I swear my heart stops beating as I spin around.
John followed me outside!
What the fuck is he doing? He knows how big of a deal I think it is to meet parents. We only went on our first real date this week! We didn’t even have any warning for him to mentally prepare. I’m sure it’s too soon for him. No part of me expected him to want to even talk to them at the festival today.
But he’s here.
He willingly followed me outside when I told him he didn’t have to, and he’s smiling at my parents. Freely offering the warm grin I’ve only really ever seen him direct at me. “Hello.” He holds a hand out to shake my mom’s in greeting. “I’m John. Chad’s boyfriend.”
Holy shit.
Boyfriend?Boyfriend!
My jaw is hanging wide open, and I swear I forget how to breathe.
For a moment I’m concerned I might pass out with just how fucking shocked I am.
Because John just introduced himself to my parents. As. My. Boyfriend.
Am I dreaming? I knew we’d get here one day. Deep in my soul, I’ve always believed John and I are endgame, but I thought that day was still very far away. I knew we’d made a lot of progress recently, but this is fucking incredible!
Because I have a boyfriend! John just called me his boyfriend! To my parents! This is one of the happiest moments of my life! Yep, this is why I love surprises because holy shit, my heart feels like it could explode with how happy I am.
He shakes my dad’s hand next and comes over to stand beside me, casually lacing our fingers together like we hold hands all the time.
We don’t, but maybe now we will because we’re boyfriends!
This moment is so big. Bigger than us going on a date or even saying vows in front of Elvis. John has never been a man of many words; his actions and what little he does say always carry so much more intention and weight than anyone else I’ve ever met.
And this?
This feels like John deciding he’s all in on the future I have planned for us.
And I don’t know if I’ve ever been happier.
32
JOHN
“It’s great to meet you. Chad speaks very highly of you both,” I say to Chad’s parents, and Chad squeezes my hand even tighter as if he’s afraid I’ll let go.
But I’m done with that.
I’m done pushing him away and pretending like he isn’t the very best thing that’s ever happened to me. “Both of our houses are construction zones at the moment. I’m restoring mine slowly, and Chad’s got my brother’s company renovating his, but he’d probably love to show you what he’s helped with around here.”
I’ve seen Chad look happy every single day since I met him, but right now might top the list. His smile looks almost painful with how big it is, and I swear there are tears shining in his blue eyes as he stares at me adoringly. I wink at him, and he lets out a short, surprised laugh.
His mom is smiling nearly as wide, and the familial resemblance is obvious. “That sounds great.”
I walk them through my house, and Chad is bouncing next to me the whole time as I explain what I’ve done, how Chad surprised me with the fireplace, and he shows off the tiling hedid. “I’m so impressed, Chad! Well done,” his dad compliments, seeming so proud of him.
As soon as we finish up in the backyard, I excuse myself. “Give me a second to run in and grab my keys and then we can go.” I squeeze Chad’s hand before I let go to head back into my kitchen where I hung up my keys.
Chad apparently has other ideas. He rushes in behind me and slams the door. “John! John! John! Holy shit! You called me your boyfriend! To my parents! Oh my God, I can’t believe that happened! I’m so happy!”
God, his enthusiasm is adorable. Pride fills my whole chest knowing I’m the reason for so much of his joy right now. “I’m glad you were okay with that.”
“Okay? I’m thrilled!” he confirms. “I honestly still can’t believe it. What inspired that? I thought you’d need more time to get used to the idea.”
