She’s the chaos to my calm.
The outgoing to my shy.
The strength to my every weakness.
“Yup, you’re in love.” Troy slaps my knee before getting up.
It’s then the doorbell rings.
“She’s here!”
Angie’s voice echoes through the house as she runs to the door. Leaping over the couch, I try to get there before her and manage an arm around the waist to pull her back.
“Get off me!” Angie shouts. “I want to get the door.”
Troy is laughing behind us as Dad walks right by us to get the door, muttering something about us still being in high school.
“Hi, Bexley,” Dad says, ushering her inside. Bex looks casual today in a Black Diamonds long-sleeved shirt and yoga pants. I told her the dress code was laid-back for Sunday dinner, and I love that she didn’t feel the need to dress up to impress us.
I think my family is impressed enough as it is that I’m dating someone, let alone Bex.
“Hi, Mr. Brooks-Young.”
“Please, call me Alex.”
Bexley eyes me before shaking his hand. “Alex. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Carter. Bexley is here!” Dad shouts.
“I’m right here.” Pops comes around the corner, brushing a hand down his sweater. A new sweater that he was not wearing earlier. I love how much of an effort he is putting into this. “Hi Bexley. I apologize for this brood of mine. I think I’m the only one that has some manners.”
“Hey!” we all snap at him. Troy and Angie bicker over each other and Dad makes a comment about how he welcomed Bex inside.
Grabbing her hand, I pull her toward me. “Please tell me you’re not rethinking this whole thing.”
Bex eyes my family as they head into the living room, a smile sitting on her face. “They’re wonderful, Nick. I’ve always wanted a big family.”
As chaotic as my family is, I love everything about them. And I can’t wait to have Bex be a part of this.
“Well, get ready. Because they are going to welcome you with open arms.”
I give Bex a quick kiss before taking her hand and leading her into the living room. Everyone has their spot on a couch, and Pops is bringing out glasses of wine.
“Bexley, we’re very happy to have you here,” Pops says, offering her a glass of wine.
“Can’t say I’m not shocked still,” Troy tells us, grabbing his own glass. “The guys want me to tell them how tonight goes.”
“Of course they do.” I drop down onto the couch and pull Bex down next to me. She turns into my side and I wrap my arm around her.
“I wasn’t going to tell them. Well, Noah maybe since he won’t get to be here to get the details.”
I feel Bex wince next to me and I squeeze her shoulder. “He’ll be just as annoying as you, even in Nashville.”
“Ouch!” Troy feigns hurt.
“Can I ask how you two ended up together?” Pops asks. Dad is sitting next to him, his hand resting on his leg and Pops’s arm wrapped around his shoulders. Even now, after being together for so long, they are still outwardly affectionate in their love for each other.
This is why I wanted to find someone so badly. To have what they have.
