Wrenley’s body was shaking against my side from the laughter she was trying to contain behind her hand. I loved seeing her like that, happy and relaxed, especially when we were with my family. Wrenley would always come first, before anything or anyone, but I was grateful that she had become comfortable with my parents rather quickly because we’d always been close.
“Besides,” Mom continued as she sat down in the chair my dad was holding out for her, “we’ll have to eat in here once you two have kids. I’ve been thinking about pulling up the carpet and putting in hardwood floors. It’ll be easier to clean up spills and messes. We could even do their cake smash photo shoots here!” She clapped her hands excitedly and opened her mouth to say something else.
But my dad leaned down and whispered something in her ear, and she cleared her throat and changed the subject. “So, Wrenley, modeling sounds so exciting!”
At the mention of our kids, Wrenley had stiffened a little, shifting uncomfortably. Although I’d been doing my best to knock her up, we hadn’t really discussed it, and I didn’t want my mother pushing for answers from my girl until we’d talked it over.
The switch in topic drained the tension from Wrenley’s body, and she was back to her effervescent self as I pushed in her chair and took the one beside her.
My parents adored Wrenley, and my mother had made it very clear—several times—that if I let her go, there would be hell to pay. I’d assured her that it wouldn’t happen, and I could tell that she was holding back and trying not to be too pushy. But she seemed to have forgotten all about that tonight.
“Well, we’ll make sure that a big wedding fits into your schedule, dear,” my mom insisted, bringing me out of my thoughts and back into the conversation. “Your career is important, and we’ll work around whatever you need.”
“Mom.”
“Oh, and make sure your parents know they will stay with us. We have plenty of room, and I won’t have family staying at a hotel. And, of course, your brother, too. I’m sorry, dear, what was his name?”
“Um, Wilder,” Wrenley answered softly, looking both overwhelmed and amused.
“Mom.” My voice rose in volume every time I tried to grab her attention.
But she continued to gush. “I’m sure, as a model, you’ll have the perfect eye for dresses. It’s going to be gorgeous!”
“Mom.”
“And, whenever you two are ready to have kids—selfishly, I’m hoping for sooner rather than later—Brad and I will be here to help with whatever you need. With a family, you and Jordan will definitely want some time away together. Not that it’s any of my business, but how many kids were you two—”
“MOTHER!” I shouted, finally shutting her up.
Three pairs of eyes turned in my direction, all a little shocked since I rarely raised my voice if I wasn’t on the field…or watching a game. “Lennox finally traded for some raw talent to back up Roan on special teams this season.”
My dad picked up the hint, and we started talking about football, but things were still a little tense in the room. Mom looked a bit chagrined and only offered a small comment here and there. I could see it was bothering Wrenley, so I decided we’d leave as soon as we finished our meal.
But a couple of minutes later, Wrenley blurted, “What did the football say to the punter?”
The thick air in the room quickly dissipated as we all stared at her in surprise.
“I get a kick out of you.”
After complete silence for about ten seconds, the whole room erupted into laughter. When we finally calmed, the tension was gone, and the rest of the dinner flew by with ease.
“Can I help you clean up?” Wrenley asked as my mom began to clear the dishes.
“Absolutely not,” she insisted. “Go relax in the den.”
She puttered off to the kitchen, humming happily, and my dad chuckled. “We usually have staff for this, but she likes to cook every once in a while—especially when Jordan comes home—and she is very picky about the cleanup.”
My dad reached for a couple of glasses, but I took them from him and made a request. “Dad, would you show Wrenley where the den is? I’m going to grab some of Mom’s cookies.”
He glanced in the direction my mom had gone and then nodded. “Sure, son.” Then he shot me a “be nice” warning glance before smiling brightly at my girl and leading her out of the room.
When I reached the kitchen, my mom’s expression said she knew what was coming the second she saw me.
“I’m sorry! I couldn’t help myself,” she apologized softly with tears in her eyes. “She’s just so amazing and perfect for you. I got too excited.”
I sighed and hurried over to gather her into a big hug. “I understand because I agree with you. But you’ve got to back off before you scare her away. I’m going as fast as I feel she’ll let me without running in the opposite direction.”