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“I’m good,” I mumble as I take a step forward. “It’s not a big deal. I’m just a little nervous.”
“You perform in huge sold-out arenas, and you’re worried about seeing your family?” Callie questions, looking up at me curiously. “You are a complex human, Wade Lewis.”
“Right back atcha, Callie Walker,” I say, a little snidely. “You sure have an amazing ability to make me feel ridiculous.”
“Oh stop,” she says, her tone light and completely unoffended—which is rather surprising. “You’re gonna be fine.” She walks right beside me, with Bear somehow managing to walk in perfect step between us.
“Wade!” I recognize the voice before I see the face appear from just inside. She looks tired, dark circles around her eyes and her graying, dark hair pulled up into a neat bun on the back of her head. She’s got vibrant green eyes—the same green eyes she passed down to my brother Carson—and I can’t help but feel reminded that I hardly even look like my parents.
It’s petty—I know.
Just call it the middle-child-syndrome or something.
“Hey, Mom,” I mutter out a greeting as she runs up to me, wrapping her arms around me. “This is Callie,” I say, placing my hand on the top of Callie’s back. I don’t know why it feels so natural to touch her.
But I don’t move my hand.
“It’s so nice to meet you, Callie. I’m Angie,” Mom says, reaching out to hug her.
“You as well,” Callie beams, returning the hug full force—which literally surprises the heck out of me for some reason. “I’ve heard so many wonderful things.”
Mom gushes, placing her hand over her chest. “Well, I can’t wait to get to know you better. And who’s this sweet pup?” Mom asks, reaching down to pet the hound. “I had no idea you had a service dog!”
Me neither, Mom.
“This is Bear. He’s trained in emotional support mostly, but he can recognize an oncoming PTSD or anxiety attack. He helped my sister after her car accident.” Callie’s voice is so magnetic, and I find myself just staring at her, watching the way her green eyes glisten under the lights. Her skin is this creamy, soft pale shade and she has freckles perfectly splattered on her face. It’s like she’s one perfect work of art.
And I think I’m going crazy now.
“That is just so impressive,” Mom says, catching my attention as she swats me on the arm. “I’m just so happy to see you with someone who isn’t as shallow as the pictures they take.”
“Wow, okay,” I say, shaking my head. “I’m so glad to hear that.” The laughter coming out of Callie is the only reason that I don’t let myself get irritated by the comment from my mother. Besides, if Callie was my real fiancée, that would be the truest statement I’ve ever heard.
“Well, I’m just glad he finally came home so we could have the opportunity to meet this fine young woman.” My dad’s voice booms from behind, startling me.
I do my best not to roll my eyes as we all turn to greet him. “Hey Dad.”
“It’s good to see you, son.” He pulls me in for an unexpected hug. I freeze up for a second and then awkwardly pat him on the back before he breaks away.
It’s not like him to hug people.
“Dad, this is Callie ... my fiancée.” I gesture toward Callie, while trying to keep my breath even. It feels a little harder to lie to my dad for some reason.
“Nice to meet you, Callie. I’m Waylon.”
“So, come on in and meet the rest of the family—everyone was so excited when they found out Wade was coming in. It’s a rare occasion when he decides to pay us a visit.” Mom threads her arm through Callie’s and leads her in front of me into the room, where I can already see my brothers staring at her—and the dog.
“Everyone,” Mom announces, gathering their attention, “this is Callie, Wade’s fiancée.”
“The woman or the dog?” Hunter asks, taking a sip of his Red Bull. His wife, Layla, swats him on the arm and shakes her head. He’s got an eyebrow raised at me, waiting for me to shoot off on him—but Callie beats me to it.
“Bear has higher standards than me,” she jokes before leaning over to kiss my cheek. A flush of heat spreads over my face at the touch of her lips, and I can’t help but smile at her. Gosh, this woman is good. As the family erupts into laughter, I do my best to recover from her surprise kiss. Callie is really stepping up to play the part.
She pats Bear on the head and reaches out to shake Hunter’s hand.
“Boy, I like you already.” Hunter laughs, shaking her hand.
“Ignore him, he likes to say the first thing that pops into his mind.” Layla sticks out her hand to greet Callie. “Hi, I’m Layla. It’s so nice to meet you.”
