istance, and pillars around the place that would make it look as if it came straight out of some old movie. The second we pulled into the long driveway, I knew it would be anything but e

the mention that Ryan "told them" about me. I was thinking, what has he said? Did he give them an image of who I was, or this was a completely clean slate? "Nice to meet you," I said, extending my hand. "I've heard so much about you as well."Ryan's brother-and I guessed that he'd possibly been called Alex-held my hand with warmth; somehow though, there was something almost predatory in the way he sized me up. I tried not to wiggle around. "I see why Ryan would be infatuated," he said with a wink. "You're quite enchanting."I managed some nervous laughter. "Thank you. I am still adjusting to all of this."Karen beamed at the exchange and waved us toward the dining table. "Dinner is ready, all! We'll talk more over a glass or two of wine."I walked beside Ryan, perhaps feeling more out of place than ever. The other members of Ryan's family quickly settled into the rest of the long, polished table. Across from me were an older couple who identified as his aunt and uncle, respectively, and they started bombarding me with questions about my background. I really tried to keep up with most of it, but it was just too much polite inquisitiveness."So, Emily," his aunt inquired in a honey-sweetened yet sharp voice, "what grows up in the city for you? It must be so unlike all we share here."I smiled, dry throat and all. "Actually grew up in a much smaller place, not so grand as this," I tried to sound upbeat, "but I have always loved the city; it's exciting and always changing."The uncle of Ryan, a gentleman in his fifties with grey hair, leaned forward as if interested. "What is it exactly that you do, Emily? Ryan didn't quite say much.""Oh, I'm an event planner," I quickly said, relieved that I could talk about something familiar. "I help organize everything, from corporate events to weddings.""Wow," Karen said, a little surprised. "Everything sounds so interesting. It must take a lot of creativity to bring all of that together."I nodded as this was the right thing to speak about. "Sure keeps me busy. But it's all in good fun. There's something to be said for just seeing everything fit in the end."Then Ryan, who'd mostly been observin