The following month was the most excitement I had ever experienced. Owen was eager to show me everything the United States had to offer, and I was happy to let him be my guide. We traveled from the bottom of California, making a winding trip through all the inland states, where I was told we would end up in Florida when all was said and done.

Owen was oddly nervous around the midway point, and I was somewhat confused to see that we were going on a path that didn’t seem to match what he’d outlined. If it had been any other man, the unexpected diversion might have caused me to worry. As it stood, I was content to let him take me wherever his heart desired.

I paid close attention to the road signs, trying to determine our end destination without asking him outright. I had my suspicions, but when I saw the sign that read ‘Welcome to West Virginia’, I was sure my heart would explode from the sheer excitement I felt.

“Are we here to see your family?” I asked gently, receiving a somewhat nervous smile in response.

It wasn’t usual for Owen to lose his confidence, but I could tell he was really going out on a limb. I wasn’t sure how his parents would react to meeting me, but he seemed even less sure of how they would react to seeing him. I could deal with them not liking me, but if they were cruel to their son, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to keep my cool.

“I might not have always gotten along with my dad, but I know he loves me. My mother will be thrilled to meet you, especially if she thinks there’s any chance in hell I might give her grandchildren. She’s kind and sweet and I’m sure she’ll love you. It’s just a matter of how they’ll feel about seeing me after so long,” he said quietly.

His hands tensed on the steering wheel, and I could tell he was deeply bothered by the idea of his parents being unhappy to see him. I was sure he had nothing to worry about, and planned to tell him as such.

Before I could get the words out, however, he pulled into the driveway of a small brick house with a white picket fence. It was quaint and pretty, and I was excited to see what kind of life Owen had experienced growing up. I turned to face him, eager to get out and introduce myself. He seemed anxious, twitching somewhat as he stared at the house.

“Well, time to bite the bullet,” I said, reaching out to rub his arm soothingly.

He met my gaze, smiling and nodding with more confidence. We got out of the car just as an older couple stepped out of the house, a handsome gentleman that I could immediately place as Owen’s father looking rather shocked to see us. Owen parted his lips to speak, but his mother rushed towards him with a squeal of delight.

“My baby! It’s been so long since you’ve been home; look at you! All grown up and handsome,” she cooed, reaching out to smoosh his cheeks.

He blushed, drawing her into his arms and hugging her tightly.

“It’s so good to see you, Mom,” he said quietly.

She smiled, wiping a happy tear away from her eye. Then, she turned to look at me. I offered a little wave, not sure what else to do—it wasn’t like I’d ever met a boyfriend’s parents before. Her eyes widened, and she rushed towards me with an excited flap of her hands.

“And who is this? Gary, Owen has brought a girlfriend home,” she called.

I giggled nervously, suddenly aware of the intense stare of Owen’s father. He stepped towards me, his expression cold for a moment before he broke into a smile. He offered his hand, and I shook it firmly.

“So, you must be the one who convinced our son to pay a visit,” he guessed.

I shook my head, gesturing for Owen to step closer.

“No, this was all Owen’s idea, sir. He really wanted to see you. Both of you,” I said reassuringly.

Gary looked unsure, but Owen stepped towards him and offered a hug. The two smiled before embracing, and I felt honored to be witnessing such a moment—the moment a family reformed. I felt myself being pulled into a group hug with Owen and his parents, feeling a bit awkward but more pleased than anything.

“So, what brings you two here? Not that I’m complaining by any means, but it is something of a shock to see you, Son,” Gary inquired, and Owen stammered for a moment before pulling me forward.

“I wanted…I wanted you to meet my girlfriend, Emily. I thought it was only right that you meet the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with,” he said, regaining his confidence towards the end of his statement.

His father looked impressed, and it was my turn to have my cheeks smooshed by his mother. I laughed a bit at the attention, allowing Owen and his parents to lead me inside. They exchanged chit-chat as we walked, and I wondered if they liked me as much as they seemed to.

We stayed for dinner, but Owen seemed to have a lot on his mind as he picked at his food. His parents chatted amicably with me, but I couldn’t help feeling as if something were wrong. I didn’t quite understand why my boyfriend looked so troubled, and every time I caught his eye, he averted his gaze away. I frowned, glancing back towards the homemade beef stew his mother had prepared.

“This stew is better than anything I’ve ever had in a restaurant,” I said amicably, and Owen’s mother, Barb, looked tickled pink by the comment.

“I’ll have to write down the recipe for you, honey. Owen loves…well, he usually loves the stew I make. Honey, is there something bothering you?” she asked gently, reaching out to touch her son’s hand.

Owen flinched, glancing towards me with something akin to fear in his eyes.

“I’m fine, Mom. I just—” he paused, pushing his chair back from the table and standing up.

His parents stared curiously at him, and I was ready to make an excuse for us to leave the table, but Owen circled around to my chair, fumbling in his pockets. I tilted my head curiously, watching with confusion as he dropped down to one knee and pulled something out of his pocket.

I felt my heart catch in my chest, my pulse quickening as I realized just what was happening.

“Owen…?” I inquired nervously, meeting his gaze.

He managed a smile, and his mother gasped as he popped open the velvet ring box gripped in his hand. I had seen my share of diamonds in my lifetime—my father threw gifts around like it was going out of style—but while it was obvious that Owen hadn’t been able to afford some overly expensive ring, it was without doubt the most beautiful thing I’d ever laid eyes on.

“Emily, there aren’t a lot of things I’ve been sure of in my life. I wasn’t sure about my future, I wasn’t sure about what I wanted to do with my life, and I definitely didn’t know if I would ever fall in love. That is, until I met you. The time we’ve spent together has been the happiest of my life. I would give anything and everything in the world to make you as happy as you’ve made me.” He paused, taking the ring out of the box.

Watching as he struggled with his words, I resisted the desire to scream out an answer. I would let him take his time and get out everything he wanted to say. He seemed appreciative of my patience, gripping me by the hand.

“I love you,” I said, and he smiled as if it were the first time I’d ever said it.

“I love you too, baby. Which is why I want to know…Emily Jasmine Madden, will you make me the happiest man on the planet and do me the honor of being my bride? Will you marry me?” he asked.

Tears spilled down my cheeks, and I offered him my hand while silently nodding, not trusting myself to speak.

Owen laughed, slipping the ring onto my finger before leaping to his feet. He gathered me in his arms, pressing a kiss to my forehead as his parents clapped joyously in the background.

“Congratulations! Oh my, I’m so happy I could see this moment,” Barb squealed, while Gary smiled, giving us a nod of approval. “I just have one teensy tiny question, you two,” the older woman continued.

Owen looked at her as if he could predict what she was going to say.

“What is it, Mom?” he asked, glancing towards me with a sly smile.

“When can I expect grandkids?” she said seriously.

Owen grimaced, but it was all I could do to keep from erupting in laughter.

“First, the wedding. Then, grandkids,” Owen’s father said firmly.

I couldn’t have agreed more.