We returned from Mexico much as we had left, but with one major difference. We were in love; true love. Never in a million years had I thought that I would find a man who made me so incredibly happy all of the time, but Jason had edged his way into my life quite suddenly and filled those shoes completely.

I decided that this was the opportune time to take him home to meet the folks. We sat up for several late nights discussing this, as Jason was quite contrary to the idea at first. He knew that I had not officially come out to my parents, and he had listened to me talk about them for long enough to know that they were not exactly going to love the idea easily. But the incredible support we gave each other won out, and we made the decision to head to Atlanta the following weekend.

With the discussions over, I called home and asked if we could come and visit. While my mother seemed reticent to entertain a friend of mine, she agreed as long as we would only mess up one bedroom. Naturally, that was not a problem, if only she knew. Jason and I laughed hard and long about it.

Friday afternoon never wanted to come. The week dragged into infinity until my last class Friday finally let out. Jason and I met in my room and shared a few deep intimate moments before packing the car and heading out.

On the way to Atlanta, I gave him the standard briefing I give all my friends that I take home to meet my parents. "Here's some things you need to know, Jason. Just so you won't be surprised. My parents are mega millionaires, and act like it. The house was recently appraised at $32 million, we have servants, and there are a lot of things you can't do in their house. You can't smoke, you can't curse, you can't sit on any furniture that has ropes on it, you can't walk on any of the rugs, and you can't wander around the house unattended. These are the cardinal sins of the Whitaker Estate."

Jason sat and listened to all I had to say and smirked as I continued the "can't" list for some time. He seemed amused rather than worried (like most of my friends receiving this briefing) and that affirmed my realization that this was the man for me.

We arrived at home, passed by the security guard, and parked the car. Jason and I primped for a moment and went to the front door. After ringing the bell, the Butler led us inside to the room my mother calls "The Great Room," a room that is so incredibly huge you can't help but be intimidated. I watched in amusement as Jason glanced around the room, drinking in all the incredibly expensive things carefully and artfully perched here and there. Jason is a book fanatic and the wall to wall, ceiling to floor bookshelves that covered two of the walls, complete with the rolling ladder on the brass rail amazed him.

I motioned to him the furniture with the ropes, and pushed him into a chair that was safe to sit in. We waited for several minutes for my parents to make their entrance, during which the maid took our drink orders and brought us each a glass of Chardonnay.

Finally, (and you could almost hear the trumpet flourish in the background),