As the evening sun dipped lower, casting long shadows over the backyard, Emily found herself surprisingly at ease. She hadn't expected to feel so comfortable around Ethan. Usually, these kinds of family setups made her want to escape, but Ethan's easy manner had managed to hold her attention. Their conversation had shifted to lighter topics—childhood memories, embarrassing family moments, and the occasional teasing remark.
"So," Ethan said, leaning slightly closer, a playful grin on his face, "you're telling me that your dad dressed as Santa every Christmas, but instead of toys, he handed out office supplies?"
Emily couldn't help but laugh, nodding as she recalled the memory. "Yes, exactly! One year I got a stapler. I was ten."
Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "That's…well, practical, I guess."
"Practical is his middle name," Emily said, wiping a tear from her eye from laughing so hard. "You should've seen my face. I thought it was going to be some new toy, and there I was with office supplies for my future."
"Well, looks like he was onto something. After all, you did end up in corporate," Ethan teased.
Emily smirked. "Touché."
From across the yard, Emily noticed her mother, Mrs. Walker, watching them with a satisfied smile. She was standing beside Ethan's mother, who seemed equally pleased with how the day had unfolded. The two women were quietly observing their children, exchanging knowing glances. Emily felt a familiar twinge of self-consciousness—she wasn't used to being under such a watchful eye.
"So," Emily ventured carefully, shifting her tone just slightly, "your family seems…nice. They're not too overbearing about all of this?"
Ethan followed her gaze, looking toward their mothers, and gave a small, knowing smile. "They mean well. They've always wanted me to find someone who…fits, you know?"
"Fits?" Emily raised an eyebrow.
Ethan shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "I guess they want someone who understands our family values. Someone who will settle down, make a home. You know how it is in these close-knit communities."
Emily nodded slowly, choosing her words carefully. "And you? Are you looking for someone to settle down with? Someone who fits into that mold?"
Ethan seemed to consider this for a moment before shaking his head. "I don't need someone to fit into a mold. I just want someone who's real—who has ambition, passion, and a vision for their life."
Emily glanced at him, surprised by his response. "And what about you? Where does your ambition lie?"
Ethan smiled softly, looking a little more serious now. "I've been working in the DA's office for a while now, and I'm working my way up. There's a lot of change that needs to happen in the justice system, and I want to be part of that. But…it's not all-consuming. I think there's more to life than just work."
His words struck Emily in a way she hadn't anticipated. For so long, she had been driven by her own career goals, believing that her path was laid out clearly in front of her. But the way Ethan spoke, so calm and self-assured, made her realize that maybe her focus on work had overshadowed other parts of life she hadn't yet explored.
Before she could respond, Ethan added with a playful grin, "But don't worry, I'm not about to give you a lecture on work-life balance. I'll save that for after dessert."
Emily chuckled, shaking her head. "Good, because I don't think I'm ready for that conversation just yet."
The moment of ease between them was interrupted when Mrs. Walker approached, her smile bright. "Emily, sweetheart, how are you two getting along?"
"We're doing fine, Mom," Emily said, smiling, but aware of the subtle implication.
"I'm so glad. You two look like you've known each other forever," Mrs. Walker said warmly, her eyes flicking between them before glancing back toward Ethan's mother.
Ethan smiled, ever the diplomat. "It's been great talking with Emily. We've covered quite a bit of ground."
Mrs. Walker beamed. "That's wonderful to hear! You know, Ethan's family is very close. His mother, Mrs. Miller, always says how important it is for a family to support each other."
Emily nodded politely, though her attention lingered on Ethan. She knew what her mother meant by "support"—it was the kind of comment that could be interpreted a hundred different ways. Still, it wasn't worth overthinking right now. The moment was too pleasant, too easy.
"They sound like a great family," Emily replied, keeping her tone light.
Mrs. Walker smiled before leaving them to their conversation once more. As she walked away, Emily turned to Ethan, amused. "I think that was my cue to ask more about your family."
Ethan leaned against the porch railing, his eyes twinkling with humor. "Don't worry, they're not as intimidating as they seem. They're just…traditional. They believe in taking care of each other, but they won't be grilling you about your life choices."
Emily smiled, relieved by his tone. "Good to know."
They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses filling the air around them. Emily could feel the pull of the moment, a quiet chemistry between them that she hadn't expected. Ethan was charming without being overwhelming, thoughtful without being pushy. And as much as she had walked into this gathering ready to dismiss it as just another matchmaking attempt, she had to admit—there was something different about him.
Ethan glanced over at her, his expression easy. "What do you think? Is this setup as awkward as you thought it would be?"
Emily chuckled, shaking her head. "No. Not awkward. Just…unexpected."
Ethan smiled, the kind that reached his eyes. "I'll take unexpected as a win."
Emily found herself smiling back, and for the first time that day, she wasn't thinking about work, or family expectations, or anything else. Just this moment, and the quiet possibility that maybe there was something here worth exploring after all.