Emily is now 22, a recent college graduate with a degree in graphic design. She just started working for a creative startup downtown. She’s always been private about her relationships. I never pressed her. My only advice was: “Make sure the person you choose respects you.”
A Surprise Announcement
One warm evening, I was in the garage fixing a squeaky cabinet door when Emily walked in, her face glowing but strangely tense.
“Dad,” she said, “I’m bringing my boyfriend over for dinner tonight. He’s been wanting to meet you.”
I froze for a moment—not because she had a boyfriend, but because of the way she said it, half-excited, half-nervous.
“How long have you been seeing him?” I asked.
“Almost five months,” she replied quickly. “His job keeps him on the road a lot, so… I didn’t know the right time to tell you.”
I nodded, hiding my surprise. That evening I set the table and cooked a classic dinner: roast chicken, mashed potatoes, Caesar salad, and apple pie cooling on the counter.
