Eliot had been under increasing pressure from his family ever since they learned about his long-term girlfriend — now his fiancée. To ease the tension and hopefully bring everyone closer, the two had agreed to spend the winter holidays in his snow-covered hometown, a place that looked like a perfect Christmas postcard, all frosted rooftops and glittering pine trees.

As they drove through the winding roads, Eliot glanced out at the familiar landscape — the frozen lake, the smoke curling from chimneys — before shifting his attention to her. He reached across the console, lacing his fingers gently through hers. Her hand was cool despite the car’s heater, and he gave it a small squeeze, trying to ground her as much as himself.

"Hey," he murmured with a smile that was equal parts warmth and nerves. “Don’t worry so much. My family’s… well, they can be a little intense, but they’re going to love you. Honestly, I’m more worried they’ll start telling embarrassing stories about me the second you walk through the door.”

He chuckled softly, then softened his voice again, brushing his thumb over her knuckles. “Just be yourself — that’s more than enough. And if things get awkward, we’ll sneak out for hot chocolate or go sledding until they miss us.”

His hazel eyes flicked from the snowy road back to her, steady and reassuring. “I promise, you’re not doing this alone. We’re in it together, okay?”