When Laurel was ready, this time dressed in a pretty blue sundress that matched her eyes, we got in my car to go grab breakfast.

I knew she expected me to take her to the diner, or another restaurant, but it was Sunday, which meant family brunch. And I figured what better way to let Laurel know that I meant everything I said, that I loved her, and wanted to eventually marry her and have children, than to show my family that we were together.

“Isn’t this the way to your Aunt Annabeth’s?” she asked, turning in her seat to look at my profile.

I smiled and said, “Yup.”

“Oh my God, are we going to brunch?” Laurel asked, and her tone had me turning my head to look at her.

“Is that okay?” I asked, hoping she didn’t think it was too soon.

Laurel bit her lower lip and nodded.

“I love Lewis family Sunday brunch,” she said, then her voice lowered as she admitted, “And, I’ve always dreamed of coming to a brunch with you. I know, I’ve been before with Jasmine, but…”

“I get it,” I said, pleased that she was as excited about coming out as my girlfriend as I was.

She took a deep breath and blew it out.

I chuckled and placed my hand on hers on her lap.

“They already love you, so it’ll be easy,” I promised.

Laurel nodded and let out a shaky laugh.

“Oh my God, your parents.”

“Now, you know they love you. Always have. Hell, half the time growing up I thought they liked you more than me.”

She clenched my hand in hers and muttered, “I’m not going to panic.”

“We’re here,” I said as I parked in between Gabe and Reardon’s vehicles. “Let’s go break the news.”

Laurel nodded and we both opened the doors and stepped out.

Her nervous glance hit me as we headed toward the door and I noticed she’d slowed to a snail’s pace.

“That’s it,” I said. I backed up until I was next to her, then bent and lifted her into my arms.

She automatically hung on to my neck.

“What are you doing?” Laurel asked, panicked.

“Ripping off the Band-Aide,” I said, then rushed inside to where my family was gathered.

The floor plan was open, so even though some people were in the kitchen, others in the dining room, and still others in the living room, all eyes were on us when I carried her into the house.

“Lewises, you know Laurel,” I said with a devilish grin. “She’s my woman now.”

At first there was a stunned silence. Even though the younger Lewises knew we’d started dating, and Reardon’s parents had seen us at the shower yesterday, they’d all witnessed the drama of Jasmine’s arrival and knew we’d gone home separately. While the rest of the elder Lewises, who couldn’t make the shower and were celebrating with Reardon and Chloe today, were obviously surprised by our pairing. Especially my parents, who’d been as in the dark as Jasmine.

Then, everyone started to cheer and clap.

Laurel jumped in my arms, then started laughing. I put her gently back on her feet as my mom and Jasmine rushed us.

“I knew when he showed up this morning right away, instead of waiting like a jackass, that you two would work things out,” Jazzy said, pulling Laurel into a hug.

“This is the best day of my life,” my mother said, pushing Jazz out of the way to hug Laurel herself. “I always knew this day would come, but it feels like I’ve been waiting forever for my son to wake up and figure things out.”

I shook my head.

“Maybe if all of you had bothered to clue me in on what everyone else seemed to know, I wouldn’t have taken so long.”

“Oh no,” my mom said, letting Laurel go to put an arm around me. “I know better than to try and tell you to do anything. When I do, you run screaming in the other direction. No, this one you had to figure out on your own. And I’m so glad you did.”

I kissed my mom on the cheek and hugged her.

My dad walked over and did the same to Laurel, then asked, “So, when’s the wedding?”

I chuckled. “We just started dating, Dad, can’t we see each other awhile before the I do’s start?”

My father scowled good naturedly and said, “You’ve been courtin’ the last fifteen years, and I didn’t raise an idiot, did I? There’s no way you’re letting this beauty get away now that she’s agreed to have you.”

“Ouch,” I said, rubbing my chest playfully. “Don’t hold back, Pop.”

“Don’t worry, Jacob,” Laurel said, grinning up at my dad. “I’ve got him right where I want him.”

“That a girl,” my dad said lovingly.

“All right, all right, make room,” my Aunt Annabeth said as she pushed through the crowd, a beer in one hand, a mimosa in the other.

“Thanks, Aunt Annabeth,” I said, accepting the beer.

“Thanks,” Laurel echoed as she took the mimosa.

“Let me just say I am pleased as punch about this union.”

They do realize we aren’t actually married yet, right?

“And Jazzy,” she said, catching my sister’s eye as she tried to melt back into the crowd. “They’ve just taken the pressure off you, but you and Serena are next … We’re ready for more weddings and babies.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Jasmine said, then fled into the other room.

“Finally got your head out, huh, boy?” my aunt said.

Wow.

“And, you,” she added, turning to place her hands on Laurel’s face. “I’m so happy that we can officially welcome you to the family.”

“Well, not officially,” I began, then Gabe clapped a hand on my back and said, “Just go with it, man.”

So, I went with it.