"Pancakes and fruit for breakfast, as soon as I see some bubbles," sang Pania.

"Good morning mom," a sleepy-eyed Brianna remarked. Then, she continued, "Why did you divorce dad?"

"Brianna, I just got engaged to Mr, Dennis Patterson. Don't be a party pooper just be happy for me," said Pania.

Brianna tossed an orange around. "You guys looked ecstatic last night. And you're like another person today. But I was up thinking about Keith. He seems a little like dad. So I was wondering, if you ever loved each other."

Pania started to flip the first batch of pancakes. And the conversation took a pause.

"Honey, it was an amiable split. Carl does stuff his way. I do stuff my way. And I tried to please him. We tried to make it work. The love was there, but we've always had trouble communicating," replied Pania.

"Dad and Mary communicate so openly all the time. It's nothing like what I saw of your marriage," added Brianna.

"You don't remember us as a happy couple," asked Pania?

Brianna wasn't sure what to say, "We always did stuff as a family. But I never saw the two of you really talk until the divorce happened. And Mary came along so quickly. Now, you and dad seem to be glued to the phone. It's not so simple to understand."

"Relationships aren't cut and dry. You shouldn't think about your dad and me. Concentrate on your personal relationship with each of us separately," Pania advised her daughter. She continued, "See if there's more Mrs. Butterworth in pantry."

Pania and Brianna sat across from each other enjoying the first batch of pancakes and fresh brewed coffee.

"Thanks for inviting Keith's family over next weekend. I think they only have hamburgers and hot dogs fresh off the grill. Can we do something really uncomplicated," Brianna asked?

"We can order pizza," Pania joked.

"Moommm - be serious. I don't' wanna be embarrassed. They could be my family someday too," whined Brianna.

"I like Keith. Not sure if I like him for you. We didn't raise you on fast food dinners. And I may dread his mother already. But I am finally making an attempt to know his family. Maybe, it's only for your sake too," assured Pania. And she proceeded to say, "I could make an easy barbecue like picnic chicken and potato salad. But Theresa better bring a good dessert. I should stock all the fixings for ice cream sundaes, just in case."

"You're funny, Mom. I love Keith. We like each other's company. But I don't know about marriage yet. And Keith was talking about babies. I want to concentrate on finishing my liberal arts degree. This relationship stuff is a lot to handle. I rather see you married off, first," Brianna rattled off while enjoying her pancakes.

Pania continued to advise her daughter, "I can't tell you what to do, but you are old enough to get married. You need to follow your heart. It's okay to take your time. And I'm always here for you."

"Thanks and I can help you make dinner next weekend," smiled Brianna.

"We'll see," Pania replied. She continued, "Time to wake your brother and sister for breakfast."