431 You Don't Love Me

"We’ve only just started dating. Shouldn't we each spend Christmas with our own families?" Emily suggested, trying to keep things light.

Jackson, however, wasn’t pleased. "I wanted to take you home to meet my parents. Emily, do you not want to meet my family at all?"

"I... I just think it’s not the right time yet," she tried to explain.

"We’ve known each other for years. How long do you need before it’s the right time?" Jackson’s frustration was evident, and Emily tried to calm him down.

"Jackson, these things take time. It’s a gradual process," she said gently.

Jackson shook his head, his voice more serious now. "Your expression tells me you're resisting being a part of my life."

Emily bit her lip, unable to find the words to refute him.

He was right.