"They look lovely together, don't they? Maria?" John asked with a bright smile on his face.
"Sure they do!" Maria laughed with contempt as she watched her son happily play with John's daughter.
John glanced at Maria for a moment, then coughed awkwardly. "They might get married in the future, who knows." He said with an embarrassing smile.
Maria turned to him, no humor in her eyes. "Hmm, and why do you think that? John?" She asked with a serious gaze.
John turned away, his cheeks slightly turning pink. Dammit! Just a way to try and win her heart over, Smart guy!
"Well," he cleared his throat. "My daughter is good in engineering and your son is in love with medicine. Don't you think they would make a fine couple?"
A tense silence reigned in the atmosphere for a few moments before Maria sighed. "Yes…" she said, then quickly added. "...but don't think of trying anything funny John."
"Funny? How possible, my lady?" John let out a hoarse laugh.
Maria however still kept her face straight. "I know what you're trying to do John. It's quite obvious."
What's quite obvious? John thought, his heart slowly bearing faster.
Maria stared into his eyes, mesmerizing him yet giving a clear danger sign. "You want our kids to go on a playdate."
Whew! That was a close one. He inwardly sighed.
"Alright, you got me," John smiled. "But won't it be wonderful?"
"I don't think I'll want to expose my kid to those stuff at his early stage." She smiled.
Early stage? What does she mean? I used to go on many playdates since I was 5 John grumbled internally, though keeping his face a perfect mask.
He really didn't care about the lass. All he wanted was the lady. And now it seemed he might not get her.
Yet.
"Uhm… M-maria?" John stammered as a sudden thought entered his head.
"Yes, John?"
"Well… since our kids are young and you don't want them to be exposed to these sort of things," he paused, staring at the floor for a moment. Then he took in a large intake of air, silently.
"What if we were the ones on the date?" He concluded, expectation burning in his eyes. Please say yes!
Maria looked thoughtful for a moment. Then, she suddenly laughed.
"Really, John? We?" She said through tears and joyful laughter.
John smiled at the sight of Maria laughing. Her laugh had a melodious ting to it that made John feel even more hopeful. Though subtle fear seeped in.
What if she doesn't agree?
What if she starts seeing him as some weirdo?
What if…
"Alright."
"Huh?" John asked as he got pulled out of his trance.
It can't be. Did she just say…
"Yes John. Yes." Maria beamed.
John's heart began beating wildly - this time from celebration and satisfaction. If not for Maria being here, John would've done his celebration dance.
So, he did it in his head instead..
Love huh?
Still dumbstrucke, John kept staring at Maria who was laughing at his reaction.
"Seriously, John," she said. "You really do have a neat approach to women."
Dammit! She just praised me. This is the best day of my life!
John tried hard to keep his composure, but all was in vain.
"For a father, you seem rather childish, hmm." Maria smiled.
Oh right. John stole a glance at the little Minny playing with Tom. She thinks I'm her father, even though I just reincarnated.
John let out a small sigh. That means I'll have to keep the girl if I want to continue seeing Maria.
Turning back to face Maria, John clasped her hands in his. Seeing this Maria slightly blushed.
"Er, John?" she asked, not removing her hands from his soft hands.