We met my parents at the usual place in Frostburg, Guiseppe's Italian Restaurant. Samantha and I arrived a few minutes before our scheduled reservation and Mom and Dad were there at 6:00 PM on the dot. We were ushered to a quiet table in the front of the house near a fireplace, making the occasion just a touch more special.

Samantha and I decided earlier that we would share with my parents a little about our plans. We were officially beginning to make plans for our nuptial, and I knew that at the very least my mother would be thrilled. While it was just as important; if not more so, to share the ideas with Samantha's parents, it was my mother and father who were privy to our plans first. We would tell Samantha's parents when I dropped her off back in Boston.

My father and I ordered Chicken Parmigiana, my mother Eggplant Parmigiana, and Samantha had the vegetable lasagna. Dad had taken the luxury of ordering a nice Chianti which was served with the meal. Prior to, we each had a beer from Anchor Steam Brewing Company. The kitchen is usually busy, but they were able to get our food out in a timely fashion. This was something that the owner had perfected many years ago. He was good about getting fresh Italian on a plate in a timely manner.

Between dinner and dessert, the ladies excused themselves. This gave the opportunity for my father and I to talk for a few minutes. I can say that I got the normal questions. "Was I ready for marriage", and "Do you feel as though you can support your wife"? These were the easy ones. The last was the kicker. "Do you believe deep down that you are prepared to commit yourself to Samantha for the rest of your life?" I nodded in the affirmative; not showing the ounce of hesitation in my positive response. I knew that later, I would be pondering this question and giving it more reflection.

When my mother and Samantha returned, I got up and put them each in a chair. I kissed Samantha on the forehead after she pushed her way snug against the table. I gazed at her all through dessert. The coffee and Tiramisu were excellent. My mind however, was drifting to lands far away.