Chapter 32
Lexi
S tanding outside Zen’s parents’ home I brace myself for awkwardness. I imagine them trying to size me up, wondering if I’m a good match for their son. But none of that happens. Instead, his sister Lori answers the door, takes one look at us, and shouts, “She’s here, and she’s really beautiful!”
Her enthusiasm catches me off guard, and before I can respond, Zen’s mother hurries into the room, looking a little nervous. “Oh honey, don’t just say that! I’m sure she’s more than just beautiful.”
Zen shoots his sister an indulgent look. “Trust me, Lexi is way more than just a pretty face.”
His mom smiles warmly at me. “It’s really cute how you’re twinning today, with your matching leather vests and all.”
Zen gives her a quick hug. “It’s not just matching—it’s her property cut, Ma.”
“Well, she has nice style,” his mom comments.
Lori chimes in, “All black is in style right now.”
Zen adds quietly, “She’s still in mourning for her father. He passed about a year and a half ago.”
I see the awkward look on his sister’s face, and I quickly reassure her, “It’s true about my dad, but I wear black because I like it.”
His mother’s expression softens, and she steps forward to give me a hug. “Oh, sweetie, I’m so sorry to hear that. Come on into the dining room and take a load off. I want you to meet my husband.”
Walking into their home, I’m struck by how warm and welcoming they are. They’re the kind of family you see on TV—attractive, kind-hearted, and down-to-earth.
We find his dad at the kitchen table, tinkering with a small motor. When he looks up, I realize he’s wearing some kind of magnifying gadget that makes his eyes look comically huge.
Zen grins. “Garage door opener giving you trouble again, Dad?”
His dad nods, blinking at me with those gigantic eyes. “Yeah, but I’ve got it figured out for sure this time.”
His mom waves a hand towards him. “Bob, you’re all eyes again, dear.”
He mumbles, “Sorry, I forget I have them on.” She helps him remove the headgear, and he gives me an embarrassed smile.
Once we’re seated at the table, introductions are made. His parents, Miriam and Bob, insist I call them by their first names, and Lori seems just as eager to make me feel welcome. Their warmth makes me relax instantly.
Zen leans over to whisper, “What do you think?”
I can’t keep the smile off my face. “Your family is wonderful.”
Zen laughs, clearly thrilled that I’m feeling at ease. I lean closer and ask, “How much good news do you think they can handle at one time?”
A smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. “I don’t know how much they can handle, but they’re getting all of it.”
“You’re going to get us thrown out of here if you’re not careful,” I tease.
He just grins.
As the family starts bringing out food, I’m taken aback by the sheer volume—it’s a feast. Once everyone’s settled with plates full of food, Miriam begins chatting about how nice it is that Cody finally has a girlfriend. His mom refuses to call him by his club name.
Zen interjects casually, “You mean fiancée. We’re engaged.”
Miriam’s head snaps up. “What? Since when?”
“Since last night,” Zen says, completely unfazed. “I proposed, and Lexi said yes.”
All eyes drop to my hand. Lori squeals, “Oh my God! You bought her a black diamond? You must be loaded, bro!”
Miriam’s face lights up with absolute delight. “One step closer to the holy grail of grandchildren,” she declares.
Bob chimes in, “Don’t push them, Miriam. They’re not even married yet.”
Zen pulls out the pregnancy test I gave him earlier and holds it up. “Don’t worry, Ma—I’ve got you covered.”
The room goes silent for a moment before Miriam starts rubbing her hands together in excitement. “That’s great, Cody! We need to get started on a nursery.”
Bob raises an eyebrow. “Isn’t it a bit early for that?”
“Absolutely not. Once we get the nursery out of the way, we can focus on giving Lexi the wedding of her dreams.”
I cough awkwardly. “I don’t really dream big when it comes to weddings.”
Zen cuts in, “Lexi and I are setting up the nursery ourselves. You don’t have to worry about that.”
Miriam gives him a knowing look. “I meant the nursery here at our house. We’ll need one for when our grandson or granddaughter visits. And for when you two are too exhausted to parent and need a break.”
Zen tries to laugh it off. “Come on, Ma. How much trouble can one little baby be?”
Lori bursts out laughing. “How can you not know how utterly exhausting babies are? And what if it’s twins?”
The room erupts in excited chatter, and I realize something important—I’m not just marrying Zen. I’m gaining a whole family. They’re warm, loving, and genuinely excited about the baby. And for the first time, I feel like I can trust someone other than Zen to help look after my child. It’s a strange but comforting realization.
As I sit back and listen to them discuss baby names, second nurseries, and even wedding plans, a deep warmth fills my chest. Despite everything I’ve lost, I’ve gained something so precious—a future filled with love, family, and support.
Miriam looks at me and says, “Lexi, don’t be afraid to dream big. We want you to have everything you’ve ever wanted.”
I smile, my heart full. “Thank you. That means the world to me.”