As dinner progressed the conversations involved the whole table less and small groups more.  Andrew found himself chatting about inconsequential things with Kayla for much of the evening.  The kids were being kids and Andrew enjoyed Kayla's company.  It didn't hurt that he was unintentionally keeping Kayla unaware of what was going on under the table.  Sometimes things just worked out right.  Andrew tried a little of Kayla's chicken as he offered her some of his Italian meatloaf.  His was just comfort food, plain and simple, but with the few bites of stuff he grabbed from other plates, it was enough for him.<br/><br/>Finally, the plates were more empty than full and Andrew spoke during a lull in the conversations.  "Rather than order dessert out, I went ahead and bought an ice cream cake which is sitting in our chest freezer at home right now.  So as soon as everyone has finished up, we'll pay the bill and head home for cake and ice cream all-in-one to celebrate our newest family member."  Andrew cleaned up the last piece of meatloaf on his plate and wiped his mouth, setting the napkin on the plate.  He sent his gaze around the table to see how everyone else was doing.