I held up the charcuterie board. "I brought something for us to snack on while the men work."
"First of all, it's Denise, baby. Mrs. Crawford is my mother-in-law. And second, this food tray looks absolutely delicious. You didn't have to go through all this trouble."
"It was no trouble. I enjoy putting them together," I insisted.
We entered the house into a cozy living room with family photos.
"Kiara and her boyfriend, Michael, are already here. They came early so Kiara could help me prepare lunch," Denise explained.
"Your home is beautiful," I complimented as we walked through the living room into the kitchen.
"Thank you, honey," Denise replied.
The kitchen was bright and open-concept. Liam's sister, Kiara, sat on a barstool at the island, scrolling on her phone while a man I assumed was Michael sat next to her. They looked up when we entered.
"The prodigal son returns with a woman," Kiara joked.
"Gisselle, this is my little sis, Kiara. Kiara, this is Gisselle. Be nice."
His sister was stunning and a younger version of their mother. "I'm always nice. It's a pleasure to meet the woman who's turned this man's life upside down."
I immediately laughed at her directness. "Nice to meet you. Liam's told me so much about you."
Kiara winked. "All lies. This is my boyfriend, Michael."
Michael stepped forward to shake our hands. "Nice to meet you, Gisselle. And Liam, man, you're replacing the hot water heater? I have a little experience. I can help out."
Michael and Liam slapped hands. "Most definitely. Kiara, he's a keeper," Liam noted. Liam nodded toward the basement. "Mama, where is it leaking from?"
"I'm not going to keep dealing with the leak, which is why I purchased a new tank. I can't risk that thing flooding the basement again. Now go on, you two. We, ladies, want to get acquainted while you guys play in the sandbox."
Liam smirked, looking my way. "You good?"
I nodded, already at ease with his family.
After the basement door closed, Denise headed to the refrigerator and pulled out a pitcher. "Who wants a mimosa to go with the beautiful spread Gisselle brought?"
"Me," Kiara requested.
"I'd like one," I echoed.
"Mama, do you remember when Liam bought a powder blue tux to wear to prom, but he looked like he was straight from the set ofDumb & Dumber. Gisselle, I swear I have the picture here somewhere," Kiara said, swiping through her photos.
"What!" I giggled.
Denise laughed. "Lord, y'all's daddy was pissed. He spent good money on a tux rental, but Liam wanted to stand out."
Kiara showed me the photo, and we fell out in laughter. "Oh my God, if we ever get married, please don't let him show up like this."
The three of us paused as a crash came from the basement, followed by cursing. We resumed when no further sounds of distress followed.
"He better not damage the new tank. It cost me a thousand dollars," Denise noted.
Michael came upstairs. "We need to turn off the water for a bit."
"May I wash my hands first?" I asked.
"Yes, baby, the bathroom is down the hall."
