John stands, and I have a feeling the party will be over soon. “I’ve tried to get Lark to come work at the shop for years. I pay a fair wage, but it’s always been something about working with her pops. Yada yada.”

My mom asks, “Have you ever been into cars like your dad?”

She says, “I can usually get within the realm of make and model but forget it when it comes to engines or anything else. I was always stuck at the shop as a kid. I hung out by choice in middle school. It was the only way to really spend time with my dad. He worked all the time to make ends meet.”

Laughter lightens the mood, and my mom singsongs, “Sounds like someone I know.” My dad shrugs it off. Standing up, my mom dusts off her pants. “Well, if nothing else comes from this, and let’s hope it lies where it landed, it’s fair to say the Bensimones and Westcotts are going their separate ways.”

“Thank fuck,” I add with a humorless chuckle.

Shooting me a look that would crumple a weaker man, she waits for it. “Sorry.” And crumple me, apparently.

Lark stands. “I’m getting more water. Does anyone else need anything?”

“I’ll go with you,” my mom says. “I think it’s almost time for us to go anyway.” They walk into the kitchen, but with the door open, I catch some of their conversation when it wafts outside. “Lovely night . . .”

“I’d love to have lunch when you have time . . .”

“. . . Delicious burgers.”

“Harbor says wonderful things about you . . .”

“. . . I like that.” Lark’s smile is genuine, and her sincerity felt in all she does.

I love her—unexpectedly and unabashedly.

That my parents adore her means the world. It also means it might be easier when the time comes to tell them we’re moving in together.

A sense of peace washes through me, and I finally feel settled in my skin. I’ve gotten past my reputation while building on the positive changes I’ve made. I would never use my girlfriend for my own benefit, but I can’t stop thinking that Lark Summerlin might be my saving grace.

Holding up his phone, my dad announces, “The kids are here.”

We all wander to the front of the house, not rushing out the door but lingering in the living room. My mom says, “What a spontaneous and entertaining night.” She turns to John. “Thank you for having us in your home. It’s lovely, and so were the burgers and beer. We had a great time.”

I don’t think John’s used to getting that kind of gushing review, but he takes after his daughter when too much attention is paid to him. “It’s nothing.”

While Dad and John start talking about the shop and him stopping by to check out the cars, my mom pulls Lark aside, and says, “It is such a pleasure to finally spend time with you. We’d love to have you and Harbor to our home the next time Loch is in town.”