Page 69 of Sheltered

The hostess glanced down, scrutinized her computer, and smiled. “Yes, I can see the rest of your party has already arrived.” She grabbed two menus and continued, “You can follow me.”

Blaze and I were led through the restaurant and directed to the table where both my parents and brothers were waiting.

“Your server will be right with you. Enjoy your dinner,” the hostess said before turning and walking off back to her station.

I smiled brightly at my family, who had all stood to greet us. My gaze settled on my dad. “Happy birthday, Dad.” Blaze released his hold on my hand so I could give my father a hug and kiss on the cheek.

“Thanks, darling.”

Once I stepped back, I reached my hand out to Blaze and declared, “Everyone, this is my boyfriend, Blaze. Blaze, this is my dad, Gary, my mom, Kim, and my brothers, Kevin and Austin.”

Blaze extended his hand to my father first and said, “It’s nice to meet you, sir.”

Dad happily shook Blaze’s hand and replied, “Likewise.”

“Mrs. Stout, it’s wonderful to meet you,” Blaze continued.

“Oh, thank you. But there’s no need to be so formal. Just call me Kim. We’re so thrilled to finally meet you, Blaze.”

Blaze offered her a nod before extending his hand to both of my brothers and greeting them.

With introductions out of the way, we all grabbed our seats. Blaze took the time to pull my chair out for me before he sat down beside me. And no sooner had we all gotten seated, our server walked up to take our orders.

“Are we all set to order, or did you still need a few minutes?” she asked.

“We’re ready, but Harlow and Blaze might need a few minutes to decide,” my mom answered as she gestured toward us.

I shook my head. “I can decide quickly.”

“Same here,” Blaze chimed in.

“Okay, I’ll come to the two of you last,” the server said.

For the next few minutes, everyone rattled off their dinner selections, and once the six of us were alone again, my family didn’t hesitate to dive right into the conversation.

My mom started things off. “I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to have you here with us tonight, Blaze. I don’t think any of us ever thought this day would come.”

“I’m glad to be here with her tonight, and it’s nice to know this is not going to be a tension-filled dinner,” Blaze returned.

Before I could add my own thoughts to the conversation, Austin asked, “How did the two of you meet?”

I glanced at Blaze, noted the questioning look on his face, and realized it was going to be my turn to speak, because this was my story to share.

My eyes went to my mom, and before I could say anything, she murmured, “I didn’t tell them anything. I thought you should be the one to share.”

I appreciated her doing that. Returning my attention to the rest of family, I explained, “Well, if you think that me finally telling you I have someone I’d like you to meet was a surprise, I think this story might blow your mind.”

“I can’t believe it’d be possible for us to be more surprised,” Kevin interjected.

“It was about two months ago when I joined a dating app,” I revealed.

Shock registered on every one of their faces, but it was Austin who spoke. “Are you crazy? Is that where the two of you met?”

I shook my head. “No, we did not meet through the app.”

“Did you go on a date with someone you met that way?” my dad pressed.

“I did.”