Page 99 of Finding My Charming

Without hesitation, he nodded.

He had no idea how much I appreciated the big effort he was making. Beth had brought home several guys over the years who had either stayed glued to her side or hung back and refused to interact with any of us. Having Dallin fit in and feel comfortable with my family was hugely important to me.

The rest of the introductions went off without a hitch, and despite April’s sullen attitude and constant complaints about everything from the lighting outside and the bugs to not having a fat-free salad dressing option, the rest of the evening went well.

Dallin seemed to get along with everyone, and even Grandma took it easy on him.

“Hello again.” Grandma was smiling, but I could tell she had something up her sleeve.

“Hi, Mrs. Grover.”

I was impressed he remembered her last name. I’d only told him once.

“So nice to see my future grandson again. I knew it would only be a matter of time.”

I gasped. She didn’t really just say that… did she?

Dallin chuckled and seemed to be taking it better than I.

“You may run, but don’t worry. You’ll be back.”

I raised an eyebrow in her direction and tugged Dallin away before Grandma could creep him out anymore.

“What did she mean?” Dallin whispered when we were far enough away.

“No clue. She’s a loon.”

I tried to brush it off, but Grandma had the tendency to know things. I prayed she wasn’t right about this one.

Everyone else was on their best behavior. Mom must have given them all instructions on how to behave.

She also must have requested them to clear out of the backyard as soon as dinner was over since we were left alone the second she declared she’d like help in the kitchen. This was the time for me to talk to him.

I interlocked my fingers through Dallin’s and asked him to follow me. We ended up sitting on my favorite bench tucked in the back of the yard near my mom’s vegetable garden.

“You have a great family, Elle. I can tell they really love you.”

I smiled and looked up to meet his eyes. “I think they really liked you.”

“You think so? I’m pretty sure I saw your dad pointing a butter knife at me a few times, but I could be wrong.” He chuckled and shrugged his shoulders.

I laughed and leaned into him. “Thanks for coming tonight. I’m glad you got along so well with my bunch.”

He nodded against my head and remained silent.

It was dusk now, and the sunset was fading into the horizon. The nights had finally started to remain warm, so we were comfortable without a blanket and could probably stay out here for a while.

“Dallin, there’s something I need to talk to you about.” The words surprised me. I hadn’t decided when or how I was going to broach the subject, but it just came blurting out.

Dallin twisted until he was facing me. His expression was serious, but not worried.

I took one steadying breath and jumped into it. “My family is different.” I looked into his eyes, studying them so I knew the instant he reacted to my words. “At least, all of the women are. Except me. I’m normal. Well, I guess that depends on who you ask. Some people might think I’m weird but…”

“Elise…”

I stopped talking and waited.

“…you’re rambling, and I really have no idea what you’re saying.”