26. Chapter 26
Lydia
Ican do this. I am a strong, newly independent woman. So what if I have zero experience with big family dinners? I can do this. Nick and Norah are so kind, the rest of their family has to be like that too…right?
As we step into the entryway, I take in the warm coziness of the home.
The smell of something delicious wafts in from the kitchen, and my stomach growls.
I hope Nick doesn’t hear it, but the small grin tugging at his lips tells me he did.
Give a girl a break, I’ve been living on scones and mac-and-cheese cups.
Whatever they’re making has to be better.
His hand hasn’t left the small of my back, and I’m grateful for it. It grounds me, keeping me calm.
We walk into the kitchen, a large, open space with white cabinets and a massive butcher-block island in the middle. People are seated at tall chairs surrounding it, others standing around with drinks in hand. It’s clear this is the heart of the home, the place everyone gathers.
As we walk in, all eyes turn. Heat creeps up my neck into my cheeks, but Nick’s hand shifts to my shoulder, like he knows it will steady me.
A beautiful older woman walks over, arms stretched out.
She’s effortlessly beautiful, with long silver hair in loose, wild waves.
She is wearing a pair of cropped, baggy jeans with the knees ripped out and a slouchy, cream-colored top.
She’s also decked out in silver and turquoise jewelry, barefoot. She’s stunning.
This woman, clearly Nick’s mom, Susannah, rises onto her tiptoes and pulls him into a warm hug. He drops his arm from my shoulder to hug her back, the moment easy and full of affection. When they part, Susannah turns to me with a kind smile.
“You must be Lydia. I’m Susannah, this handsome man’s mama. You are just beautiful! Welcome to my home.” Her greeting feels sincere and inviting.
Susannah pauses, arms stretched wide, waiting for my permission before stepping closer. I appreciate the gesture, the respect in it. I step forward, letting her pull me into a welcoming hug. Even barefoot, she stands an inch or two taller than me and somehow immediately puts me at ease.
Susannah steps back, hands still on my shoulders.
“Thank you for coming. We’ve waited a long time for Nick to bring a lady home to meet us.
” She grins mischievously, glancing at her son, who is blushing but smiling.
She winks at me before stepping away. “Drinks are over here and dinner will be done soon. Drink! Mingle!” With a flourish, she heads back to the stove.
I can feel Nick’s breath at my ear. “That’s my mom. I think she likes you.” The smile in his voice is discernible.
I look up at him. “I like her too. She gives great hugs. And I’m not normally a hugger,” I say, a little embarrassed.
“Stick around long enough and that will change. We’re a family of huggers. We have issues with personal space. We like to make it weird,” Nick adds with a wink, his hand returning to my shoulder as he guides us deeper into the kitchen.
I spot Norah immediately, pouring juice for a little girl. Abigail, I assume.
“Hey, Lydia. It’s so good to see you again!
” She finishes pouring, sets the jug in the fridge, wipes her hands on a nearby dishtowel, and comes over.
She wraps Nick up in a quick hug, then turns to me.
“I’m so glad you could be here. Nick said you were amazing helping with Mom’s gift.
Thank you for that. Getting away from the office is nearly impossible these days.
” The little girl with red braids runs over and launches herself into Nick’s arms without hesitation.
“Uncle Nick, I missed you!” She squeezes his neck so tight I hear a small grunt, but he recovers quickly.
“Hey, Shorty. I just saw you two days ago. You couldn’t miss me that badly.”
“Yes, I could. You’re my favorite…” Her voice trails off as she looks at me, like she’s just noticed I’m here. “You’re pretty. Are you Uncle Nick’s girlfriend?” She cups Nick’s cheeks, turning his face toward me. “Isn’t she pretty, Uncle Nick?”
Heat rushes to my cheeks, though I can’t help but smile at her. “I’m Lydia, and thank you. I think you’re prettier though. I love your braids.”
She keeps her hands on Nick’s cheeks. This girl is completely adorable. “I like her. You didn’t answer me though. Isn’t she pretty?” She looks down at him, exasperated.
Nick turns to me, his eyes sweet and warm. “Yes, shortcake. She is pretty. Very, very pretty.” He brushes a finger over my cheek, which is definitely crimson and burning.
Oblivious to my near-combustion, she wiggles, signaling her uncle to put her down. She runs off without a care, and Nick watches her go. “That’s my niece, Abby. She is one of my favorite ladies on the planet.”
“It’s easy to see why. She’s sweet,” I say, glancing around the lively kitchen.
The air is full of the savory aroma of something roasting, laughter floats in from the dining room, and glasses clink as people mingle and greet one another.
I take a deep breath, steadying myself as it sinks in.
I’ve walked into a place full of warmth and connection, a family that easily welcomes me like I belong.
It feels overwhelming and comforting all at once, and I find myself smiling despite the nerves.
Nick leans in, his voice low and reassuring. “Just breathe. Everyone here is excited to meet you, but there’s no pressure. We’re just happy you’re here.”
I nod, grateful for his support, and take another steadying breath. I decide to just soak it all in.
Dinner goes smoothly. Susannah’s lasagna might be the best thing I’ve ever eaten, and the chocolate cake is just as good.
I join in as everyone sings “Happy Birthday,” just as off-key and jovial as the rest, and when it’s time for presents, I find myself so excited for Susannah to see what we chose her.
Abby made her grandma a cute painting of them planting things in the garden, earning lots of “oohs” and “aahs” from everyone.
She receives a generous gift card for a local spa from one of her girlfriends, and all the guys from the shop got her a beautiful cashmere scarf and glove set.
I love that these tough, blue-collar men put so much thought into Susannah’s gift. It’s heartwarming.
When the last of the presents has been opened, Nick quietly excuses himself, walking to the mudroom.
Earlier, he stashed his mom’s gift there to keep its contents a surprise.
He returns with the basket, stepping into the room and holding it out to his mom.
Susannah’s eyes widen the second she sees it.
“This is from Norah, me…and Lydia,” Nick says, his voice full of pride. “Lydia helped pick out most of what’s in here.” He looks over at me, smiling with quiet affection. “She’s a reader too. You like a lot of the same books.”
He doesn’t look away from me as his grin widens. The attention doesn’t make me anxious this time. I feel at ease, held in the moment by the kindness in Nick’s expression.
Susannah’s face lights up with delight as she carefully examines the basket, her eyes sparkling with genuine surprise and gratitude.
She immediately begins to pull out each item, pausing to admire the thoughtful selection and sharing a soft laugh at the choices that reflect how well her family knows her.
The room grows quiet as she expresses her thanks, a little emotional as she makes everyone feel the sincerity of her appreciation.
It’s clear the gifts, and the effort behind them, mean a great deal to her.
My heart feels full, knowing I had a small part in making Susannah’s birthday special.
After gifts, things start to wind down. Abby grabs my hand and insists we color together.
I happily oblige. Who doesn’t love to color?
I’ve always liked kids but haven’t really had the opportunity to be around them.
But knowing how much she means to Nick makes me want to know her better.
Abby is a spitfire, and her energy is contagious.
I find myself laughing nonstop at her stories and impressions.
She’s just finished telling me about a boy named Noah who ate almost an entire glue stick at recess when I feel Nick’s hand graze my hair. I look up into his warm brown eyes and instantly melt.
“Ready to head out, pretty girl?”
Pretty girl now. Baby earlier. I could get used to this. I’m not even sure if he realizes he’s even doing it; it just comes so naturally, and that makes it even hotter.
A small spark flickers in my chest, and I feel more connected to Nick, and this world, than ever.
“Here, Uncle Nick. I made this for you.” Abby hands over her drawing. It’s two stick people standing side by side, holding hands. The taller figure has brown spiky hair and the other has wavy yellow hair. “That’s you and that’s Miss Lydia. She’s your girlfriend now,” she states, matter-of-factly.
Nick takes the drawing and bends to kiss Abby’s little head. “Thank you, Abs. I love it. It’ll go on the fridge with all your other masterpieces.” The little girl beams at his praise. Their bond is obvious, and so sweet.
We say our goodbyes, everyone telling me how glad they are to have met me and hoping to see me again. I make sure to thank Susannah again for the delicious dinner.
“Thank you again for my gift, darling girl. I know my son didn’t pick all those perfect books on his own, and it means so much you helped him.” She hugs me, and there’s so much emotion in it I feel my eyes sting. I have been hugged more since coming here than I ever was before.
“I was more than happy to do it. It was fun, and I got to know Nick a little better. I’m learning he’s pretty great.” I smile up at him, and he winks.
“Love you, Mama. Happy Birthday. I’ll see you soon.”
“Love you, sweet boy. Drive safe.” He kisses her on the cheek, and then we’re out the door.
Nick beats me to the passenger side, opening the door and offering his hand to help me. I take it and hop in. Nick reaches over, pulls the seat belt across me, and clicks it into place.
Why is that so sweet?
“I just want you safe.” He presses a feather-light kiss to my shoulder and shuts the door.
As I wait for him to walk around, I fan myself, willing my hormones to calm down.
This man is sexy as hell without even trying, and I’m so starved for physical intimacy even the smallest touches are setting me and my panties ablaze.
Nick slides into the driver’s seat, casting me a side glance that lingers a beat too long. The engine hums in the quiet night, and excitement builds low in my chest.
We ride in comfortable silence before Nick reaches down and turns on the radio.
“I love this song,” I whisper, humming along.
I feel the truck start to slow and glance over at Nick as he comes to a complete stop in the middle of the gravel road. Before I can ask what he’s doing, Nick climbs out, comes around, and opens my door.
“Dance with me,” he says simply, reaching for my hand. I blink, confused, instinctively reaching for my seat belt. Nick beats me to it, unbuckling me and helping me down.
He takes my hand and leads me into the glow of the headlights. He places one of my hands on his shoulder, taking the other in his, and starts to lead me in a slow two-step.
This might be the most romantic thing any man has done in the history of forever, and I’m speechless. Nick’s gaze is soft and intense as he looks down at me, like he’s been searching his whole life for someone—for me—and can finally breathe.
No words pass between us as we sway on the dirt road while “Cover Me Up” plays from the truck. His hat is turned backward so he can lean down, pressing his forehead to mine.
We stay like this as another song starts, but I’m not listening anymore. Nick is everything. All I hear. All I see. He moves one of his hands to the back of my neck, his thumb tracing circles at my hairline.
I close my eyes, sinking into the comfort of his arms and the quiet magic of the moment. The cool night air brushes my cheeks, but all I feel is the warmth radiating from where our bodies meet. With every gentle sway, my worries fade, replaced with quiet certainty.
I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.