𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐀 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫

𝐅 𝐎 𝐑 𝐓 𝐘 - 𝐅 𝐈 𝐕 𝐄

Lowin

As the day of the dinner approached, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety swirling in my chest. My dad and I had spent the whole afternoon getting everything ready, making sure the house was clean and the food was perfect. I was grateful that Eleanor was out with her boyfriend, Jacob, tonight. Knowing her, she would've turned this into a bigger deal than it needed to be, and I just wanted this dinner to go smoothly without any added drama.

"Lowin, can you check on the lasagna?" Dad called from the living room, where he was setting the table. I could hear the clinking of silverware as he placed them carefully, probably making sure everything was just right.

"On it!" I called back, slipping on an oven mitt before opening the oven to peek inside. The lasagna was bubbling nicely, the cheese on top melting into a golden, gooey layer that made my stomach growl. Everything was going perfectly so far, and I was determined to keep it that way.

Dad walked into the kitchen just as I was closing the oven door, wiping his hands on a dish towel. "Smells good in here," he commented, giving me an approving nod. "I think we're ready."

I smiled, feeling a bit of the tension in my shoulders ease. "Yeah, everything's coming together."

He looked at me, his expression softening as he saw the nervous energy still buzzing beneath the surface. "You're worried about tonight," he observed, not as a question, but a statement.

I sighed, leaning against the counter. "A little. I mean, I know it'll be fine, but it's a big deal, you know? Introducing your girlfriend to your dad... it's a lot."

Dad chuckled softly, stepping closer to place a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "You've got nothing to worry about, kiddo. Sofiana seems like a wonderful woman, and I trust your judgment. Besides, if she makes you happy, that's all I care about."

His words brought a warm feeling to my chest, and I nodded, feeling more at ease. "Thanks, Dad. I just... I really want this to go well."

"It will," he said with a confident smile. "Now, why don't you go get ready? Sofiana will be here any minute."

I nodded, giving him a quick hug before heading upstairs to freshen up. I took a deep breath as I changed into a simple, comfortable outfit—something nice but not too fancy. I wanted to feel like myself tonight, not someone pretending to be something they're not.

When I came back downstairs, I heard the doorbell ring, and my heart skipped a beat. Sofiana was here.

"Do you want to get that?" Dad asked with a playful smirk, already knowing the answer.

I shot him a look but couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips. "Yeah, I'll get it," I replied, quickly making my way to the front door.

When I opened it, there she was—Sofiana, looking as gorgeous as ever in a simple yet elegant dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. Her hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail, and her smile was warm and inviting as she looked at me.

"Hi, darling," she greeted softly, her eyes sparkling with affection as she stepped inside.

"Hi," I breathed out, feeling a rush of warmth at the sight of her. "You look amazing."

"Thank you," she said with a smile, leaning in to kiss me softly. "You look beautiful too."

I blushed, feeling my heart flutter as I took her hand, leading her further inside. "Come on, Dad's waiting in the living room."

As we walked in, Dad stood up from the couch, a friendly smile on his face as he extended his hand. "Sofiana, it's nice to finally meet you," he said, his tone warm and genuine.