Page 97 of Finding My Charming

I shook my head.

“I know this isn’t easy, and there’s even more pressure now, but I think you need to talk to him about all of this.”

That got me to sit up. “What do you mean?”

Mom opened her arms and gestured around. “This house isn’t exactly normal. You need to tell him about the family and about the necklace. Maybe if he knows, he can understand the importance of you guys moving forward with your relationship. I mean, I know you two are young and will eventually be away at college, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay together. No need to get married anytime soon, but he should know what’s going on.”

She cut herself off abruptly, but I understood her ramblings. Dallin needed to know everything about me before we became more serious. I just hoped it wouldn’t scare him off.

Chapter 29

dallin had texted me goodnight and asked to see me sometime over the weekend. No matter how much I was dreading having to talk to him, I realized I’d feel better once everything was out in the open. I’d come up with an idea while I was trying to fall asleep and knew my family would be on-board.

I’d asked him to come to the house the next day for a barbeque and to meet everyone. If that didn’t scare him off, I figured I had a decent chance of explaining things. He’d agreed and said he’d be by at six.

I woke up in the morning and instantly felt anxiety over the day. I’d talked to my mom the night before, and she’d thought my plan was perfect. She had even offered to get everything ready so I could spend the day with Ari or sit in my room and have a panic attack. She hadn’t actually recommended the second option, but that was sounding good to me.

I was sitting on my bed with my laptop in front of me after lunch, trying to distract myself.

My dad knocked on the doorframe and crossed the room to my bed. He glanced at me once before sitting down and staring around my room. “I can’t believe you’re going to be in college in a few weeks. I never thought you’d grow up.”

I laughed and closed my computer. I had a feeling this was going to turn into a deep conversation.

“I know it’s ridiculous, but you were always my little buddy. You never wanted to be with your sisters or even your mom most of the time. It was always me and you, and soon you’ll leave… and I’m not sure I’m okay with it.”

I reached forward and patted his arm. “Lincoln isn’t very far, Dad. It will always be me and you.”

He smiled halfheartedly. “Not for much longer.” He took a deep breath and turned to face me. “You’ve made me so proud. You’ve always been the most driven out of your sisters, but you constantly amaze me with what you’re capable of. I know I pushed you growing up, but the truth is I want you to be happy, Elle. If you want to study law or botany or Latin, I don’t care, but I want you to choose what will make you happy and help you work at what you love.”

He stopped and stared into my eyes as if he was checking to see if I’d understood.

I had.

“Thank you, Dad. I appreciate that. I know I dropped a bomb by saying I don’t want to study law, but honestly, I don’t know what I want to do yet. I think I’m just going to take a bunch of generals to test the waters and see what fits.”

He nodded and a genuine smile grew. “That sounds like a well-thought-out and mature plan. I have to say it again. I’m so proud of you.”

I scooted over and gave him a hug.

When I leaned back, he stood and walked to the door. He cleared his throat and took another look around my room. “I also want you to know that if this boy ever hurts you, I will go after him.”

I rolled my eyes at his version of an intimidating look. “Thanks, Dad. I love you too.”

His face softened back into a smile. “I love you.”

By the time I finished watching a new romantic comedy April had in her room and finally did my hair and makeup, it was almost six. I changed into a light pink dress I’d bought with Grandma before hurrying downstairs to make sure everything was ready.

Mom smiled when I entered the room. “Don’t worry. Everything is all set, and everyone has been warned to be on their very best behavior.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Even Grandma?”

She nodded. “Even Grandma, and April. I covered all the bases. All that’s left is for him to arrive and survive the first meeting.”

“Survive? That sounds grim.”

“The first time meeting the parents is always awkward and strained. It’s completely expected. As long as we can pretend to be normal for a few hours, and you tell him everything, I think you’ll be in the clear.”

“Thanks, Mom. I really appreciate you doing this and getting the family together. I’m hoping that if he meets everyone before I tell him about us, he’ll see how nice we are and won’t run away screaming.”