“I really didn’t think you would make it,” she said. Hanging up his jackets, she turned back to him and gave him a smile. She cast a quick glance further into the house. When she didn’t see either of her parents, she gave him a quick hug.

“Papa!” Erin hollered from where she was peering around the corner. “They’re hugging and you told her that she couldn’t do that until she was married!”

Then from around the corner appeared the girls’ mother. With a smile on her face, she shooed away the little pest and came forward. “Welcome to our home,” she greeted Chad.

“Thank you ma’am,” replied Chad. “It’s quite lovely.”

She beamed at the praise. “We’re so glad you could make it,” she said. “Alicia was worried that the storm would be too much for you.”

Chad absentmindedly put an arm around Alicia’s waist. When he saw Alicia’s mother’s eyes narrow ever so slightly at the familiarity with which he was treating her daughter, he came to his senses and quickly removed his arm. “Oh, it’s not so bad,” he lied.

“Dinner will be ready shortly,” she told them. Then turning to her daughter she said, “Your father is in the library.” About that time, Erin reappeared again and was ready to say something when her mother grabbed her by the arm. “You need to help me in the kitchen young lady.”

“But mama!” she cried. “I want to see Alicia’s boyfriend.”

“None of that,” her mother said. Then with a tight grip on her daughter’s arm, she dragged her to the kitchen.

He glanced to Alicia and could see that her face was still a little red with embarrassment. “Come on,” she said as she looped one arm around his. Then arm in arm, they proceeded into the house.

Chad and Alicia had known each other since before the trip to Catha. In the weeks since returning, they’ve grown to know each other better. Last week it had been decided that it was time for him to meet her family. Always dreading that part of any relationship, he had agreed to come this evening to dinner.