John stands up and gives me a firm handshake. “Take care of my daughter.”

“Yes, sir. I won’t let you down,” I say, meeting his eyes, and we hold a silent conversation. I have his permission to date Maize, and it’s enough.

“I’ll be home later,” Maize says, tugging at my shirt and pulling me away.

“Thanks for dinner. It was great,” I say to Mila. “Good night, y’all.”

“We’ll do it again sometime soon,” she tells me as Maize leads me to the door.

Once we’re outside, I can breathe again. Maize leads me to the truck, and I pin her against the cool metal and kiss her. “So your dad didn’t kill me.”

“Yet,” she says with a snicker before returning her mouth to mine.

Chapter Twenty-One

MAIZE

It’s been two weeks since my parents learned that Gavin and I were officially dating. Dad took it as expected, but he quickly accepted it. When Gavin promised he wouldn’t break my heart, I nearly melted on the floor like a popsicle in the middle of summer. Not having to hide my feelings has been such a relief. We’ve even gone on a few dates in town and hung out at the bar together. The two of us are inseparable.

News spread around town like wildfire, and I was actually happy about it. I want everyone to know he’s mine.

Today, we’re driving to Houston so I can meet his parents. It’s a five-hour road trip, which gives me way too much time to think. I kinda understand why Gavin was so damn nervous to be introduced as my boyfriend to my folks, but at least he wasn’t a stranger to them. This is on a different level. Gavin’s promised he’s said nothing but amazing things about me.

It’s scary how fast I’m falling for him, and I don’t ever want this to end. Gavin’s my past, present, and my future, and it’s a big deal to meet his parents. He hasn’t dated seriously in over a decade, so to say I’m feeling anxious is an understatement.

“What’re you thinking about over there?” He grabs my hand and kisses my knuckles as he turns on the cruise control.

“What if your mom and dad don’t like me? What if I’m nothing but a big disappointment or something?”

Gavin lets out a howl of a laugh. “Are you kidding me? They already love you and are ecstatic to meet you. My mom can’t wait and even called me this morning to make sure we were still coming and I wasn’t going to chicken out. They’re down to earth and will be just as supportive as your parents are.” He glances over at me. “Well, now that your dad is on board with the idea of us,” he adds.