Page 57

“You have no idea,” I say dryly. “My mom has a wedding Pinterest board for each of us.”

I glance over at her and her eyes are wide. “Oh no, I bet mine does too.”

We laugh as I pull into my parent’s driveway.

Isa gasps, taking in their large historical home. “David! You didn’t tell me your parents lived like this.” She mutters something under her breath that sounds like, “You guys really are the Cullens from Twilight.”

“I still have no idea who that is.” I turn off the ignition and turn toward her. “But I assure you, my family is just a normal, somewhat crazy, Midwestern family.”

She shoots me a sassy expression. “With above average intelligence, talent, and looks?”

“Precisely.”

Isa rolls her eyes and exits the vehicle. Snickering to myself, I open my car door and follow after her. I place my hand on her elbow and gently guide her toward the gate to the backyard.

I’m not used to being nervous when I come to my parent’s house, but my anxiety is creeping in, making its appearance as a sweat-mustache on my freshly shaven face.

Isa stops abruptly and grabs my hand, pulling me to a stop as well. “Hey, you okay?” Her eyes shift as she studies my face and the set of my shoulders.

I rub the nape of my neck with my free hand. “Yeah. I’ve just never brought anyone to meet my family.”

“Listen, we don’t have to do this. I didn’t mean to push my way into your family barbeque. I just thought your family seemed fun and wanted to see them again.” She rubs her hand up and down my arm in a soothing motion.

I’ve never been a touchy-feely person. If anything, it makes me even more uncomfortable or stressed. But with Isa, it’s different. Her touch is soft and calming. I find myself craving more and more, like I can never get enough.

“No, it’s okay. I’m realizing that just because something is out of my comfort zone, that doesn’t mean it’s bad.” I gently grab the hand she’s using to rub my arm and bring her hand to my lips and kiss the top of it. “I’m glad you want to get to know my family. And I have no doubt they’ll love you.”

She bites her bottom lip. “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure,” I answer quickly, and I am. But there’s a slight hesitation since she’s probably leaving soon. What if the only woman I bring to meet my family leaves me to travel the world? I place my hand on her lower back and urge her toward the wrought iron gate.

After typing in the code, I open the gate for her, and when she walks into the yard she gasps again like she did when we pulled into the driveway.

“Are you serious right now?” she whispers with wide eyes. “This is what I picture the gardens of Versailles to look like!”

I scoff. “That’s a major exaggeration.”

“David? Is that you?” my mom yells from around the corner.

“Yes, It’s me,” I call back, rounding the corner with Isa right next to me.

My parents are both grinning widely at the sight of me… with a woman. The rest of the family is silent. Madden’s and Brooks’ mouths are agape, Drew and Sophie have knowing smirks on their faces, and Odette is too busy with the boys to notice what’s going on.

When she finally gets Bradford situated in his seat, she looks up and her expression matches her husband’s.

“Is this a joke?” Brooks finally breaks the silence. He crossed his arms and narrows his eyes at me. “You already won the bet. You’re not required to keep shocking us.”

Isa loops her arm through mine. “Where’s your date this evening, Brooks?” she asks him in an angelically sweet voice. I bite the insides of my cheeks to keep from laughing.

“Very funny.” Brooks smirks. “I can see why you didn’t like her at first, David.” He winks at her so she knows he’s joking.

“Brooks!” Mom lectures him, “Don’t scare her off! This is the first girl David has brought home!”

I close my eyes, hoping to disappear entirely. Nothing like your own mother doubting your romantic capabilities.

Sophie and Odette walk over and hug Isabella, giving her a warm welcome.

“So good to see you again! How was Peru?” Sophie asks.