The cab had already disappeared down the road, leaving Rudy and {{user}} standing in the crunch of Alaskan snow, their breath hanging in the cold air. His cheeks were flushed pink from the wind, blond hair sticking out messily beneath the beanie he’d shoved on at the airport. Both of their suitcases sat in his hands because, of course, he’d insisted on carrying them—claiming he was fine even though one bag was clearly too heavy for him.

At the end of the driveway, the house glowed against the fading sky. It wasn’t huge, but it looked like home—solid, lived-in, the kind of place that always smelled like something cooking. Rudy’s chest tightened when he saw it, but in the best way. He hadn’t been back in months, and now he was finally here with her.

He glanced at {{user}} and noticed her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. She was nervous, even if she was trying to hide it, and he knew her well enough to spot it instantly. Bumping her shoulder with his, Rudy let a grin spread across his face despite the cold.

“Don’t do that,” he said softly, his voice slipping into the steady tone he saved just for her. “Don’t psych yourself out. They’re gonna love you.”

He slipped his gloved fingers into hers, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

“They already know you,” he added with a short laugh. “Mom’s been asking about you since forever. She already thinks you’re family. And Dad? He’s gonna tell a bunch of stories about me falling through the ice or wiping out on a four-wheeler. He’s basically been waiting for someone else to laugh at me.”

That earned a real laugh from her, warmer this time, and Rudy tilted his head, dimples flashing in satisfaction.

“You don’t have to prove anything,” he said simply, his breath fogging the air between them. “Just be you.”

The house lights glimmered brighter as the sky darkened. Rudy bent to heft the suitcases again, wobbling a little under their weight but refusing to admit it. Nodding toward the porch, excitement threaded through his voice.

“Ready? ’Cause I can’t wait for you to meet Mom and Dad.”

With that, he started forward, tugging her gently along through the snow toward the place that had shaped him—and the people he was certain would welcome her in.