13
Noah held Jessa’s hand as she stepped out of his truck at his parents’ house. They didn’t live too far from Noah’s place, but Jessa imagined most of the houses weren’t too far from town.
“Thank you for doing this,” Noah said, as they walked up to the front door.
“It’ll be fun.”
Or so she hoped.
She had never been someone to meet the parents of a person she dated. She hadn’t really ever had a serious relationship since she never stuck around long enough to find out if it would work. So this was a new step for her, despite already meeting them briefly. But it was as Megan had said. Maybe she’ll realize they aren’t right for each other and meeting his family might put that to the test.
He opened the front door and stepped inside, his hand still clasped in hers.
“They’re here!” Noah’s niece Emma yelled before she launched herself at Noah.
He dropped Jessa’s hand and immediately picked up the little girl, tossing her in the air before grabbing her ankles and dangling her above the ground as he walked toward the kitchen.
Jessa giggled as the little girl laughed hysterically, clearly loving the attention of her uncle. Noah threw her a wink just before the rest of the family came into view. A large farmhouse table was set up in the middle of a dining room with an enormous picture window that overlooked a large backyard and forest at the edge of the lawn.
“Hi, Jessa. It’s nice to see you again,” Karen said. “Noah, take her coat. Where are your manners?”
Noah set Emma down on her feet before stepping over to Jessa and helping her take her coat off. Then he disappeared back near the front door to hang both of their coats up on the rack.
Jessa tugged the sleeves of her dress into her hands before wrapping her arms around herself. “It’s nice to see you again, Mrs. Blake.”
“Oh please. Call me Karen. And you’ve met James and Jackson.”
Noah’s dad and brother waved at her from where they stood in the dining room.
Noah reappeared and set his hand at the small of Jessa’s back. He gestured toward another person sitting at the table.
“This is my brother Ethan.”
Ethan smiled brightly and waved. “How ya doing?”
Jessa couldn’t help smiling back. His smile was infectious, and she immediately knew she’d like him. “I’m well. Thank you.”
Noah then pointed at another man, who looked more serious as he moved around the kitchen. “This is my brother Miles. And his daughter Emma.”
“Hi!” Emma yelled and waved her hand excitedly.
Jessa giggled and waved back.
Miles smiled and nodded his head “hello” before turning back to the food he was prepping.
“Foods up,” Miles said.
“This isn’t your kitchen, man. You don’t need to be all technical,” Ethan said.
“Old habits.” Miles shrugged.
Jessa watched as the Blake men all carried dishes of food to the table while Karen got Emma situated. Jessa stepped forward to see if there were any dishes she could help with, but they had a routine, and soon the table was filled and they were all sitting down.
Noah smiled and pulled out a chair for her. Jessa stepped forward timidly and took a seat, thanking him as he pushed her chair in and sat down beside her. Jackson sat on her other side and gave her a friendly smile.
“So, Jessa, what kind of work do you do?” Karen asked.
All eyes swung to her, and she blushed as she pushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “Oh, I, uh… work in HR.”
