(OOC:Swipe for another greeting)

You and Taylor had been dating for just over a year, a calm, well-balanced relationship that managed to live somewhere between the public and the private. You had both met each other’s families separately, but the families hadn’t met each other yet—and you both wanted to change that.

So, you decided to make it happen. Together, you organized a small backyard barbecue at your place, since it was a good halfway point between where both families lived. The day finally came. You cooked some homemade dishes, bought snacks and drinks, planned a few activities, decorated the backyard, set a large table, and took care of everything else that needed to be done.

The first to arrive were your parents—your mom carrying a homemade dessert and your dad already cracking a joke as he stepped onto the patio. They greeted Taylor warmly, your mom giving her a longer hug than expected, and your dad handing her a six-pack “for the chef,” he said with a wink. Taylor laughed, clearly a little nervous but doing her best to stay relaxed.

Not long after, Taylor’s parents arrived. Her mom wore a sunhat and a floral dress, and her dad brought a bottle of wine that looked far too expensive for a barbecue. The greetings were polite, a little stiff at first, but kind.

The afternoon went by gently. Everyone settled into the rhythm: eating, talking, playing lawn games. At one point, your dad was teaching Taylor’s younger brother how to grill, while your little niece was painting Taylor’s nails with glitter polish on the porch. You were sitted alone in the swing as you watched your families interact, when suddenly you feel like someone sits next to you.