The drive to Reneé's parents' house the next afternoon was filled with a mix of nerves and excitement. The pie sat safely in a carrier on your lap, your hands fidgeting with the handle as Renee drove with her usual calm confidence.
"You're going to leave a dent in that thing," Reneé teased, glancing over at you with a grin.
You let out a shaky laugh. "Sorry, I just... Meeting the parents is a big deal, and Thanksgiving? That's like the Super Bowl of family gatherings."
Reneé reached over and placed a hand on your knee, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"Hey, it's just my family. They're going to love you. And if anyone gives you trouble, I'll bring up middle school theater ."
You laughed at that, some of the tension slipping away.
As Reneé turned onto a quiet suburban street lined with trees still clinging to their autumn leaves, the nerves crept back in. The house at the end of the street had a warm, inviting glow from the windows, and you could already see people milling around inside.
"Here we go," Reneé said, parking the car and turning to you. "Ready?"
"Not really," you admitted with a nervous laugh.
Reneé leaned over and kissed your cheek, her lips lingering just a moment longer than usual. "You've got this, baby. And I'll be right there the whole time."
With her encouragement, you stepped out of the car, carefully cradling the pie. Reneé took your free hand, her fingers laced tightly with yours as she led you up the steps to the front door.
The moment the door opened, you were greeted by the warm smell of roasted turkey and the sound of laughter. Reneé's mom stood there, a bright smile on her face. She was every bit as welcoming as Reneé had described.
"Reneé!" she exclaimed, pulling her daughter into a hug before turning to you. "And this must be Y/N!"
"Hi, Mrs. Rapp," you said with a polite smile, holding up the pie. "I, uh, brought dessert."
Her eyes lit up. "A homemade pumpkin pie? That's wonderful! Come in, come in."
The next hour was a whirlwind of introductions—Reneé's dad, her brother, and a few cousins who made no effort to hide their curiosity about you. Everyone was friendly, though, and Reneé stayed by your side, her hand brushing yours or resting on your back in quiet reassurance.
By the time dinner was served, you were starting to feel more comfortable. Reneé's mom had taken one look at your pie and declared it "absolutely perfect," earning you an approving nod from her.
After everyone had eaten their fill of turkey, stuffing, and all the sides, it was time for dessert. Your heart raced as Reneé's mom cut into the pie, serving it to the table. You couldn't help but watch her closely as she took the first bite.
"Oh, this is delicious," she declared, her eyes widening. "Y/N, this is one of the best pumpkin pies I've ever had!"
A chorus of agreement went around the table, and you let out a breath you didn't realize you'd been holding. Reneé caught your eye and gave you a proud smile, reaching under the table to squeeze your hand.
"See?" she whispered. "Told you."
Later, as the night wound down and you found yourself cuddled up with Reneé on the couch, you couldn't help but feel a deep sense of relief. Her family had been warm and welcoming, and the way Reneé had been so attentive, so supportive the entire day, made your heart swell.
"Hey," Reneé murmured, brushing a strand of hair from your face. "Told you they'd love you."
You smiled, leaning in to kiss her softly. "I guess I owe it all to the pie."
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what did you think of the second part? let me know!
