Karissa and Will were making dinner together. Will was out back grilling as Karissa took care of everything else that was better made in the kitchen. River was there playing with not only the twins, but Joshan as well, since Amalie and Ryan Bentara were there along with Shara since it was a family dinner.
River appeared in the kitchen as the kids were running out the back door as she chased them.
"Hi, Karissa, I just wanted to thank you for inviting me to stay for dinner," River smiled.
"I'm glad you could stay," she said, smiling back putting some finishing touches on a salad with many colorful vegetables cut up inside it accenting the green lettuce.
Without another thought, River's smile grew bigger and she took off after the kids again to many delighted squeals. As Karissa went to the sink to wash off her cutting board, she looked out the window and saw the kids playing with River and dodging Will.
"Hey, take it easy near the barbecue, kids," he smiled and laughed.
Finally, as Karissa checked the last few items she had baking or keeping warm, she washed her hands and then went out to William. She leaned her head on his shoulder as he leaned over and kissed her tenderly.
"Done?" he asked.
"Yep," she replied. "We're just waiting on your delicious chicken and steak."
"And that will be just another minute or so," he replied. "Afraid I need my shoulder and arm back though, love."
She lifted her head and kissed him. "I'll pour the drinks and get everything onto the table." With that she disappeared into the house.
It wasn't long before everyone was being called to the table and plates were being filled with food. Wine and water glasses were filled and there was punch for the kids.
"Dig in, everyone," Will said as he took a sip of wine.
Halfway through the meal Ryan cleared his throat, to stop the other chatter that was going on around the table as they ate.
"Excuse me," he said. "Sorry to disrupt everyone's meal, but I do have an announcement that I would like make now, rather than later."
Karissa was puzzled, and noted the look on her father and mother's face. Even Joshan's face was beaming. Stealing a glance at Shara she immediately knew that even Shara understood what was going on.
"What is it?" Karissa asked curiously.
"Well, your mother and I have thought about this for awhile... but you moving down here to Serenity really solidified our plans. Basically, what I'm saying is... Your mother and I are moving from Earth to here. We want to be near you and our grandkids. Josh wants to grow up knowing his sister. Not just seeing her in messages across subspace. We want to celebrate our family by being together."
Karissa's dark eyes misted and sparkled like jewels as she smiled and gazed at her parents. "Really?" she said her heart filling with joy. She had missed them so much.
"We'd been talking about moving here since the Ronin-A was first attached to Starbase 901, but due to things coming up, we hadn't pursued it," her mother explained. "At least not until you announced the transfer down to Serenity!" She smiled.
"That spurred us into action, honey," her father smiled. "As it is, we already found the perfect house, not too far away. I'm going to open a private practice near the hospital--"
"And I already have a job at the local secondary school teaching Federation Standard and literature through-out the quadrant," her mother smiled.
"And I'm already enrolled in the school nearby," Joshan smiled. "First grade! I get to go to school for a whole day!"
Karissa could see his excitement.
"And you knew?" she turned to Shara and laughed.
"What can I say?" Shara replied. "They told me when they invited me out to lunch to get to know me better. After all, they wanted to get to know your sister!" She smiled brightly.
"That's really cool, "River said with a big smile. "A happy family... it's good to see. You all deserve to be together." There was a sadness in River that they all could sense.
"River sad," Maya said as she took River's hand since she was sitting beside her. "Missing mommy and daddy."
Karissa looked at her curiously.
"They left... on another expedition," River said with a shrug. "Said they would be gone for several months."
"I'm sorry, River," Karissa replied. "You can come and stay here anytime you want." She offered. "That way you'll never feel alone."
River smiled. "Thanks."
"So shall we get back to this wonderful dinner?" Ryan said with a smile.
"Eat dinner!" Luc cried with glee and began eating again. "Grandpa and Grandma stay. Josh stay too."
They watched as Maya nodded across the table.
Karissa got up, went to her parents and embraced them. "I love you," she said softly.
"And we love you," her father said.
"Its why we're here," her mother added. "Love..."
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