Page 144 of Gold Rush

“She’s with Sawyer. I don’t think she’ll mind if you take a few extra minutes.”

Dad nods in agreement. “Rory, we just wanted to say, we’re so excited for you and Flynn.”

My hand drops from my wrist. “You-you are?”

Both of my parents appear surprised by the question, exchanging a quick glance.

“Of course we are,” Mom says. “Flynn is wonderful, and you two seem incredibly happy together.”

“He is. But we haven’t been dating that long. I thought you guys might think I was … rushing into it.”

Another exchanged look, this time with a smile.

“Honey, your father and I got married the same night we met, and we’d both say it was the best decision we ever made. We’d hardly encourage you to be that rash, but … when you know, you know. Is Flynn the person you picture spending the rest of your life with?”

I nod. “Yes, he is.”

Mom beams. “That’s the most important thing. Not how long you’ve been dating, especially when you’ve known each other for decades.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you guys first. I—it all happened so suddenly and⁠—”

“It was your news to share when and how you wanted to,” Dad tells me. “And you sharing it that way is how we know it’s right.”

Mom nods in agreement. “You’ve never rushed into anything in your life, Rory. If you’re this sure about Flynn, you two must have something very special. That’s all we’ve ever wanted for you.”

It feels like someone wrapped a fist around my throat and is squeezing. They watched me date and be disappointed by Carson. My prior relationships—two guys I dated in college—never met my parents.

I’m not outgoing or bubbly like Wren. No doubt they’ve worried about me, studying nonstop and academic-obsessed, wondering if I’d ever find a better balance in my life.

“I love you guys,” I say thickly.

“We love you too, sweetheart,” Dad says. His expression is extra stoic, how it always gets when he’s fighting strong emotions.

“So much,” Mom adds, hugging me again. “We want to have you and Flynn over for dinner soon to celebrate. Talk to him and let me know some possible dates, all right? I know work is hectic for both of you, but you have to eat.” She smiles, brushing some of my hair back, the way she did when I was little.

“I will,” I say, smiling back. “Now, be honest. How convinced were you that Wren was the daughter who would spring an engagement on you?”

My parents laugh.

“There was some precedent there, as you would say,” Dad tells me. “But the older you get, the more you’ll realize there’s no such thing as being grown up. Your mom started a new career when she was your age. Uncle Crew spent twenty years in Hollywood, then came back to the company. People continue to change, and that’s not a bad thing. Don’t be afraid to change, Rory, just because you’re perfect exactly as you are.”

“Not that your father is biased or anything,” Mom says, smiling at Dad. She brushes my hair again, then steps back. “Okay. We should get on the road. We’ll see you soon!”

I nod. “See you soon. Drive safe.”

“You too,” Mom tells me. “Remind Wren a moving vehicle isn’t a concert venue. The music can be at a reasonable volume.”

“I’ll remind her.”

Mom blows me a kiss, and then she and Dad head down the hallway.

Hand in hand.

Wren turns down the volume on the stereo to a less ear-splitting decibel and glances over. “You know I’m not great with silence.”

“There’s music playing,” I point out.

“I don’t care about the music. I’m talking about talking.”