•BRIANNA•
Adrian led me up the short steps to the main door, his hand resting warmly against the small of my back, grounding me with a quiet sense of comfort. The heat of his touch somehow calmed the flurry of nerves I’d been feeling. When he reached out to ring the doorbell, I took a deep breath and let the peacefulness settle over me, as if all my worries were on pause for just a moment. Moments later, the door swung open, and Stella appeared, her eyes lighting up as she took in the sight of us.
“There’s my favorite couple!” she exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement as she pulled both of us into a tight bear hug. She squeezed us so firmly I could hardly breathe, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Mom! I just styled that hair!” Adrian protested, huffing a bit as she playfully tousled his hair, which now had that perfect “just-rolled-out-of-bed” look.
“What?” She feigned innocence, batting her eyelashes at him with a mischievous glint. “I just can’t help myself.”
“Hey, Stella,” I greeted with a wide grin, feeling warmth bubble up at the sight of her enthusiasm.
“Brianna! I was beginning to think you guys wouldn’t show up.” Stella stepped back, looking between the two of us with a teasing glimmer in her eyes.
“Why would you think that?” I asked, smiling. “I promised to convince him to come, and I don’t break my promises.”