Watching her face as she studies my family home stirs something possessive and primal in my chest. Bringing a woman here means something. It’s a statement to my family, to her, to myself. I’ve never brought anyone but the band here before.
“You okay?” I ask, noticing how she presses her free hand against her stomach. “You look a little pale.”
“Just nervous,” she admits.
I lean over and kiss her temple, breathing in the vanilla scent of her shampoo. “Nothing to be nervous about.”
She gives me a wobbly smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Easy for you to say. You’re not meeting a whole new family today.”
“They’re not that scary,” I promise, even though I know my chosen family can be overwhelming as hell. “Dad’s a teddy bear, Lainey’s already your biggest fan, and Ruby and Clay are just... Ruby and Clay.”
Sami takes a deep breath and nods. “Okay. Let’s do this before I lose my nerve.”
I grab the bottle of wine from the backseat and lead her up the stone path to the front door. Before I can even knock, the door swings open to reveal Lainey, her pregnant belly even more pronounced than the last time we saw her.
“Finally!” She beams at us, pulling Sami into a hug before she can react. “I was starting to think Axel was keeping you all to himself.”
Sami stiffens for a split second before relaxing into the embrace. “It’s nice to officially meet you. I mean, as more than just a customer at the diner.”
“Get in here, both of you.” Lainey ushers us inside, one hand resting on her stomach. “Everyone’s already drinking my special lemonade, and Ruby’s about three glasses in, so prepare yourselves.”
I keep my hand on Sami’s lower back as we enter the great room. The scent of Lainey’s cooking fills the air, mingling with the ever-present smell of pine. Dad stands at the stone fireplace, drink in hand, deep in conversation with Clay. Ruby sprawls across one of the leather couches, her red hair a stark contrast against the dark material.
“They’re here!” Ruby announces, jumping up with characteristic energy. She practically bounces over to us, throwing her arms around Sami. “I’m so excited to finally talk to you outside of the Summit.”
Sami laughs, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. “Definitely not the best place for first impressions.”
My dad approaches next, his imposing frame softened by the genuine smile on his face. “Welcome to our home, Sami. We’ve heard a lot about you.”
“All good things, I hope.” Her voice carries just a hint of uncertainty.
Dad’s eyes meet mine over her head, and I see the approval there.
“My son doesn’t usually bring women here,” Dad says, his voice warm. “So the fact that you’re standing in our living room says more than anything he could have told us.”
A flush creeps up Sami’s neck, but she holds his gaze. “Thank you for having me.”
“Drinks!” Lainey announces, swooping in with perfect timing. “Sami, lemonade or something stronger?”
“Just lemonade for now,” Sami says, pressing her hand to her stomach again. “I’m feeling a little off today.”
I place my palm against her lower back, concern threading through me. “You sure you’re okay?”
She nods, leaning into my touch. “Just nerves and maybe something I ate.”
I guide her to the couch, hyperaware of every microexpression that crosses her face. She’s trying to hide her discomfort, but I can feel the tension in her body. I make a mental note to cut this visit short if she doesn’t start feeling better soon.
Clay joins us, handing me a beer. “How’s the new album coming?”
“Almost there.” I keep my arm around Sami as I talk. “Two more tracks to finish, then it’s ready for production.”
“Sami,” Ruby calls from across the coffee table, “Axel tells us you’re a composer. That’s so cool! What kind of music do you write?”
All eyes turn to Sami, and I feel her shrink slightly against me before straightening her spine. Pride surges through me as she finds her voice.
“Film scoring is my passion,” she explains, her confidence growing as she talks about her music. “Creating emotional landscapes through sound, enhancing what’s happening on screen without overshadowing it.”
Ruby leans forward, genuinely interested. “That’s fascinating. Have you scored anything we might have seen?”
