He closed the door triumphantly and turned to look at her. "They're gone. Holiday mode accomplished."
J walked to M and took her in his arms. "Have I ever told you how fabulous you are with my family? You are unbelievable." He kissed her gently at first, pressing gradually more into her and heating up their kiss. She ran her hands up his neck and into his hair, savoring this hot moment after an evening of entertaining. She knew he was always nervous when his parents and brother came to visit. He was so concerned they would think he had not yet accomplished something. She wished he could see in him what she saw: a wise, clever, and focused man who was driven to create a comfortable home and life for the people he loves. He was her version of perfect. Finally, she broke their kiss and said "cmon, let's go clean up."
They walked to the kitchen. He put on music and for a brief moment stepped back to watch M navigate her way to the dishes. She had dressed perfectly for the evening: something modest and mature to please his parents, with enough curvature and skin to please his gazing eyes and show his brother that he had struck gold. She had worn her hair down, with the mid sized earrings he had gotten her for her birthday as an accompaniment to her lightly made up face and heart piercing smile. She looked beautiful.
J leveled the music so it fell into the background and joined her at the sink. "Thanks for being so amazing tonight. You make it look so easy."
She handed him a dish to dry. "Honestly, it was fun. I like them. And I really like you."
They continued to wash dishes and recap their evening, until finally the sink was empty, the dishwasher was on, and the counters were clean.