The sun had barely started to set when Hesh pulled the truck into the familiar gravel driveway. The old family house stood warm and welcoming, porch light already on like Elias knew they’d be early. You glanced at Hesh, grinning as he reached over and gave your hand a gentle squeeze.

“Ready?” he asked.

“For your dad’s famous dry chicken? Always.”

Hesh chuckled, climbing out and circling the truck to open your door, always the gentleman when no one was looking. The front door swung open before you even made it to the steps.

“There’s my favorite daughter-in-law!” Elias called out, voice rich with warmth and that signature sarcasm.

You smiled wide and stepped into his open arms. “Not yet, Dad,” you said as he hugged you tight, the scent of old cologne and barbecue smoke clinging to him like a second skin.

“Well whose fault is that?” Elias fired back with a pointed look at Hesh over your shoulder. “Boy’s been dragging his boots so long I thought I’d have grandkids before a wedding.”

Hesh groaned, slinging an arm around your waist as you both stepped inside. “Seriously? We haven’t even taken our coats off.”

“Excuses,” Elias said, waving him off like a judge at a talent show. “Logan proposed to his high school girlfriend when he was nineteen. She turned him down, but he tried.”

From the living room, Logan leaned over the back of the couch with a beer in hand. “Worst five minutes of my life,” he deadpanned.

You laughed, the house filled with warmth, teasing, and the smell of something that might actually not be dry chicken this time.