Chapter 11
Zach
“This is… incredible. It looks like something out of a movie.” Lainey says as I stop at the wrought-iron gates of my father’s private estate.
The gates slowly swing open, revealing a long, tree-lined driveway that leads to the mansion. Lainey’s staring out the window, her lips parting slightly in awe. Her reaction makes me grin.
“Impressed already?” I tease. “Wait till you see the backyard.”
The sprawling white structure at the end of the drive is a showpiece of modern design and timeless elegance—tall columns, massive windows, and manicured gardens stretching endlessly.
The bubbling fountain in the circular driveway gleams in the sunlight, and I can practically hear Lainey’s brain spinning.
“Okay, seriously, is this a reunion or a gala?” she asks, her laugh tinged with nerves.
I chuckle, parking the car. “Relax. Just think of it as one big fancy barbecue where everyone’s overdressed and judgmental.”
“Super comforting,” she mutters, smoothing invisible wrinkles on her dress. “Remind me again why I agreed to this?”
“Because you couldn’t resist my charm,” I tease, stepping out of the car and walking around to open her door.
Lainey rolls her eyes, but a smile tugs at her lips as she takes my hand. “Right. Totally worth the nerves.”
I lean down slightly, my voice low enough that only she can hear me. “Just remember, if anyone gets too nosy, smile and act like I’m the best thing that’s ever happened to you.”
Her laugh is quiet but genuine, and it settles something in my chest. “Easy for you to say,” she shoots back, smoothing her dress one last time.
As we start walking toward the mansion, she stops and glances up at me. “We need to agree on a story,” she says, her voice low but firm. “We never finalized it.”
I raise an eyebrow. “A story?”
“Yes, a story,” she insists. “How we met, how we fell in love—basic relationship stuff. Your family’s going to ask questions, and I don’t want to mess it up.”
I smirk, watching the way her mind is already racing. “Ah, there it is. The checklist. The infamous control tendencies.”
She glares at me, but the corners of her mouth twitch. “Be serious, Zach,” she says, exasperated. “We’re supposed to be in love. People in love know these things. Let’s figure it out before anyone asks.”
I pretend to think it over, my expression exaggerated. “Okay, fine. We met at a coffee shop. You spilled your drink on me, and I was so annoyed I demanded your number to send you the dry-cleaning bill.”
Lainey snorts. “You’re so full of it.”
“Wait, wait,” I say, grinning now. “We reconnected when Wyatt introduced us. Two friends getting married, and here we are—maid of honor and best man. It’s like fate.”
Her lips tug into a reluctant smile. “Okay, that’s not terrible.”
I press on. “And we fell for each other instantly. Sparks flew. You couldn’t resist me.”
“Obviously,” she deadpans, but there’s humor in her eyes.
“And,” I add with a teasing smirk, lowering my voice, “we had sex immediately because the connection was just that strong.”
Lainey gasps, her face flushing. She swats my arm, her voice rising. “Zach! Be serious.”
I laugh, holding up my hands in mock surrender. “Fine, fine. No sex. Yet.”
She shakes her head, her cheeks still pink, but I catch the small smile playing on her lips. “You’re impossible.”
“That’s why this will work,” I say confidently. “We’re like a modern fairy tale. Coffee shop incident, reconnected through Wyatt and Chloe, fell in love over wedding planning. It’s perfect.”
Lainey exhales, nodding as her shoulders relax. “Okay. We can make that work. But please, don’t improvise when your family starts asking questions.”
“No promises,” I say, grinning as we head towards the porch. “But I’ll try to keep it PG—for your sake.”
We’re almost to the porch when my sisters—Cora, Whitney, and Blair—spot us. The way they all light up at once tells me I’m about to walk into an ambush.
“Brace yourself,” I add as they start toward us, all grins and sharp eyes. “The Darling sisters never go easy.”
Lainey glances up at me, and just like that, the nervous energy vanishes. Her shoulders square, her chin tilts slightly, and the glimmer of confidence I’ve come to admire returns. “Don’t worry about me,” she says lightly. “I’m more concerned about you surviving this.”
I laugh under my breath. Of course, she’s fine. Lainey knows how to handle herself.
Cora reaches us first, her elegant stride and poised expression making her look every inch the problem-solver. Her sharp eyes flick between us. “Is this real?” she asks, her tone even but carrying an undercurrent of curiosity.
Before I can answer, Whitney steps in, tossing her long blonde hair over her shoulder. “Zach finally brings someone home, and we’re supposed to act like it’s no big deal?” she says, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Blair isn’t far behind, her warm smile and easy energy radiating as she sizes up Lainey. “She’s gorgeous,” Blair says, her tone soft but brimming with excitement.
I sigh, trying not to let them get to me. “I’m standing right here, you know. You could ask me directly instead of acting like I’ve lost my mind.”
Whitney crosses her arms, one brow arched. “Oh, you’ve definitely lost your mind. But in the best way possible.”
Blair laughs, stepping closer to Lainey. “So, who’s the miracle worker?”
I keep my hand on Lainey’s back, steadying both of us. “This is Lainey Carrey,” I say, keeping my tone even. “My girlfriend.”
For a beat, all three of them stare, clearly caught off guard. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen them speechless, and for a moment, I almost enjoy it.
Then Whitney snorts, recovering first. “Girlfriend,” she repeats, her tone laced with dry humor. “We’ve been waiting for this day for years. Zach, you’ve outdone yourself.”
Blair nudges me playfully. “Seriously, who are you, and what have you done with our brother?”
Lainey doesn’t miss a beat. She steps forward, offering her hand to Cora first. “It’s so nice to meet everyone,” she says warmly, shaking hands with each of them. “Zach’s talked about you all a lot. I’ve been looking forward to this.”
“I doubt that,” Cora replies, her voice even as her gaze sharpens slightly. “Zach doesn’t talk about his personal life. Ever.”
Lainey tilts her head, her smile unwavering. “So… he doesn’t bring girls home often?”
“Never,” Blair chimes in with a laugh. “This is a first. You’re a first.”
Whitney smirks, her sharp gaze fixed on me. “I guess he hasn’t told you everything.”
Lainey blinks, clearly thrown for a moment. Her eyes flick to me, and I catch the quick flash of surprise in her expression. I give her a small shrug, trying to play it cool, though I know the admission is bigger than I’m letting on.
Her gaze lingers on me for half a second longer, like she’s trying to figure me out, before her smile returns, wider now and edged with playful confidence. She turns back to Blair. “Well, I guess it’s a big day for everyone, then.”
“Told you they’d love you,” I say, my voice low enough for only her to hear.
She arches an eyebrow, her smirk teasing. “Didn’t realize they’d be this shocked.”
I tilt my head slightly toward her, matching her tone. “What can I say? You’re making me look good.”
Before she can respond, Whitney loops her arm through Lainey’s, her grin mischievous. “We already love her,” she declares, pulling Lainey toward the backyard. “Come on. We’ve got to introduce you to everyone.”
Blair falls into step on Lainey’s other side, practically bouncing. “Oh, they’re going to lose it when they see you. This is huge.”
Cora lingers, her gaze steady on me. She leans in slightly, lowering her voice. “She seems wonderful,” she says quietly. “Don’t mess this up.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I mutter, shaking my head as she finally joins the others.
I follow behind, watching as Lainey handles them like a pro. She’s already laughing with Whitney and Blair, her charm on full display. When she glances back at me, her blue eyes are sparkling, and I can’t help but grin.
As we approach the nearest group of relatives, Whitney wastes no time. “Everyone!” she calls out, her voice loud enough to grab their attention. “Meet Lainey. She’s Zach’s girlfriend.”
The reactions are immediate. Heads turn, jaws drop, and suddenly, all eyes are on her.
A few of my aunts exchange shocked glances, and one of my uncles—Uncle Dan, naturally—lets out a low whistle.
“Zach Darling has a girlfriend? Well, I’ll be damned,” he says, shaking his head in mock disbelief.
“She’s beautiful, too. Wait until Joseph sees this. ”
Lainey laughs politely, shaking hands with whoever comes forward, and I watch her charm them all without breaking a sweat.
“It’s so nice to meet you,” she says, over and over again, each time sounding genuine.
She glances back at me once, her smile touched with curiosity, like she’s surprised by all the attention.
I just give her a small nod, silently telling her she’s doing great.
I take the chance to say hi to a few relatives myself, dodging questions about hockey and my “big life update.” When I glance back at Lainey, she’s already got one of my great-aunts fawning over her dress.
The introductions keep coming as we make our way through the crowd. By the time we reach Noah, I can already feel the shift in the air. Whitney steps up and motions between them. “Noah, this is Lainey. Zach’s girlfriend.”
Noah gives me a sharp, questioning look before extending his hand to Lainey. “Lainey,” he says simply, his tone neutral.
Lainey takes his hand with her usual poise, smiling politely. “It’s nice to meet you.”
A loud squeal draws my attention. “Uncle Zach!” Alice barrels toward me, her dirty blonde hair flying as I scoop her up and twirl her around.
“Alice!” I laugh, spinning her once before setting her back down. “What happened to my little niece? Who is this tall young woman standing in front of me?”
She giggles, her green eyes lighting up. “I’m twelve now. You’re the one who hasn’t been around enough to notice.”
“Burn,” Blair whispers with a laugh, and I shoot her a look over Alice’s head.
“Okay, okay, point taken,” I say, ruffling Alice’s hair before pulling her into another quick hug. “You look great, kiddo.”
As I set her down, my gaze shifts to the other side of the yard, catching sight of my father making his way toward us. He moves with purpose, his sharp eyes scanning the gathering until they lock onto me.
“You rascal,” he calls out, his voice carrying easily over the chatter. “Always causing trouble and never paying me a visit.”
I force a smile and step forward to greet him, pulling him into a quick hug. “Come on, Dad. I’ve gotta keep you on your toes somehow.”
He pulls back, his sharp gaze narrowing in that way only he can. “You’re not getting any younger, you know. And I’m not, either. You’ve had your fun with hockey. Maybe it’s time to settle down and think about the family business.”
“Still trying to sell me on that, huh?” I say lightly, avoiding his pointed look. “Gotta keep life interesting somehow.”
He huffs a laugh but shakes his head, clearly unimpressed. Then his eyes shift to Lainey, standing just behind me, and his expression tightens slightly. “And who’s this?”
I step to the side, resting my hand on Lainey’s back. “This is Lainey Carrey,” I say, keeping my tone light. “My girlfriend.”
Lainey offers a polite smile and extends her hand. “It’s so nice to meet you, Mr. Darling.”
My father hesitates for just a fraction of a second before taking her hand, giving it a firm shake. “Lainey,” he repeats, his tone neutral. “A pleasure.”
Before the moment can stretch into anything too awkward, a voice cuts through the air.
“Zach!” Clarissa’s voice cuts through the chatter, unmistakable and just as I remember. Before I can react, she steps between Lainey and my father, throwing her arms around me in a hug.
I stiffen immediately, my arms hanging awkwardly at my sides as she presses against me. My face turns away, but there’s no escaping the cloying familiarity of her perfume. “Clarissa,” I say, my tone flat and deliberately neutral. “What are you doing here?”
Blair’s timing is impeccable, her eyebrow arching in exaggerated surprise. “I thought you were overseas on one of those doctor missions.”
Clarissa pulls back just enough to flash Blair a wide smile, but her arms stay wrapped around me. “I just got back. Perfect timing, right? I wouldn’t miss this reunion for the world. After all, I get to see Zach.” She tilts her head, her tone overly sweet.
Whitney, never one to hold back, crosses her arms and smirks. “You might want to back off, Clarissa. Zach brought his girlfriend. You’re being a little rude.”
Clarissa blinks, finally releasing me and stepping back. “Girlfriend?” she echoes, the word dripping with disbelief.
Blair jumps in, her grin practically gleaming. “Yes, his girlfriend. Clarissa, meet Lainey Carrey.”
Clarissa’s eyes dart to Lainey, her expression flickering with surprise. “Lainey?” she says, her tone lighter now, though her smile looks just a little forced.
Lainey’s polite mask doesn’t falter, but I can see the slight stiffening in her posture. “Clarissa,” she says evenly.
Cora looks between the two of them. “Wait—you two know each other?”