Serendipitous [Joe Burrow]

Chapter 21

February 2021

Chandler paced around the house trying to make sure everything was in its place. Her parents would be there any minute. "Are you okay?"

"Fine. Just trying to straighten up," Chandler said.

"Hon you've been cleaning the house for the past three days," Joe said, "This place has never been this clean."

"Do you think those pictures are crooked?" Chandler said staring at the three photos that hung on Joe's wall.

"Chandler," Joe said putting his hands on her shoulders, "Do you think maybe you're obsessing over how the house looks because you're nervous to see your parents?"

"Maybe..."

"The house looks great," Joe said, "Everything is going to be fine." Chandler closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"You're right. I'm freaking out for no reason," Chandler said.

"You're going to do great!" The doorbell rang and Chandler's anxiety instantly returned. "You stay here, take a few more deep breaths. I'll get the door."

She nodded her head doing her best to breathe. Introductions could be heard from the entryway. Chandler put a smile on her face as her parents rounded the corner with Joe. "Chandler!" her mom smiled, "It's so good to see you again."

"It's good to see you too," Chandler said hugging her mom back. She pulled back seeing her dad looking at her. Both her parents hadn't changed since she saw them last. They still were both very put together.

"Chandler," her dad nodded.

"Dad," she said back.

"You're looking quite big," Brian said.

"Well I am 34 weeks pregnant," Chandler said.

"She's been doing a great job," Joe said, "Only about 7 weeks to go."

"Have you told your parents?" Carol asked.

"Yes. I told my dad right after I found out," Joe said, "They were both excited for us."

"How nice they got to find out before the press," Carol smiled.

"Joe is very close to his parents," Chandler said.

"Well it would have been nice to get a phone call at least," Brian said. An awkward silence fell over the room. Chandler glanced up at Joe seeing he was trying to figure out what to do next.

"Who's hungry?" Joe asked.

"Absolutely starving," Brian said, "It was a long drive up here."

"Well, I bought some steaks. Figured we could grill them up.

"It is a nice day for early February," Brian said, "Why not? I'll help you."

"I'll get started on the potatoes and baked beans," Chandler said.

"I can help," Carol offered. Joe grabbed the pre-seasoned steak out of the fridge as he and her dad walked out to the porch.

"So how have you and dad been?" Chandler asked trying to make conversation.

"Good. The law firm is doing wonderful. Business is booming," Carol said, "How have you been?"

"I've been good," Chandler asked.

"Do you still talk to Katie?" Carol asked.

"Yeah. We actually lived together up until recently," Chandler said, "She's engaged and getting married soon."