CHAPTER 07_ THE PREP

NATALIE’S POV

I gazed at Mason, his strong jawline and piercing eyes still making my heart skip a beat.

I met Mason, at a charity gala, of all places. His humility and kindness stood out amiss with the pretentious crowd. We bonded over our shared passion for art, and I was captivated by his genuine smile.

Mason, was an aspiring artist. He had a way of seeing the world that I had never experienced before. His simplicity and authenticity drew me in, and I knew I wanted to be with him.

Fast-forward to two years later, and we were still waxing strong. Mason had become my rock, my confidant, and my best friend.

As I looked at him now, lounging on our couch, his eyebrows furrowed in curiosity.

"You’ve been staring at me for a while now." "What’s on your mind?" He asked and I laughed, playing coy.

“Staring at you? “No way please” I added, feigning ignorance.

“Hmmm, or do you want some sugar? He asked, pulling me close, his hands wrapping around my waist.

I giggled, trying to unwrap his hands.

“Stop it! As he continued to tease me with gentle kisses on my neck.

“Then, tell me what’s on your mind?” He pulled back, grinning.

Okay fine…. I started, "Just thinking about the party next weekend," I replied, smiling.

“You’re really excited about this party, aren’t you? He teased.

It was my cousin, Rachel’s 30th birthday party, and it was the perfect opportunity to introduce Mason to more of my family. I wanted him to feel comfortable around them, to let them know that he was a part of my life now.

I nodded, feeling a flutter in my chest. "I want you to meet more of my family. We’re a complicated big family, but they mean well and would be excited to meet you, babe.

Mason’s expression turned serious.

“I’ll be there for you, Nat, but are you sure they’ll accept me?”

I took his hand, reassuring him. “They’ll love you, you’re an amazing person, and you’re my boyfriend too.”

My fingers traced his overly flexed muscles on his muscular arms, feeling the tension ease. “I love you so much babes” I whispered.

His face softened, his voice filled with emotions. “And I love you even more” he replied, enveloping me in a warm, tender hug.

___________

Saturday morning dawned, so bright and sunny, matching my enthusiasm for Rachel’s party tonight and my growing anxiety about introducing Mason to my family.

I spent the morning in the saloon, ensuring that my hair and makeup were perfect. Next, I headed to my designer for the final dress fittings.

The emerald green gown accentuated my curves, adding a highlight. I couldn’t wait for Mason to see me in it.

He seemed so uneasy during breakfast this morning and I couldn’t help but inquire what was wrong. He admitted that he was nervous, and I could only assure him not to be.

I mean, have you seen Mason? They’ll be charmed. Considering how much I’ve bragged about him to my cousins.

"Hey, we should start getting ready, don’t you think?" I snuggled closer to him on the couch. It was past seven pm.

He wrapped his hands around me, pulling me in. “What’s the dress code again?”

“Formal attire” I replied. “Rachel’s going all out for her 30th”

He nodded. “Alright, I need something that will make me look decent next to you.”

I laughed, “you always look handsome to me, I have picked something for you already”, I added, moving closer to his closet, revealing a navy blue suit.

He smiled. “You always know how to make me look sharp.”

"That’s not all, we’re going to go with this burgundy tie". Now come on, cheer up, I’m really excited to see you on this. I added, hurriedly, leaving him to get prepared too.

I had said so much about Mason to my cousins already, it was about time they saw him, and I was really excited about the opportunity.

He had met my dad one time, in a very embarrassing way. We were right outside the house, his hands wrapped around my waist. I could see the visible shock on his face when the car drove towards us, revealing my dad.

It was a really fun day. I introduced him anyway. My dad is chill and would basically do anything for me. I chuckled, reminiscing about the incident.