Page 104 of Big Dick Energy

Dallas dropped a kiss on my temple, soft, grounding, before heading toward the door. I took a breath, smoothed my dress, and prepared to announce my accidental marriage to everyone I loved.

No big deal. Totally normal Friday evening.

Brooke arrived first because Brooke always arrived first. She swept through the door, her arms already extended for a hug that was more tackle than embrace.

“You survived!” She pulled back to study my face. “I was convinced you'd flee the country before tonight.”

“The thought occurred to me.”

“And yet here you are. Facing your family. Like a grown-up.”

Matt appeared behind her, filling the doorway. He pulled Dallas into a hug that was more shoulder-clap than embrace, the kind of greeting men exchanged when words felt insufficient.

“You ready for this?” Matt asked, low enough that only Dallas could hear. Or so they thought.

“Born ready.”

“Liar.”

“Absolutely terrified.”

“That's more like it.”

Kali and James arrived next, still wearing that newlywed glow.

The next twenty minutes were a blur of arrivals. Dallas's brother, Austin, a slightly shorter version, strolled in with a bottle of wine. His sister Cheyanne followed, all wild curls and high energy.

Delilah arrived in a black dress and killer heels.

And then… the main event.

The doorbell rang, and my stomach dropped to somewhere around my ankles.

“Parents,” Dallas and I said in unison.

His mother appeared first. Linda Morrison was a petite woman with silver-streaked hair swept into an elegant twist.

“Sweetheart!” She pulled Dallas into a hug, and he returned it without hesitation, melting into her embrace. “You look thin. Have you been eating? Those protein shakes don't count as meals.”

“I've been eating, Mom.”

“Vegetables?”

“Some vegetables.”

“Green ones?”

“A concerning number of green ones. Davina's been cooking.”

Linda's gaze swung to me with laser precision. I felt myself being assessed, cataloged, and, based on the smile that spread across her face, approved.

“So you're the woman who finally got my son to consume produce.” She crossed the room and took both my hands in hers. Her grip was warm and surprisingly strong. “I've heard so much about you.”

“Good things, I hope?”

“Mostly good things. Some terrified things. A few things that made me question whether my son had finally lost his mind entirely.” Her smile widened. “But the way he talks about you? That told me everything I needed to know.”

Behind her, Dallas's stepfather emerged, Richard Morrison, a quiet man with kind eyes and the patient demeanor of someone who'd spent years managing the chaos of the Dodger family. He shook my hand firmly, said Welcome to the madness, and immediately sought out the cheese board like a man who understood his priorities.