Chapter 13: The Family Dinner

Two days after the incident at the bookstore, Zachary received a call from Grandma May.

"Family dinner tonight," she announced.

"No excuses."

"Nana..."

"Bring Serenity."

"Everyone wants to meet my granddaughter."

Before Zachary could object, the call ended.

That evening, he picked Serenity up from the bookstore.

"We're going somewhere?" Serenity asked as she got into the car.

"My grandmother invited us to dinner."

"The whole family will be there."

Serenity suddenly felt nervous.

"Your whole family?"

"What if they don't like me?"

Zachary smiled reassuringly.

"If anyone has a problem with you... they'll answer to Grandma first."

Serenity laughed.

"That actually makes me feel better."

An hour later, they arrived at the York family estate.

The mansion was breathtaking.

Beautiful gardens surrounded the elegant building, while fountains sparkled beneath the evening lights.

"This place is incredible," Serenity whispered.

"It's just my grandparents' home," Zachary replied casually.

"Just?"

"This is bigger than most hotels!"

Before they reached the entrance, the front door burst open.

"They're here!"

Grandma May hurried outside with a huge smile.

"My beautiful granddaughter!"

She hugged Serenity tightly.

"I've missed you."

"Grandma," Serenity laughed.

"We only saw each other a few days ago."

"That's already too long."

Inside the mansion, dozens of family members had gathered.

Zachary's uncles, aunts, cousins, and younger brothers all looked toward the entrance.

"So that's our sister-in-law?" one cousin whispered.

"She's beautiful," another replied.

"And she looks so kind."

Grandma May proudly held Serenity's hand.

"Everyone listen."

"This is Serenity York, my eldest granddaughter-in-law."

"If anyone bullies her..."

"You'll answer to me."

Everyone laughed.

One by one, family members introduced themselves.

Unlike what Serenity had feared, they welcomed her warmly.

Even Zachary's younger brothers joked with her.

"Big Brother finally smiled after getting married," one of them teased.

"We thought he forgot how."

Zachary gave him a warning look.

"Careful."

Everyone laughed again.

During dinner, Grandma May watched the couple carefully.

"Zachary," she said suddenly.

"Peel the shrimp for your wife."

The entire table became silent.

"Nana..."

"Do it."

Without arguing, Zachary picked up a shrimp and carefully peeled it before placing it onto Serenity's plate.

Serenity blinked in surprise.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Grandma May smiled with satisfaction.

"See?"

"My grandson does know how to take care of his wife."

After dinner, everyone gathered in the garden.

Soft lanterns illuminated the walking paths.

Grandma May quietly pulled Serenity aside.

"Are you happy?" she asked gently.

Serenity looked toward Zachary, who was speaking with his brothers.

For the first time, she noticed how relaxed he seemed around his family.

"Yes," she answered honestly.

"He isn't very expressive..."

"But he always makes me feel safe."

Grandma May smiled knowingly.

"That boy has loved with actions all his life."

"Words have never been his strength."

"Give him time."

"His heart is much softer than he lets people see."

Meanwhile, Zachary's younger brother, Callum, walked over with a grin.

"Big Brother," he whispered.

"You really love her, don't you?"

"What makes you think that?"

"You peeled shrimp."

"You hate peeling shrimp."

"You didn't even do that for Grandma."

Zachary looked toward Serenity, who was laughing with Grandma May.

A small smile appeared on his face.

"Maybe... she's different."

Callum laughed.

"You're finished."

"You're completely in love."

"Don't be ridiculous."

"Really?"

"Then why can't you stop looking at her?"

Zachary had no answer.

Because his brother was right.

Without realizing it...

His eyes searched for Serenity wherever she went.

Later that evening, as they drove home, Serenity looked out the window.

"Your family is wonderful," she said softly.

"I was terrified they'd reject me."

"Instead... they treated me like I'd always belonged."

"That's because you do belong," Zachary replied.

"You're part of this family now."

Serenity smiled.

For the first time since their unexpected marriage...

The word 'family' no longer felt unfamiliar.

It felt... like home.