable, you know.? He let out another long, wet burp and groaned.

?Gross.?

?Oh, it?s a guy thing.? Bradley commented.

Shane looked down her nose at her husband skeptically. ?You don?t do that.?

?That?s because I?m trying to impress you still.?

Shane snorted in amusement and turned back to Ethan. ?Well the picnic part sounds nice.? She yawned and leaned back against Bradley. ?Very romantic. Rehearsed what you?re going to say and all that? Or not yet??

Ethan lifted a hand and tipped it side to side to signal that he?d sort of thought it through. ?I think I?m just going to see how the words come out when it?s time. Who practices proposals??

?I did,? Bradley shrugged, grinning.

?You don?t count.? Ethan sat up slowly, a hand still on his stomach. ?Only thing I?m still working on is what to do about dinner. I?m not that great of a cook and you two are leaving tomorrow, otherwise I?d have you cook it, Shane.?

?Why not just do something light then?? Shane paused, lips twisting in thought. ?Maybe get some white wine and strawberries. Simple romance.?

?That?s not a bad idea.?

?I know,? said Shane, grinning impishly.

?Only one problem.?

?What?s that??

?Maeve doesn?t like alcohol.?

?Oh. That?s right, I?d forgotten.? They were all quiet, the lazy boy creaking slightly as it rocked a little. After a moment or two, Shane snapped her fingers and jumped up. Bradley, who?d dozed off, straightened and blinked wildly.

Ethan watched Shane hurry into the kitchen and return holding an olive colored wine bottle in her hands. ?Here,? she said, holding the bottle out to him. ?Try this, it?s like drinking candy. Very sweet, light.?

?What is it?? Ethan looked down at the label, unable to read the strange symbols.

?It?s local, don?t worry about it. Maeve will like it, trust me.?

?I?ll just have to take your word on it, I don?t recognize the maker.? Ethan balanced the bottle on his knee and thanked Shane. He glanced over to Bradley who was asleep again. ?I don?t normally eat and run, but I?m sure you two have things to do to prepare for your trip.?

Shane nodded, ?Yeah, we do.? She sounded sad, never liking when Ethan had to take off. She liked having family around. ?But we?ll see you soon!? Shaking Bradley?s shoulder, Shane nodded toward Ethan. ?Honey, your brother is getting ready to leave.?

Bradley shook his head and rubbed a hand over his face. ?Sorry, Ethan. I?m dead tired tonight.? He reached over and held a hand out to his brother. Ethan took it and gave it a firm shake. ?Thanks for coming over.?

?No, thanks for inviting me. You know I?ll always jump at a chance to eat some of Shane?s cooking.? He stood, smiling over at Shane. ?Thanks for the food, missy. And for the wine.? He held up the bottle and gave it a little wave in the air.

?It?s always a pleasure to have you over for dinner.?

?We gave him booze?? Bradley asked, eyeing the bottle.

Shane ignored him, moving to give her brother-in-law a hug. ?Good luck, Ethan. We?re very happy for you and can?t wait to see you both for New Year?s.?

?Yes, ma?am! I appreciate it. You two kids have fun, now. Enjoy your vacation.?

Ethan headed to the door and pulled on his boots and jacket. Bradley and Shane stood in the living room, hugging one another around the waist and said their goodbyes.

?Goodnight!?

?Goodnight.?

When the door closed, Bradley scooped Shane up and tossed her over his shoulder. The blonde shrieked and grabbed fistfuls of his shirt to stay balanced.

?What are you doing?!?

?I thought he?d never leave.? Bradley said with a smirk. He started down the dark hallway.

?He was only here for ten minutes after dinner,? Shane pointed out.

?Yeah,? He nodded. ?But I could have had you in bed ten minutes ago.?

Shane just laughed.