* * *
“What if they don’t like me?”
“They’re going to love you.”
“But what if they don’t?”
“They will.”
Lachlan and I are driving over to his parents’ place—because apparently they visit so often, they own a home here—and it’s just hit me I’m engaged to a man whose parents I’ve never met. My mind has been running wild all morning. What if they’re like Rick’s parents and stuck up? Or hate me like Rick’s parents hated me? What if they think Shea is better suited for him? Or what if they think my tattoos look trashy? Okay, that’s probably a dumb thought since their son is covered in them, but what if they’re sexist and think ink should only be on men? What if they find out I have a daughter and are against blended families? They are still married after all.
I haven’t asked Lachlan any of these questions, though. Mostly because I don’t think he would tell me the truth. He loves me, and because of that, I think he would do anything to protect me, even if that means lying to me. But also because I’m afraid of what his answers might be if he does tell me the truth. My line of questioning also tells me something about myself… I’m still a work in progress. And with that thought comes one I’ve been thinking about more often lately. Maybe it’s time I find someone to talk to. A professional. I want to be the best version of myself for Kinsley and Lachlan, but in order to do that, I need to be whole. And being whole means being healthy—emotionally and mentally. And while I feel like I’ve made strides in the right direction, I still have a long way to go.
We pull up the driveway, and even though I shouldn’t be, I’m in shock by the extravagance of his parents’ home. It’s two stories with a three car garage, a huge wrap around porch and second story balcony, complete with a freaking running fountain in the front yard.
“Tell me everyone’s names again,” I beg, suddenly feeling nervous over meeting his entire family at once. I’ve spent a lot of time with wealthy people like Rick’s parents and know firsthand how unforgiving and judgmental they can be.
“My mom is Evelyn, and my dad is Matt,” Lachlan says for the third time with the patience of a saint. Every time I do or say something I know would’ve aggravated Rick, I hold my breath, waiting for Lachlan to behave in a similar way, but every damn time he proves me wrong, making me fall that much more in love with him.
“My mom’s brother is Anthony, and he’s married to my Aunt Tracy. They have two daughters. You met Kiara, who’s here with her husband, Kevin, and then there’s Emily, who’s getting married to Steven. My mom’s sister’s name is Patricia, and she’s married to my Uncle Thomas.”
“They’re Declan’s parents,” I add, trying to remember.
“Yep, and Riley is his sister.”
“Who’s best friend’s with Shea,” I mutter, needing to remind myself she will be here because she’s close with his family. Her mom is best friend’s with Lachlan’s mom, of course.
Lachlan smiles softly and turns my face toward him, leaning over and kissing me tenderly. “I love you,” he murmurs against my lips.
“I love you too.” I inhale and exhale, allowing his words to run through me like a soothing balm to my nerves.
“You ready?” he asks.
“Yes.”
The minute Lachlan turns the ignition off, the large oak door swings open, and out runs a petite orange-haired woman. She’s light-skinned with tiny freckles dotting her skin. When we step out, she wraps Lachlan up in a hug and her eyes briefly land on me. They’re green just like Lachlan’s. She must be his mom. She smiles sweetly, and my nerves come down a couple notches.
“Ay, my boy, it’s so good to see ya!” Her Irish accent is thick—thicker than his cousin Kiara’s—and I immediately fall in love with it, just like I’ve fallen in love with everything about this country.
Just as they finish hugging, an older version of Lachlan steps outside to join the party. Lachlan gives him a hug as well. Unsure of what to do or say, I stand here, waiting for Lachlan to lead.
Once the three of them have finished hugging each other, they step over to me, and Lachlan introduces us. “Mom, Dad, I would like for you to meet Quinn, my fiancée.” Lachlan grins, and I choke on my saliva, shocked he just threw it out there. Way to ease the family into it, buddy…
His parents, though, don’t appear to be surprised, like at all. Instead, they both smile warmly. His mom embraces me in a hug first. “We’re so glad to finally meet ya,” she says sweetly. “Lachlan, here, hasn’t stopped talking about you and your wee one.”