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They are an elegant couple in their 60s. Both exude a distinguished air and timeless charm. Mr. Reed’s well-tailored suit compliments his impeccably styled salt and pepper hair. Beside him, Mrs. Reed is effortlessly chic. Her gracefully styled silver hair cascades in soft waves.
When they see us, they immediately break off the conversation.
“Jackson, I’m so happy you’ve arrived!” His mother beams, rushing forward to meet us. She takes my face in her hands. “Brinn, we are so excited for you and Jackson! Welcome to the family!” She squeezes me so tightly it’s hard to breathe.
My parents don’t show affection, so this display is completely overwhelming but also sort of nice.
“Come, meet our friends.” Mrs. Reed grabs my hand and pulls me back to the group like we’re instantly best friends. “Everyone, this is Brinn Parker, Jackson’s fiancée!”
The men give Jackson a hearty handshake and slap on the back. The women surround me, grabbing my hands. “Ooh, let’s see that ring!”
Ring. Oh, my goodness.
Smile. That’s my job. I don’t know what else to do.
Jackson’s quick thinking saves the day.
“It’s currently at the jeweler. We had to get it resized. It was too big for her delicate fingers.” He tilts his head at me with a grin. “Sorry to disappoint ladies.”
This is all such a bad idea. There’s no way we can keep this up all night. We should have made a better plan to prepare for these situations.
The ladies shuffle back to their husbands, but all eyes continue to look my way.
How long can I hold this smile?
Mrs. Reed turns to the group. “This has been quite the whirlwind romance for these two. We didn’t even know they were dating because we were on vacation. Can you believe that?” She chuckles to her friends.
“How long was it before you popped the question, Jackson?”
A moment of shared hesitation settles between Jackson and me as we lock eyes. But his expression quickly shifts to one of mischief. I can tell he’s about to have some fun with this.
“I’m glad you asked, Mom. Ilovetelling the story.”
I stifle a laugh.
He looks at his parents lovingly. “It was fate, really. I’ll be forever grateful you two suggested rehab for my leg. When I walked in for my first appointment, there she was. I was awestruck. How did I end up with the world’s most beautiful physical therapist? Brinn and I hadn’t seen each other since I left for the military, but time stood still when I saw her again.”
Oh, boy. He’s laying it on way too thick.
I scan the group for disbelief, but they’re completely engrossed in his tale. The ladies lean forward, hands clasped, eyes glued to him in rapt attention.
Jackson continues his dramatics. “I wasn’t sure she’d remember me. Her brother Greyson was my best friend during childhood, but we didn’t spend as much time together.”
Ok, I could have done without that part. I don’t need a reminder of how invisible I was to him.
But Jackson’s storytelling is captivating even to me, so I ignore that comment, anxious to hear what else he’ll say. I’ve never seen him so animated, so excited. I admit, it’s very entertaining.
“I was nervous for her to see my injury, but she made me feel at ease immediately. Her gentle touch calmed me, made meforget my nerves. Even though I didn’t want to go to therapy, by the end of the first session, I couldn’t wait to come back. That’s the effect she had on me.”
“Aww!” the ladies chime in unison.
His parents smile like Cheshire cats. “And then?” his mother nudges.
Jackson turns to me, taking my hands in his. “Then every session was the best part of my day." He pulls my hands to his chest, eyes twinkling. "She melted my heart with each interaction. I’m not even sure she knew she was doing it. By the end of the first week, I was a goner.”
From the corner of my eye, I notice Mr. and Mrs. Reed put their heads together, clearly ecstatic their only child found a once-in-a-lifetime love.
But I hate knowing how disappointed they’re going to be. I don’t want to hurt anyone, especially not them. They seem like wonderful people.
