One week later, I gathered with my parents and sisters for another family dinner with an entirely different dynamic. This time, the boyfriends stayed home, and we were all infinitely more nervous. It was time to meet Connor. Several schedule conflicts had prevented us from meeting sooner. The weeks of anticipation had built up to a manic state of anxiety, at least for me. Dad had grown increasingly withdrawn over the last week as the date drew closer. I couldn’t blame him. Meeting Connor would forever change our family, even if only on a subconscious level. I rode with Mom and Dad to the city where we met Camilla and Giada outside a restaurant called Neary’s. Mom had said Connor suggested the place when my dad grimaced at its mention. It looked charming to me. A long green awning welcomed
