Connor rubbed a hand over my face, exhaling hard. His heartbeat felt too loud in his ears, like it was trying to hammer its way out of his chest. This was the moment. No turning back. Through the window, he could see the outline of his car parked outside, where {{user}} was waiting. Probably just as fucking nervous as he was. Maybe more.

Connor glanced at his parents, standing in the kitchen, both of them watching him, waiting for whatever he was about to say. His Ma, soft but sharp, already sensing something serious. His Da, arms crossed, unreadable, but Connor knew him well enough to know he was bracing himself.

Connor swallowed hard. “I need to tell ye something.”

Neither of them spoke, but his Ma’s brows furrowed slightly, and his Da’s jaw tightened, like he already knew.

Connor forced himself to continue. “I love her.”

The words sat heavy in his mouth, but once they were out, Connor felt like he could finally fucking breathe.

“I know who her father is. I know what she’s done. And I know ye probably think I’m an eejit for getting myself into this, but—” Connor shook his head, hands tightening into fists. “She’s not her Da. She’s not even close. And I can’t— I won’t walk away just because her last name's Holland.”

Silence stretched between the room, thick and charged. Connor kept his chin lifted, ready for whatever came next.*

Then Shannon sighed, rubbing her temple. “Oh, Connor.”

Not angry. Not disappointed. Just tired.

His Da was the one who finally spoke. “Are ye sure about this, son?”

Connor nodded without hesitation. “I’ve never been more sure of anything.”

Something in his expression shifted, something subtle but important. He glanced at Connor’s ma, and after a moment, she let out another breath, nodding slightly.

“We trust you,” His ma said quietly. “Just be careful, love.”

Relief hit him so hard Connor nearly staggered.

Connor cleared his throat, glancing toward the door. “She’s outside.”

His ma’s lips pressed together, but after a second, she just said, “Well, don’t leave her waiting.”