Page 39 of A Match Made In Fall

I understand what my mom has been saying, and I’m going to keep my promise to stay for a while. And yes, I like Austin but one amazing evening with a man doesn’t mean I should pause my life. For now, I will enjoy every minute I have here and wait to see what happens.

Sammy picks out the perfect spot and sets the stage for Jude’s photos. I find a spot nearby on the grass and sit cross-legged. It’s hysterical watching my mom and Sammy setting the scene for Jude, who falls over a few times. But the baby is a trooper and just so happy through it all. Sammy finds two more spots, and the photo session continues.

I’m enjoying myself, but admittedly my evening with Austin isn’t far from my mind. I’ve already thought about what I want to wear and what we’re going to do.

“Isabella, it’s your turn to be in some pictures with the baby,” my mom calls.

“Oh yes,” I exclaim. I pick up Jude and give him a gentle hug.

“You’re so lucky your Auntie Isabella is here,” I say in my best baby talk tone. “Otherwise you’d be stuck with crazy Mommy and crazy Gramma.”

Jude gives me a wide smile. “See, he agrees with me.”

I snuggle my little nephew and smile for about fifty photos. I have no control over the future, but I can soak up every second of the present.

I can’t remember the last time I was picked up for a date from my parents’ house. And I can report that even as an adult, it’s just as awkward as I remember.

Of course, my entire family insisted on being here when Austin arrived. Including my completely star-struck brother.

“The last game was wild,” Dane says from the edge of his seat. “You guys really had to fight for that win.”

Austin nods. “That team wasn't going to give up until the final buzzer. Those are the games that can take years off your life, but they're also my favorite. They force you to push yourself and show what you're capable of.”

“Oh, that was obvious,” my dad agrees. “You could see the effort out there.”

“Austin, can I get you a water or soda?” my mom asks.

I shoot him an apologetic look, but he only smiles. He’s completely unbothered by any of this. I guess he’s used to this kind of reaction. Meanwhile, I feel like I’m sixteen again, standing in my parents' living room while everyone falls all over my date. If my mother pulls out her phone and asks for a picture, I might crawl under the table.

“I’m good, thank you,” Austin says politely.

“There’s a lot of trade talk going around lately,” Dane says. “Any hints about what’s happening?”

“Dane, stop interrogating him,” I groan. “Sorry, Austin.”

My brother rolls his eyes. “Relax. It’s just a question.”

Austin chuckles. “Honestly, we know about as much as everyone else does. Every season around this time, the rumors start flying.”

“Are you nervous?” my dad asks.

Ugh. Not my dad too. I was hoping he’d have my back. Just then my mom appears from the kitchen carrying a fully assembled charcuterie board.

What? Where did that come from?

She places it on the coffee table in front of him.

“Help yourself.”

“Thanks,” Austin says, looking both grateful and slightly amused. He takes a cracker off the tray, and I know he’s only doing it to be polite.

“Not really nervous,” he answers my dad's question. “I’ve always tried to stay open to wherever this career takes me. Change can be uncomfortable, but it’s also an opportunity. Sometimes the best things happen when you're pushed outside your comfort zone.”

I stare at him for a second. I’m not sure whether he's trying to impress my family or not, but he’s impressing me. I've always felt the same way when it comes to work. New opportunities excite me. I’m not afraid of something different and bigger. And like me, Austin seems to embrace it.

For the next several minutes, he answers every question thrown his way, and he doesn’t seem phased by it at all.

Eventually, I step in because there's no telling how long this could continue. It honestly wouldn't surprise me if someone suggested we stay for dinner.