In his mind, that was of little consequence. People had known each other for much longer periods of time without knowing and understanding each other on a level he shared with Rachel. If it didn’t bother her or him, then why should it bother her parents?
Because she’s their child. They want the best for her.
He told his conscience to be quiet. All he could do was be himself and show them he cared about their daughter.
The rental car caught his attention first when he pulled into the driveway. It was a sensible, mid-size sedan, exactly what he’d picture her parents to drive. Rachel wasn’t big on material frills, and he’d unwittingly ascribed that trait to them as well.
He whispered a prayer before leaving his car. Eager to get the initial meeting over with, he walked briskly to her front door and rang the bell. Heavy footsteps approached.
A large man greeted him, the perfect size for a lineman. Aaron recognized him from photos as her dad, but he’d underestimated the sheer size of the man. At an inch over six feet, Aaron wasn’t small, but Mr. Goodman presented an imposing figure.
“Good afternoon, Sir.” Thank goodness his voice didn’t squeak. He would have shrunk into the ground with humiliation if it had.
“You must be Aaron.” Mr. Goodman’s gaze roamed over him, appraising him. “Rachel’s told us much about you.”
“All good, I hope.” He could have kicked himself with the nervous chuckle that slipped out.
Avoiding a direct answer, Mr. Goodman began walking. “We’re glad to have a chance to meet you while we’re in town.”
The nervousness vaporized out of him with each step he took in the house. Meeting Rachel’s parents was unfamiliar territory, but not her home. “I’m happy to meet you, too.”
“Giada and Rachel are in the backyard with Roxie.” Mr. Goodman stopped short of the door leading outside. “I don’t have to tell you what that dog means to Rachel. She’s told us all you’ve done, and I wanted to tell you thank you.”
“It’s been my privilege.”
“How long have you been seeing my daughter?”
He refused to gulp or be intimidated although his nerves kicked up a notch. “Less than a month.”
“I see.” Mr. Goodman’s head bobbed slowly.
What did he see? His expression wasn’t readable.
Aaron spoke with confidence. “Rachel and I haven’t known each other long, but the circumstances surrounding our meeting brought us close in a short time.”
“That does happen.”
Changing course on the conversation seemed the best idea when there still was no discernable emotion or thought on Mr. Goodman’s face. Aaron went with the safest topic he knew. “How was your flight? Did you get caught in that storm Thursday?”
“Our flight went spectacular. No turbulence, and we were settled in here before the storm arrived.”
“That’s good.”
“Rachel told us about the storm that passed by several weeks ago.” Finally, a smile broke on his face. “She also told us how you kept your calm and took control. My daughter can take care of herself, but it eases this father’s heart to know she has a capable man to look after her.”
The breath Aaron had been holding pushed out of him in relief. He couldn’t imagine a greater compliment from his new girlfriend’s father. “I have a sister and several female cousins who are like sisters. I wouldn’t treat Rachel in any way I wouldn’t want one of their boyfriends to treat them.”
“That’s what I like to hear.” Mr. Goodman slapped his back. “You don’t have to be nervous around us. Rachel’s trust in you speaks volumes, and I won’t grill you or scrutinize your every word and movement with unrealistic expectations.”
“Is that a promise?”
Mr. Goodman chuckled. “Yes.”
He wiped a hand over his forehead with exaggerated gusto. “Whew, that’s a relief.”
They went outside, and Rachel made the official introductions. Her parents requested to be called Byron and Giada, and he acquiesced but added a Mr. and Mrs. in front of them. His manners wouldn’t allow otherwise.
Roxie perked her head from where she chewed on a rawhide in the yard. She saw Aaron and ran to him.
