Brian and I finished packing up my belongings. Since his place is already furnished, I just need to bring my personal items and clothing, so I’ve sold off most of my furniture and either given away the rest or donated it.

We leave in the morning to fly down to the Twin Cities to see his family. I’m extremely nervous to meet his mom and sister, knowing how important they are to him. I’ve talked to both of them many times on the phone or over FaceTime when he’s been talking to them, but it’s different to meet in person.

Since tonight is our last night in town, my parents are having us, along with Becca and Scott and their parents, over for a BBQ going away party. My parents weren’t surprised when I told them I’d decided to move but are sad I won’t be around all the time. However, they both love Brian and are happy that we’re back together.

The get-together ended up being an amazing time. I was a little worried I would just be sad, but we all had a fantastic time. The food my parents fixed was amazing like always, and after, we just enjoyed easy conversations with everyone. The guys talked a lot about the upcoming season and who was and wasn’t returning. I guess their goalie, Matt Soaps, had decided it was time to hang up his skates and retire. He was the oldest player on the team and was feeling the effects of the two decades he played in the league. They speculated who the team would pick up to fill his spot, as well as what other changes in the lineup would take place before the season started. Both Brian and Scott had contracts that secured the fact they would be in Indy, both having no movement clauses on them. That stability was nice to have. I didn’t have to worry that he’d get a call one day, saying he was being shipped off to a new team and then have to pack everything up and go.

We finally said goodnight to my parents close to midnight. I was teary-eyed as Brian held me close as he walked me to their guest room. We’re staying here tonight since my apartment is empty of all the furniture. When we left to come over to my parents’ house, we brought with us the last of what was left. I have some boxes that need to be shipped down, but my mom will send them once we make it to Indy. For now, I’m just taking with me what I fit in a couple suitcases and will buy anything else I need once we’re there.

The next morning, my parents saw us off to the airport where I choked back the tears as I said goodbye to them. They plan to come down and see us for Christmas for a couple of weeks, so at least I have that visit to look forward to.

Once we arrive at the Minneapolis airport, my nerves settle back in about meeting Brian’s family. I know he can sense my anxiety as he grabs my hand, softly rubbing circles with his thumb.

“Kin, you’ve got nothing to worry about. They already love you. It’s not like you’ve never talked to them before,” Brian tries to assure me.

“I know, I just can’t help it. What if we don’t get along in person?” I pout.

He just shakes his head at me. “Really, Kin. You’ll be fine. I bet by 8 PM tonight, the three of you will all be sitting around with a glass of wine, and they’ll be sharing all my embarrassing stories and baby pictures.”

“Ooh, I can’t wait to see you as a baby. And I’m all for hearing about your embarrassing stories,” I tell him, my worries subsiding a bit.

Before I know it, we’ve collected our bags and are headed for Jennifer and Drew’s house. His mom, Karen, is meeting us at Jenn’s house as well.

We make it to Jenn’s about a half an hour later, and as soon as we get out of the rental, I see the front door open and Jenn step out on the porch with the cutest little man on her hip. Isaiah turned one just a few weeks ago, and he is the cutest little guy. I stay back a few steps, watching Brian interact with his family. It’s a new side of him I’ve never gotten to experience, and seeing him scoop his nephew into his arms causes a twinge in my heart. It makes me long for that for us. It makes me grieve the fact that I don’t get to see Brian doing that with our child, but also plants the seed that maybe we need to discuss kids sooner rather than later. We’re both in our thirties, so it isn’t like we’re young kids anymore.

Jenn walks down the few steps and engulfs me in a hug.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you in person!” she happily greets me. “Please, come in!” she says to the both of us. Brian is still playing with Isaiah, trying to get him to laugh at him as he blows raspberries on his cheeks and neck.

Upon entering Jenn’s house, she introduces me to her husband, Drew, and a few minutes later, Brian’s mom arrives with her husband, Thomas.

As he had assured me before, I had nothing to worry about. I was folded right into their family as he was in mine. And as he predicted, the wine was brought out, along with the baby books and stories from his childhood, that his mother had brought along with her.

It’s well past dinnertime by the time we say our goodbyes to Karen and Thomas, and then goodnight to Jenn and Drew as we head for their guest room. We’re staying with them while here in Minneapolis. Now that I know Jenn and I get along in person, I’m looking forward to getting to know her over the next few weeks.