My phone buzzes on the nightstand. "That's the third time Ty Stag has called this morning."
"Maybe you should answer."
With reluctance, I reach for the phone. "Klein."
"There he is!" Ty's booming voice fills the line. "We've got a family dinner tonight. Juniper's making a roast. You in?"
I glance at Noa, who's watching me with curious eyes. "Can I bring someone?"
A pause, then Ty's surprised laugh. "Hell, yes. Bring whoever you want. Seven o'clock."
After hanging up, I explain the invitation to Noa. "It's not a Hanukkah thing, just dinner with the Stags. Would you like to go?"
"Meeting two families in two days? We're really accelerating this relationship schedule." But she's smiling as she says it. "I'd love to."
* * *
Ty and Juniper's sprawling home buzzes with the distinctive chaos of the Stag family—louder than Noa's family dinner, more physical, with constant movement and overlapping conversations. The moment we step through the door, I'm accosted by the twins, both talking simultaneously about shoe deals.
"Guys," I interrupt, "can we not do business tonight? I'd like to introduce you to my girlfriend."
Every head in the room turns our way, a moment of surprised silence followed by an explosion of welcome. Gunnar claps me on the back hard enough to make me stumble. Emma hugs Noa like they're old friends. Hawk mutters something that sounds suspiciously like "about damn time" in my ear.
"So, you're the reason Brian's going domestic on us," Ty booms, handing Noa a glass of wine. "He's renting office space, talking about 'work-life balance.' What did you do to him?"
Noa blushes. "I just gave him a book to read."
“Your shop is amazing!” Fern exclaims. "Didn’t you host a Chloe Petals signing last fall?"
"I did," Noa confirms. "Are you a fan?"
"I've read every book she's written," Fern gushes. "Her latest made me cry three times."
Thora joins the conversation, equally enthusiastic. "I loved that one! The scene where he brings her coffee exactly how she likes it without asking? I died."
As Noa discusses romance novels with the Stag women, I'm struck by how effortlessly she fits in with this chosen family of mine. These people, who have been my clients for years and whom I've kept at a professional distance, are drawing her in, including her, accepting her without question.
Dinner is loud and delicious, stories flying across the table, sports arguments breaking out and resolving in minutes, everyone talking over each other in the particular rhythm of long familiarity. Noa holds her own, matching wits with Juniper and asking Thatcher insightful questions about his art while also connecting with Emma over the challenges of small business ownership.
"We should probably head out," I say eventually, noting Noa trying to stifle a yawn. "It's been a long week."
"One more thing before you go," Gunnar says, grabbing my shoulder. "You're coming to Christmas, right? Everyone will be at our ski house."
I hesitate, glancing at Noa. "I'll let you know."
Alder punches his brother. “Dude. They’re doing Hanukkah stuff.”
Gunnar punches back. “They can do Christmas dinner, too. I think. Brian?”
I smile. “We can do dinner. I just want to make sure I check Noa’s schedule.”
* * *
As we drive back to Noa's apartment, she watches me with a soft smile. "They really care about you. Not just as their agent."
"They're good people," I agree. "The closest thing to family I have outside of my mother and Rachel."
"And they want you at their Christmas celebration."
