Jamison usually made it home for a meal on weekends, almost without exception. Even if something came up and he couldn’t make it, he’d always call to let his family know.

That evening, he said, “I’ve got something going on this weekend, so I won’t be able to come by. Tomorrow night, if I don’t end up working late, I’ll try to stop in.”

His mother didn’t miss a beat. “Something going on? What, you got yourself a girlfriend now?”

Jamison chuckled. “You already know, so why even ask?”

She huffed. “No wonder they say a son forgets his mother once a woman comes along. You’re not even married yet, and I’m already out of sight, out of mind!”

Jamison was as straightforward as ever. “Well, you won’t have to wait long. You’ll have a daughter-in-law soon enough.”

“What?” Mrs. Ludwig was so stunned her words caught in her throat. She blurted out, “You’re actually going to marry Ivy?”

“That’s right.”

“You–this is a huge decision! You can’t be serious. I heard about it from Micah, but I thought he was joking, or maybe he misunderstood.”

She’d heard bits and pieces from her grandson, but her rational mind just couldn’t believe it. Her youngest son had always been steady, thoughtful, never one to act on a whim. Marriage was a big deal; there was no way he’d rush into it after just a few days of dating, right?

“Mom, I’ve thought it through. Next Wednesday, Ivy and I are going to the courthouse to get our marriage license. If you and Dad want to give us your blessing, I’ll bring Ivy over that night to meet everyone formally.”

In the passenger seat, Ivy whipped her head around, eyes wide in shock. Meet the family? When did she ever agree to that? But Jamison was still on the phone, and she didn’t want to interrupt, so she bit her tongue and waited.

“Jamison, don’t be rash,” Mrs. Ludwig pleaded. “Even if you’re sure about her, you two should take some time. Get to know each other, make sure your feelings are steady. Don’t go running off and eloping like those people you hear about–those marriages never last.”

Her words weren’t a flat refusal, but she was clearly hoping to buy some time.

But Jamison was resolute. “I’ve made up my mind, Mom. There’s no reason to drag things out when we’re both sure. Ivy and I have thought about this seriously–it’s not some impulsive decision.”

“Jamison–” Mrs. Ludwig tried to say more, but just then the car rolled into the underground parking garage.

“Alright, Mom, I haven’t even had dinner yet. I just got to the restaurant. We’ll talk more tomorrow if I have time to come by.”

He hung up, cutting off his mother’s protests.

Ivy watched him, her expression growing serious. “So your family knows about us getting married?”

“Yeah. The Windsors know, and I’m sure Emma’s already told Micah, so the news spread fast. My mom called, trying to fish for answers, but she still doesn’t quite believe it.” Jamison shrugged, his easy attitude making it clear he wasn’t too concerned about what his family thought.

Ivy frowned. “You’re really planning to take me to meet your parents?”

“Well, sooner or later you’ve got to meet the in-laws. There’s no avoiding it.”

She shot him a look. “Excuse me? I just think… if I go, it’ll only make your parents unhappy, and you’ll be stuck in the middle. There’s no need for that.”

“Alright, if you really don’t want to, we won’t go. It’s fine.”

That surprised Ivy. He was letting her off the hook way too easily.

After dinner, Jamison drove Ivy home. As she was about to get out of the car, something occurred to her.

“Oh, by the way–Katrina’s coming back tomorrow. You can’t just let yourself in whenever you want anymore. Give me a heads up before you come over, and ring the doorbell, okay?”

Jamison had been about to kiss her goodbye, but instead got a lecture he didn’t care for. He paused, considering. “Is Katrina going to be staying with you long-term?”

“For now, yes. But the new semester’s starting soon, so she’ll go back to school then.”