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It's a look that says don't let them out of your sight. As if we need to be chaperoned.
Jenna and I quickly finish up the final touches to the meal and gather up the prepared dishes. With Zach's help, carry them all outside. As we step onto the porch, the rich aroma of grilled steaks fills the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation. The table is set, and Asher has arranged the chairs in a circle, facing the wide-open field that stretches out behind the house.
The sun is beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape. Jenna's brothers take their seats, eyeing me cautiously as I pull out a chair for Jenna and then sit beside her. The tension between us is palpable, but I refuse to let it dampen our evening.
"So, Josh," Asher begins, his voice dripping with skepticism. "What made you fall for our little sister?"
"It honestly wasn't one moment. It was a lot of little things. Watcher how passionate she was about writing and then spending time helping her plot. It was how he's get upset when she got a B instead of an A at school. How nice she is to people at the diner and how she has earned pretty much everyone's trust in town." I find myself smiling at the memories Asher's question brings to mind. "It was her kindness, her intelligence, and her unwavering support," I answer honestly. "Jenna has a heart of gold, and she brings out the best in me. It was the way she challenged me, pushed me to be a better person, and believed in me when I didn't believe in myself."
Finn raises an eyebrow, still skeptical. "And what about the age difference? Are you not worried about that?"
I take a moment to gather my thoughts before responding. "At first, I let it hold me back. I questioned whether I should pursue a relationship with Jenna because of our age difference. But age is just a number, and love knows no boundaries. Jenna and I connect on a level that goes beyond age. We have a deep understanding and respect for each other." I pause, meeting each of the brothers' gazes in turn. "I care about her more than anything, and I promise to always treat her with love and respect."
Zach clears his throat, breaking the tension in the air. "Well, actions speak louder than words."
His words hang in the air, and I understand the challenge he's presenting. It's not enough for me to simply say that I will treat Jenna with love and respect. I need to prove it through my actions. I nod, determination evident in my eyes.
"You're right, Zach," I reply, my voice steady. "Actions do speak louder than words. And I plan on showing Jenna every single day just how much she means to me."
Finn leans forward, his eyes searching mine. "And what about your intentions with our sister? Are you looking for something serious or just a fling?"
"My intentions are nothing but serious," I say firmly. "I want to build a future with Jenna."
That seems to end their line of questioning, at least for now.
As the conversation continues, I make sure to engage with Jenna's brothers, asking them questions about their own lives and interests. I want to show them that nothing really has to change between us.
"I'm going to take these dishes in and get the dessert ready," Jenna says, gathering up a stack of dishes and heading inside.
The air shifts immediately and Asher's eyes narrow.
"When exactly did you start seeing my sister differently? Was it when she was still underage and thought you hung the moon?"
Asher's question hangs in the air, heavy with accusation. I get his concern and can feel all eyes on me, waiting for my response. I take a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts.
"I understand where you’re coming from, Asher," I say, my voice calm and steady. "But the truth is, I never saw Jenna as anything more than a friend until after she returned home from college. I respect her and her boundaries, and I would never do anything to betray her trust or take advantage of her."
Finn snorts, clearly unconvinced. "So, you're telling us that you never had any romantic feelings towards Jenna when she was younger?"
"Not once. She was like a niece to me. But she wasn't the same girl after those four years away. Remember, I didn't see her, not once during that time. It's still hard to reconcile in my head she is the same girl you guys used to run around tormenting as kids."
"I guess we've all got some growing up to do," Zach says finally, breaking the silence. "And if Jenna is happy, then we should at least give you a break."
A sense of relief washes over me, knowing that they are willing to give our relationship a chance. I never wanted to come between Jenna and her family; I only wanted to prove to them that my intentions were genuine.
"Honestly, I had no intention of ever acting on my feelings, but Jenna came barreling in. You all know how stubborn she can be."
"That she is," Finn says and they all laugh as Jenna comes back out with a plate of the brownies she made last night.
I watch as Jenna sets the brownies on the table, a warm smile on her face. The tension that had filled the air moments ago seems to dissipate, replaced by a sense of acceptance and understanding. It's a small victory, but it feels like progress.
Jenna takes her seat next to me, her hand finding mine under the table. I give it a reassuring squeeze before turning my attention back to her brothers.
The rest of the evening passes in a blur of laughter and conversation. We talk about our childhoods, sharing both funny and embarrassing stories that bring us closer together.
As they get ready to leave, things get serious again.
"We promised we wouldn't tell our mom and dad about the two of you. But you need to, and soon," Finn says.
