Chapter 17

SEVENTEEN

O n their flight back into the city, Brianne called her mother and was reminded of their weekly family dinner. She could miss it, but decided against it. Instead, that evening, she invited Reid over to her parents' house for dinner. She wanted him to meet them. Now more than ever. Standing on her parents' doorstep, her hand intertwined with Reid's, Brianne tried to calm her nerves. The familiar scent of her mother's lasagna wafted through the air, mingling with the sweet fragrance of the rose bushes lining the front walk.

"Ready for this?" Brianne asked, giving Reid's hand a squeeze. Despite his usual confidence, she could sense a hint of nervousness in the way he adjusted his collar.

Reid flashed her a smile that made her heart flutter. "As I'll ever be. Though I should warn you, if your mother's cooking is half as good as it smells, you might have some competition for my affections."

Brianne laughed, reaching up to straighten his tie. "I think I can handle a little competition. Just remember, no shifting at the dinner table, no matter how delicious the food is."

Before Reid could retort, the door swung open, revealing Brianne's mother, Martha, beaming at them. "There you are! We were starting to think you'd gotten lost." She pulled Brianne into a tight hug before turning her attention to Reid. "And you must be the famous Reid. Catherine speaks so highly of you. Come in, come in!"

As they stepped inside, Brianne watched with amusement as her mother immediately began fussing over Reid, peppering him with questions and compliments in equal measure. Reid, to his credit, took it all in stride, his charm on full display as he complimented the house and thanked Martha for having him.

"Mom, at least let the man get through the door before you start interrogating him," Brianne's younger brother, Danny, called from the living room. He bounded over, a mischievous grin on his face. "So, you're the guy who's been keeping my sister out of trouble? Or should I say, getting her into it?"

Reid chuckled, shaking Danny's hand. "A bit of both, I'd say. Though in my defense, she's quite capable of finding trouble all on her own."

"Hey!" Brianne protested, but she couldn't help smiling. Seeing Reid interact so easily with her family sent a warm feeling spreading through her chest.

Dinner was a lively affair. Brianne's father, Robert, regaled them with stories from his days as a software engineer while her older sister, Leann, kept them all laughing with her quick wit as she told him about her daughter who happened to be napping. Reid fit in seamlessly, his natural charisma and genuine interest in Brianne's family evident in every interaction.

"So, Reid," Robert said as they were finishing up the main course, "Brianne tells us you run your own security firm. That must be exciting work."

Reid nodded, dabbing at his mouth with a napkin. "It certainly has its moments. Though I have to say, nothing in my professional life has quite prepared me for the adventure of dating your daughter."

The table erupted in laughter, and Brianne felt her cheeks heat. "I'm not that bad," she protested weakly.

"Oh honey," Martha chimed in, her eyes twinkling, "need I remind you of the Great Cosplay Calamity of 2019?"

Reid's eyebrows shot up. "The what now?"

"Mom, no," Brianne groaned, but it was too late. Her family launched into the tale of how Brianne had once gotten stuck in an elaborate costume at a gaming convention, requiring the assistance of three security guards and a bottle of olive oil to extract her.

As Reid laughed along with her family, occasionally shooting her fond, amused glances, Brianne found herself falling even deeper. The way he fit so naturally into her world, the genuine interest he showed in her family's stories, the protective arm he'd casually draped over the back of her chair - it all felt so right.

Later, as they were helping to clear the table, Brianne's mother pulled her aside. "He's a keeper, sweetheart," Martha whispered, her eyes shining. "I haven't seen you this happy in…Ever."

Brianne glanced at Reid, who was engaged in an animated conversation with her father about the latest advancements in cybersecurity. "Yeah," she said softly, "I think he might be."

"I know it wasn't that long ago we were pushing you to get out there and date, but I'm really happy you stopped locking yourself away."

"Mom-"

"No, listen to me, honey. I know you've been hurt and you would rather be alone than have it happen again, but you have to take chances. That's the only way you'll ever find true happiness."

She sighed. "I know."

As if sensing her gaze, Reid looked up, catching her eye. The smile he gave her was full of warmth and promise, making her heart skip a beat.

"You know," Danny stage-whispered, sidling up to them, "if you two keep making googly eyes at each other, we might have to hose you down."

Brianne rolled her eyes, shoving her brother playfully. "Shut up, you gremlin."

The evening wound down with everyone gathered in the living room, sharing stories and laughter. Reid sat beside Brianne on the couch, his arm around her shoulders, and she found herself leaning into his warmth.

As they said their good-byes, hugs were exchanged all around. Brianne watched with a lump in her throat as her father pulled Reid aside, speaking to him in low tones. Whatever was said, it ended with a firm handshake and a pat on the back that spoke volumes.

On the car ride home, Brianne turned to Reid, her heart full. "Thank you," she said softly. "For everything. For being so wonderful with my family, for putting up with their embarrassing stories..."

Reid reached over, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips. "Brianne, your family is amazing. Thank you for sharing them with me." His chuckled. "Though I do think I'm owed a full demonstration of this stuck-in-a-cosplay situation. For security purposes, of course."

Brianne laughed, swatting at him playfully. "You really are unbearable, aren't you?"

"I'll take that as a compliment, PixelQueen."