The drive to Ryan's family home was a mix of excitement and nerves for Emily. She sat quietly in the passenger seat, hands clasped in her lap, watching the scenery pass by. Ryan had told her his parents were excited to meet her, but she couldn't stop worrying about making a good impression. She glanced at him, hoping his calm presence would help, but it wasn't enough to ease her nerves. "Are you sure they'll like me?" she asked softly, uncertainty in her voice.
Ryan chuckled softly, reaching over to squeeze her hand. "Relax, Emily. They're going to love you. Trust me." His confidence was reassuring, but it didn't completely erase the butterflies in her stomach.
When they finally arrived at the house, Emily took a deep breath, smoothing out her dress and fixing her hair one last time before stepping out of the car. The house was charming, a cozy two-story home with a well-kept garden and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Ryan took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze as they walked up to the front door.
The door swung open before they even had a chance to knock, and a woman who could only be Ryan's mother greeted them with a wide smile. "Ryan!" she exclaimed, pulling him into a tight hug before turning her attention to Emily. "And you must be Emily. It's so wonderful to finally meet you!" Her enthusiasm was infectious, and Emily felt some of her nervousness melt away.
"It's nice to meet you too, Mrs. Carter," Emily said, returning the smile.
"Oh, please, call me Margaret," Ryan's mother insisted, ushering them inside. "Come in, come in! Dinner's almost ready."
The house was just as warm and inviting on the inside as it was on the outside. The smell of home-cooked food wafted through the air, making Emily's stomach growl in anticipation.
Ryan's father, a tall man with a kind face and a firm handshake, greeted them in the living room. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Emily," he said, his voice warm and welcoming. "We've heard so much about you."
"All good things, I hope," Emily replied with a nervous laugh.
"Of course," Mr. Carter said with a wink. "Ryan doesn't stop talking about you."
Dinner was a lively affair, filled with laughter and easy conversation. Ryan's parents were genuinely kind and welcoming, and Emily found herself relaxing more and more as the evening went on. They asked her about her work, her hobbies, and how she and Ryan had met, and she answered their questions with ease, feeling more and more at home with each passing minute.
As the meal wound down, Margaret turned to Ryan with a teasing smile. "You know, Ryan, we were starting to worry you'd never bring anyone home. We thought you might marry your work instead."
Ryan laughed, shaking his head. "Well, you don't have to worry about that anymore."
Margaret's expression softened as she turned to Emily. "We're so happy he found you, Emily. And please, forgive him if he makes any mistakes. This is his first time dating someone, after all."
Emily blinked, caught off guard by the comment. "Wait… his first time?" she asked, her voice filled with disbelief. She turned to Ryan, her eyes wide with surprise. "You've never dated anyone before? Not even in high school or college?"
Ryan shrugged, a faint blush creeping up his cheeks. "I was always focused on my studies and then my career. I never really had time for dating."
Emily stared at him, her mind racing. She had always assumed Ryan had some experience with relationships, given how confident and composed he was. The idea that she was his first real girlfriend was both surprising and endearing.
After dinner, Ryan and Emily helped clear the table before stepping outside for some fresh air. The night was cool and quiet, the stars twinkling overhead as they sat on the porch swing. Emily turned to Ryan, her curiosity getting the better of her. "So… you've really never dated anyone before me?" she asked, her voice soft.
Ryan nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah. I guess I just never met anyone who made me want to make time for a relationship. Until you." He reached over, taking her hand in his. "You're the first person I've ever wanted to share my life with, Emily. And I'm so glad I did."
Emily's heart swelled at his words, and she leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. "I'm glad too, Ryan," she whispered. "I can't imagine my life without you."
After clearing the dishes, they sat in the cozy living room with Ryan's parents, Emily found herself feeling more and more at ease. Ryan's arm was draped casually over her shoulders, his fingers absentmindedly playing with a strand of her hair. When Margaret brought out a photo album, Ryan groaned playfully. "Mom, do you have to?"
"Of course I do!" Margaret said with a laugh, flipping through the pages. "Emily needs to see how adorable you were as a kid."
Emily's eyes lit up as she looked at the photos of a young Ryan—his first day of school, his little league games, and even a few embarrassing moments that made him bury his face in his hands. "Ryan, you were so cute!" she exclaimed, pointing at a picture of him with a missing front tooth.
Ryan groaned again, but there was a smile on his face. "I can't believe you're showing her these, Mom."
Margaret just laughed, patting his arm. "It's all part of the initiation, dear."
As the evening went on, Emily and Ryan shared quiet moments that reminded her just how close they had become. In the cozy living room, while Ryan's parents talked and laughed, Emily would catch his eye from across the room. Their secret smiles made her heart flutter. When she reached for a cup of tea, his hand brushed hers, sending a warm shiver through her. Later, sitting side by side on the couch, he leaned in and whispered a joke that made her laugh softly—drawing a fond glance from Margaret.
It was in these simple moments—the shared looks, the light touches, the whispered words—that Emily felt their bond. It was something unspoken but strong, a deep connection that made her feel safe and loved in a way she hadn't known before.
When it was time to leave, Margaret hugged her tightly. "You're always welcome here, dear," she said warmly. "We're so happy to have you as part of our family." The words hit Emily deeply, and her eyes filled with tears as she hugged Margaret back. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice a little shaky. "That means a lot."
Margaret stepped back, her hands gently resting on Emily's shoulders. "Take care of our boy," she said with a kind smile, her tone light but full of affection. Emily nodded, her heart full of gratitude and love for the woman who had welcomed her so openly.
As they stepped into the cool night air, Ryan reached for her hand, their fingers naturally intertwining as they walked to the car. The drive home was quiet and peaceful, the soft hum of the engine and dim dashboard lights wrapping them in calm.
Emily gently squeezed his hand and turned to him. "Thank you for tonight," she said warmly. "I had a really great time." Ryan glanced at her with a loving smile, the glow from the streetlights reflecting in his eyes. "Me too," he said. "And just so you know, you were amazing. My parents absolutely love you."
Her heart swelled at his words, and she smiled, cheeks slightly pink. "I love you, Ryan," she whispered. "And I'm so glad I get to be your first… and hopefully your last."
Ryan's grip tightened gently around her hand, his voice steady and full of meaning. "You will be, Emily. Always." His certainty made her heart skip, emotion rising in her chest. As they drove through the quiet streets, hand in hand, Emily knew—she had found her forever in him. The night had been perfect, not just because of his family's warmth, but because it reminded her just how deep their love truly was.