Page 30 of Serenading Reagan
“Thank you for inviting me, Betty, I’m really glad to finally meet you all. Reagan has shared so much about you.” Chase could hear the formal tone in his voice and tried to ditch it. Since when was he so worried about trying to impress people? Oh right. Since the people in question were family to the woman who was rapidly becoming the single most important person in his life.
Introductions over, they all moved outside. Lewis handed Reagan a glass of wine and Chase a beer.
“You seem like a man who might prefer this over wine.”
Chase laughed lightly. “Thank you.”
Reagan smiled over at him and leaned her head down on his shoulder. Without thinking he pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
“You two are adorable,” Betty said. “How long have you been together?”
Reagan sat up and took Chase’s hand in hers. “Just a little while, Mom. But we met a year ago, at the pub. Chase plays there a couple of times a week. He’s incredibly talented.”
The pride in her voice was touching. Chase felt it in his soul and decided to make it clear to Reagan and her family that he was fully committed to this relationship.
“We might have only been officially dating for a week, but you should know, Betty, I’ve been attracted to Reagan for months. The first night I saw her, I was blown away by her beauty. The more I have gotten to know her, the more I’ve fallen for her. I just wish I hadn’t been too afraid to tell her that for so long. Your daughter is the most amazing woman I have ever met, and I’m honored she has chosen to give us a chance.”
When Chase’s statement was met with silence, he worried he had gone too far. But when he looked down at Reagan and saw tears glistening in her eyes but a smile on her face, he knew everything would be okay. Surprisingly, it was her father who reassured him the most.
“Any man who’s brave enough to own up to his feelings like that the first time he meets a girl’s family is a good man in my books. Now, tell me: What’s your favorite vintage car?”
Everyone laughed, and the sentimental moment was over. But Chase still felt overwhelmed by the emotions he felt coursing between him and Reagan. Emotions so powerful, he knew he wouldn’t be able to avoid admitting them to both himself and to Reagan. Love. He was falling in love with her.
* * *
When Chase had told her family how he felt, Reagan had been ready to profess her love to him right there in front of everyone. Which was insane given how short their relationship had been. But the heartfelt emotion behind his words had struck her, and she wondered if perhaps she wasn’t alone in how strongly she felt. Thankfully, before she could get swept away by it all, the conversation had moved along. Now Chase was in the garage with her dad, while Simon chatted with Gammie. Her mom had asked Reagan to come into the kitchen to help finish dinner and she knew that meant questions were coming.
Sure enough, as Reagan cut up vegetables for the salad, Betty sat down on one of the tall stools that lined the kitchen island.
“Alright, love, spill. You’ve mentioned Chase’s name a couple of times over the last year and every time, you would blush. When did this go from just a crush to full on love?”
Reagan looked at her mother in surprise. “Love! Who said anything about love? Wait. You knew I had a crush?”
Her mother laughed softly. “A mother always knows. And yes, Reagan, love. The way that man looks at you and the way you look at him, you’d have to be blind not to see it.”
“You really think so?” Reagan asked hesitantly, grateful that she was close enough with her mother to show her vulnerable side. “It feels so fast.”
“Of course I do, honey. What’s not to love? You’re gorgeous, kind, funny, talented, smart; you’re the total package. And no, as your mother, I do not think I’m biased.” Betty took a sip of her wine and smiled at her daughter.
Reagan kept her eyes downcast as she replied, “I guess I just worry sometimes that he’s so different from me.”
“How is he different? Wouldn’t you say Chase is also kind, funny, and talented? And anyone with eyes can see he is one gorgeous man. I would say you’re perfectly matched.”
“Well, yeah, he is all of those things. But…” Reagan’s voice trailed off. Her mother had never been able to understand how badly Reagan felt about her body. Being a slender former ballerina, she had never worried about her size in her life.
“There is no but, honey. That man is wild about you. Don’t stand in your own way to happiness, please.” Betty came to stand beside Reagan and touched her on the shoulder. “Your father and I just want you to live the life that will bring you joy. And Chase brings you joy. I can see that already.”
Without saying a word, Reagan turned and folded her mom in a tight hug. She let the support and love of family wash over her, bathing her in a peaceful sense of calm.
“I love you, Mom.”
“Not as much as I love you, honey.”
* * *
Dinner was a delicious feast of food and laughter. The Grants had been incredibly welcoming, and Chase had enjoyed every moment. Even being grilled on his knowledge of old cars by Reagan’s dad had been fun in a way. Now, Chase’s stomach was full of grilled chicken, homemade buns, and salad. The pecan pie Reagan had brought was devoured by everyone until not even a crumb remained. Now they sat on cozy chairs and relaxed around the outdoor firepit in the back yard. Everyone except for Gammie, who Lewis had driven home after dinner.
Chase let the conversation flow around him. Betty was asking Simon something about his partner Daniel, with Reagan chiming in about her recent weekend visiting them. Chase let his hand drift lazily up and down Reagan’s spine, feeling the warmth of her skin seep into him. When he heard Betty ask something about brownies, he felt Reagan shift uncomfortably underneath his hands and focused in on the conversation.
