Every Girl Wants A Moon

Chapter 20: Belonging

It had been two weeks since the wedding weekend, and everything felt like it was moving in a quiet, steady rhythm. Weekdays had become filled with work, and weekends with more time spent together, just the two of us. Chase had been patient with me, easing me into the world of his life without rushing me, without making me feel overwhelmed. It was a slow dance, and I was learning to enjoy the steps.

This Saturday felt different, though. It was the first day I'd woken up with a sense of excitement about something other than simply spending time with Chase. The invitation had come a week earlier—Chase's family was hosting a barbecue at his parents' house. Casual. Laid-back. Just a small gathering of close family and friends.

It should have been easy. Simple. But for me, it felt like stepping into unknown territory again. A barbecue was far less formal than the wedding, but it still carried that weight of expectation. I could already hear my thoughts spiraling. What would I wear? Would I fit in? What if I said something dumb? I wasn't quite sure where the nerves were coming from. It wasn't like I didn't know them already. I had survived the wedding, the family dinner, and even the tension of meeting Chase's ex. I had survived all of that.

And yet, the idea of spending an afternoon at a family event where people were just... being people, felt different.

Chase noticed my hesitation the moment he walked into my room to help me get ready. His smile was as warm as ever, but his eyes held a certain softness. "You're looking a little pensive this morning, sweet girl," he said, brushing a lock of hair away from my face. He sat beside me on the bed, his hand resting gently on my shoulder. "What's going on?"

I shrugged, fiddling with the hem of my shirt. "I just... I don't know if I'm ready for another family gathering. What if I don't fit in? I don't want to be the awkward one again."

Chase's expression softened, and without hesitation, he took my hand in his. "Baby, you fit in with my family. I promise. They're all rooting for you already. You don't have to be anything other than you. You're already enough."

I glanced up at him, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "I think it's just... easier when it's just us. With everyone else around, I feel like I'm being watched, you know?"

Chase's thumb gently stroked the back of my hand. "They're not watching you, sweet girl. They're just happy to see us together. And if anyone tries to make you feel uncomfortable, I'll be right there. You'll never have to face it alone."

His words wrapped around me like a blanket, and for the first time that morning, the tight knot of anxiety in my stomach loosened just a little.

We spent the rest of the morning getting ready, and by the time we left the apartment, I had managed to find a balance between nerves and anticipation. Chase kept me grounded with his easy banter and his steady presence. He even made me laugh when he reached over and brushed a speck of lint off my sleeve, giving me a mock serious look as if my life depended on it.

The drive to his parents' house was filled with quiet conversation and a few songs on the radio. By the time we pulled up to the familiar house, my heart was beating a little faster. Chase squeezed my hand as we made our way up to the front door.

"You've got this," he murmured, the same confidence in his voice that he always had.

I gave him a quick nod, though my stomach was still fluttering. He opened the door, and I followed him inside.

The moment we stepped in, the sounds of chatter, laughter, and the sizzling grill greeted us. Chase's mom, Olivia, was at the grill, making sure everything was perfectly cooked, while his dad, Daniel, was sitting at the patio table with a beer in his hand, laughing at something Ethan had said. Luke, as always, was in the middle of a conversation, gesturing animatedly with his hands as he spoke.