𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓮𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓾𝓼
ᴹᵉᵉᵗⁱⁿᵍ ᵗʰᵉ ᶠᵃᵐ...ᴬᵍᵃⁱⁿ

It wasn't the first time Walker had been to Aurelie's house since they'd gotten back together.

In fact, he'd been over plenty of times—hanging out, watching movies, and grabbing dinner with Aurelie and her family.

But this time felt different. They weren't just friends anymore, and after their breakup, things had shifted between them.

This was the first time Walker would sit down with Aurelie's parents knowing that they were officially back together.

Aurelie paced nervously around the living room, running her hands through her hair. She had seen her parents and Walker interact before, but there was a weight to this meeting that made her stomach flip. What if her parents felt awkward about them getting back together after everything? What if they didn't think it was a good idea?

"Relax," Aiden said from the hallway, appearing out of nowhere with a knowing grin. "Mom and Dad love him. You know that. And they're not going to care that you two are back together."

"I know," Aurelie sighed, glancing at him. "But it's... different now. We're dating again. It feels like a big step."

Aiden shrugged and smirked. "If you're gonna kiss him in front of them, at least warn me first. I'm not trying to see that."

Aurelie rolled her eyes but smiled. "Thanks for the advice, Aiden. I'll keep that in mind."

The doorbell rang, and her heart skipped a beat. That was the sound of Walker standing at the door.

He was here. The nerves kicked in full force now, but before she could second guess herself, she quickly opened the door.

"Hey, you," Walker greeted with a grin, pulling her into a hug.

"Hey," Aurelie said, the nervousness slowly melting away. She took a deep breath and led him inside, her heart thudding in her chest as they walked into the living room where her parents and younger sister were already waiting.

Jackie, her mom, was sitting on the couch, a warm smile on her face as she looked up at the two of them. "Hey, Walker, it's good to see you," she said, standing to give him a quick hug.

"Good to see you too, Mrs. Moreau," Walker replied, grinning.

Aurelie's dad, who was seated beside her mom, looked up and gave Walker a welcoming nod. "Hey there, Walker. Glad you could make it," he said, his tone easygoing.

"Thanks, Mr. Moreau. Appreciate you having me over," Walker said, returning the nod.

Aurelie sat down on the couch next to her mom, and Walker sat beside her, the space between them feeling strangely charged with the tension of being back in this familiar place, but now as a couple. It felt different.

"So, how've you been?" Jackie asked, a warm and genuine curiosity in her voice.

Walker glanced at Aurelie with a small smile before answering. "Been good. Busy with filming and everything. But things are settling down now that the holidays are here." He looked at Aurelie, his smile widening a bit. "And I'm really glad I get to spend some time with her."

Aurelie felt her heart flutter at his words.

Her mom noticed the small exchange and raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. Instead, she just gave Aurelie a knowing look, the kind of look that only a mother could give. It made Aurelie blush a little.

"So," Jackie continued, "how's everything going for you two? I heard you've been spending quite a bit of time together lately."

Aurelie hesitated, but then smiled softly. "Yeah... we have. And it's been really nice. We're taking things slow, but... it feels right."

Walker nodded, his gaze softening as he met her eyes. "Yeah. It just... feels right, you know?"

Her dad chuckled and gave a small nod of approval. "You two have always had a good connection. I'm glad to see it's still there."

Aurelie's heart warmed at her dad's words, and Walker smiled sheepishly. "Thanks, Mr. Moreau. That means a lot."

Sienna, sitting across from them with her arms folded, leaned forward and grinned. "I knew you two were gonna get back together. It was obvious."

Aurelie flushed, not quite sure how to respond. "It wasn't that obvious," she muttered, trying to suppress a smile.

But her mom, ever perceptive, caught the soft exchange between her and Walker and gave them both a knowing look. "Well, it's good to see you both happy again. You know, sometimes people just need time to figure things out. I'm happy you did."

"Thanks, Mom," Aurelie said softly, feeling a mix of relief and joy. "It means a lot."

After a few more lighthearted conversations, they all sat down to enjoy a movie together. Walker and Aurelie sat close, and though there was a lot of joking and laughter, it was clear that things had shifted—there was a deeper connection now, one that felt like it was meant to be.

Later, as the movie ended, Walker turned to Aurelie, his voice quiet but sincere. "Thanks for letting me be here, with your family. It means a lot to me."

Aurelie smiled and took his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Of course. You're part of this family now. I wouldn't have it any other way."

Walker grinned, leaning in and brushing a soft kiss against her cheek. "I'm really glad we're back together," he whispered, his words warm and full of promise.

Aurelie smiled, her heart full. "Me too."

— THE SECRET OF US —