Meeting The Parents

Chapter - 13

"Hello, Ma'am, it's a pleasure to meet you," Jacob said, nerves tightly coiled as he greeted Eliza's mother. She stood at the doorway of their grand home, an elegant structure that exuded wealth and sophistication. Jacob had put considerable effort into his appearance for the evening, wearing a newly purchased suit and taking an extra-long shower to ensure he looked and smelled his best.

Mrs. Thompson, a graceful woman with a warm smile, responded kindly, "It's good to put a face to your name, Jacob. I've heard a lot about you from Eliza."

"Hope all good things," Jacob replied, attempting to mask his anxiety with a charming smile. Killing people was easy; facing his girlfriend's parents for the first time was terrifying. He forced himself to relax, reminding himself that this challenge, unlike his usual ones, didn't involve life or death.

Mrs. Thompson laughed lightly. "Well, that you'll have to find out."

She led Jacob and Eliza into the house and through a series of beautifully decorated rooms to the lounge. There, Eliza's father, David Thompson, awaited them. David was a tall, sophisticated man, with neatly combed silver hair and round glasses perched on his nose. He wore a well-tailored suit, glancing up as they entered.

"Father, this is Jacob," Eliza introduced.

David Thompson stood, extending a hand. "Jacob, welcome."

"Thank you, sir," Jacob replied, shaking his hand firmly. He could feel David's assessing gaze scrutinizing him, weighing and measuring.

"Please, have a seat," David gestured to the sofa. Jacob sat down beside him as the women excused themselves to the kitchen to set up dinner.

"So, Jacob," David began, his tone serious, "tell me about yourself. What is it you do?"

Jacob took a deep breath, ready to navigate the delicate dance of half-truths. "I'm a prospector, sir. I work in the mines and the fields, searching for valuable minerals. It's honest work, though sometimes it doesn't pay much."

David nodded, his expression remaining stoic. "And your family? Where do they come from?"

"My family is from Pine Ridge," Jacob replied. "My father was a farmer. I learned the value of hard work from him. Unfortunately, both my parents passed away when I was ten years old. I've been out on my own since then."

"Hmm," David murmured, taking in Jacob's words. "And what are your intentions with my daughter?"

Jacob met David's gaze steadily. "I care deeply for Eliza, sir. I want to build a future with her, one where we can both be happy."

Before David could respond, Eliza's voice called from the dining room, "Dinner is ready!"

Jacob breathed a silent sigh of relief and stood, following David to the dining room where an elaborate spread awaited them. Servants moved efficiently, setting plates and arranging the food.

As they began to eat, David made pointed comments about Jacob, from his appearance as well as his profession.

"Jacob, don't mind my words, but It seems quite a leap to think you could provide for someone of Eliza's background."

Jacob felt the sting of David's words but remained silent, focusing on his food. Eliza, however, bristled at her father's remarks. "Father, that's enough. Jacob is a good man, and he treats me with respect and kindness. Isn't that what matters most?"

David's eyes narrowed slightly. "Respect and kindness are important, but so is stability and a proper match."

Eliza's temper flared. "You have no right to judge him based on his job. He's more than capable of making me happy, and that's what you should be concerned about."

The tension at the table grew thick until Mrs. Thompson intervened, placing a calming hand on her husband's arm. "David, please. That's no way to treat a guest. Give the young man a chance."

David grumbled but relented, offering Jacob a grudging apology. "I suppose I owe you an apology, Jacob. It's just... Eliza means the world to me."

"I understand, sir," Jacob replied respectfully. "I only want what's best for her too."

The rest of the meal passed in relative peace, though the underlying tension remained. As the evening drew to a close, Mrs. Thompson saw Jacob to the door. "Thank you for coming, Jacob. I will speak with David. For now, you have my approval. You seem like a good young man."

"Thank you, Ma'am," Jacob said, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude. He glanced back at Eliza, who stood smiling proudly behind her mother.

"I'll leave you two to say your goodbyes," Mrs. Thompson said with a knowing smile, stepping back and going inside, allowing her daughter to move closer to Jacob. Eliza tiptoed toward him, her eyes filled with affection and warmth. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a soul-searing kiss. Jacob, unable to resist the pull of her allure, let his hands wander, finally settling on the supple swell of her hips. He held her close, feeling the intensity of their connection.

"You were wonderful today," Eliza whispered against his lips. "Please don't take Father's words to heart. Mom and I will try to convince him."

Jacob took a deep breath, gathering his courage for what he had to say next. He had thought about this for some time now, and the decision had become clear. "Eliza, I know it's been only a few months since we've known each other. And I know I'm not good enough for you, at least not in financial terms, but... I love you, Eliza. More than anything in the world. You're the first woman to ever make me feel this way, and I want you to be the last as well. I... I want you to be mine."

Eliza tensed within his arms, her eyes widening with surprise. "That's a lot to take in," she said softly, before her gaze hardened with a newfound resolve. "Jacob, tomorrow, early morning, meet me by the stream we went to. I'll give you my answer there." She then kissed him deeply once more, their lips lingering as if they were savoring every moment together. Finally, they pulled apart, their breaths mingling in the cool night air.

As Jacob walked away from the Thompson residence, his heart pounded with a mix of anticipation and hope. The future seemed brighter, more promising, despite the uncertainty that lay ahead.