“There’s no problem.” At least it wasn’t what most people would consider one. It was me being stupid. Telling Daddy would definitely help. He wouldn’t think it was silly just because other people would. “My mom and dad are coming to town this weekend. I know I should have told you sooner, but I wasn’t sure if it was too soon for you to meet them. I know that’s a really big step for a lot of couples, and I don’t want you to think I’m pushing you into anything.”
Daddy didn’t laugh or roll his eyes. Instead, he pulled me into a tight hug. I buried my face in the crook of his neck and closed my eyes as he rubbed my back. “You were thinking really hard about this, weren’t you?”
I nodded.
Daddy grabbed my arms and leaned back. I kinda hated it when he made me look at him. But I did it because he wouldn’t talk more until I did. “Do you want me to meet them, Sammy?”
I shrugged.
“That’s not an answer,” Daddy scolded me in his growly voice. “If it was totally up to you, would you want me knowing your family?”
“Yes, Daddy,” I replied. Part of the time I was thinking about everyone meeting, I imagined what it would be like to show them Daddy’s house that he kept saying he wanted me to think of as my house, too. Maybe having my family here would help make that feel real.
“Then, would you like to invite them over here?” Daddy suggested. As much as I’d love for them to see the house, there were going to be a lot of questions. Mom would want to know how long we’d been seeing each other. Dad would ask if I was able to pay my fair share on such a huge house and wouldn’t be receptive if I told him Theron refused to accept anything from me. Mom would voice her concerns about our age difference. Dad would question if it was the right time for me to settle into a serious relationship.
But through all of that, Daddy would be at my side. I only had to hope they wouldn’t jump to the conclusion that he was a domineering butthead if I got overwhelmed. “Only if you’re okay with it.”
“Of course, they’re welcome here.” He shook his head as if I was the silliest boy in the world. “We’ll get one of the guest rooms freshened up for them. Part of the reason I built a house with extra room was so my family wouldn’t have to stay in a hotel if they came to visit. If you’re mine—and you are—then your family is my family.”
I leapt into Daddy’s arms, wrapping my legs around his waist. “You’re the best Daddy ever! I didn’t realize how bad I needed you to be okay with meeting them until you said you would.”
“I know things between us have moved faster than a lot of relationships, Sammy, but I’m yours as long as you’ll have me.”
“Me too, Daddy.” That was one of the easiest promises I’d ever made. I still worried he’d get tired of me when the new wore off, but Mav was right. I needed to be the optimistic guy I used to be.
