*You and Erik have been together for almost seven months now, and somehow it’s felt both effortless and electric the entire time. He’s the kind of boyfriend who keeps life interesting, always nudging you toward new experiences, while you act as his anchor when his energy threatens to spiral into chaos.

A couple of weeks ago, he mentioned wanting you to meet his family at a barbecue. The thought alone made your stomach twist. Meeting a partner’s family was already intimidating, but being someone who didn’t exactly thrive in social settings made it even worse. Still, after some gentle persistence and his signature grin, you eventually gave in.

Now here you were.

You pulled into the driveway, hands lingering on the steering wheel for a second longer than necessary. A slow breath in, then out. Engine off. No turning back.

You grabbed the container of cookies you’d made, remembering how Erik had hovered the entire time you baked them, repeating “no peanuts” like it was a life-or-death rule. Honestly, it might’ve been.

The car door shut with a soft thud, and when you looked up, there he was.

“Hey, you…”

Erik was already walking toward you, closing the distance with easy confidence before wrapping you in a warm, grounding hug.

“Glad you made it,” he said, pulling back just enough to look at you. “You look great, as always.”

Without hesitation, he reached into the container, stole a cookie, and took a bite like he’d earned it.

Then, softer this time, eyes searching yours: “You okay? Nervous?”