The threesome stood still for a moment on the driveway, doing as I’d done upon my first arrival, taking in the sheer size of Van’s home. As if on cue, the floodlights illuminated the area. I turned to Van in question.

“Light sensor.”

Dad, Mom, and Skylar turned in all directions, squinting as they took in the sudden influx of light.

“I can tell them the invitation is revoked,” Van offered. He squeezed my hand. “If you’re going to marry me, you’ll learn fast; I have no issues with being the asshole.”

My neck straightened. “No. You were right before. I need to face them. I’ve already faced Skylar, but screw him. If two rejections weren’t enough for him” —I was thinking of when I left the ring with the note and then also our conversation at the hotel bar in Ashland— “I’ll be happy to give him a repeat performance.”

As the three of them began to walk toward the solid large door, Van reached for my chin and brought his lips to mine. The kiss was chaste and quick, leaving a smile on my face.

“I have your back, but you don’t need me.”

I blinked away the prickle of tears. “I think I do, Van. I think you’re exactly what I’ve needed. I just didn’t know it.”

He took a deep breath as the chime of the ringing doorbell echoed through the entry and beyond. Taking a step forward, he opened the door. From my perspective, I saw the surprise in the three sets of eyes; undoubtedly, they’d expected someone else, perhaps a housekeeper or maid. That was who would have answered the door at either my parents’ home or Skylar’s parents’.

“Mr. Sherman,” my father said, being the first to speak.

Van took a step back, “Mr. McGrath, Mrs. McGrath...” He paused long enough to punctuate his greeting with an added bit of unease. “...and Mr. Butler.” He nodded toward Skylar. “An unexpected surprise.”

From my vantage, I found it odd the way the three of them were looking at Van, odd and also interesting, as if they were all intimidated by his mere presence. Maybe they were.

Would I feel differently about Van if I’d meet him under different circumstances?

“Mr. Sherman,” they all acknowledged as they came through the door.

My mother was the first to address me, coming closer and wrapping me in an embrace. “I needed to see you.”

“Here I am.”

For the first time I could recall, I found myself skeptical of her glassy eyes and the sincerity in her voice. I couldn’t explain how they felt orchestrated when they never had before, but nevertheless, that’s the way they felt.

She gripped my shoulders, staring directly into my eyes. “We have so many things to discuss.” She peered over her shoulder at Van and back. “Come with us. These are family matters.”