Although Larry felt confident, there was still no saying if Joan’s parents would approve of him.
Nevertheless, he plastered on a calm and collected expression, lest Joan mocks him.
The rest of the two-hour drive went by swiftly. Larry had been to her parent’s place before, so he navigated the road well.
“Mom, Dad, I’m home!” Joan announced out of habit.
“Joan! You’re back.” Mrs. Watts came to greet her.
Seconds after, Mr. Watts paced out of his study and approached them too.
Mrs. Watts beamed brightly, but her smile faltered when she saw Larry standing next to Joan.
“Joan! Why didn’t you tell me that you would be bringing a guest?” Mrs. Watts’ panicked gaze darted back to her daughter. “I didn’t prepare any refreshments or snacks!”
“Mom, it’s fine. He’s not some outsider,” Joan giggled.
Not some outsider? Mrs. Watts stilled. Does that mean… he’s her boyfriend?
The thought of this straightened Mrs. Watts’ back. She then eyed Larry from top to bottom.
Not bad. Not bad at all. An approving smile grew on Mrs. Watts’ face as she scanned every inch of Larry’s appearance. He was tall and handsome, yet elegant and well-composed at the same time. All of this won Mrs. Watts over.
Once both her parents had gathered before them, Joan announced proudly, “Mom, Dad. This is my boyfriend—Larry Norton.”
Larry took the chance to step forward and give a slight bow. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Watts.”
We’ve met before, Mr. Watts. Larry couldn’t help but wonder if the man remembered him as well.
Mr. Watts briefly smiled in acknowledgment of Larry’s greeting. Unbeknownst to Larry, Mr. Watts did remember him.
Joan’s boyfriend, huh? I’ll be the judge of whether he’s worthy enough to be with my daughter.
It wasn’t a lie when people say that fathers are their daughters’ first love. Mr. Watts had always spoiled Joan, and even to this point, he wanted the very best man for his daughter. So he examined Larry’s every move and every breath with extreme prejudice.
“Alright now,” Mrs. Watts said. She wasn’t as fussy as her husband when it comes to Larry’s worth. All she knew was that she really liked this well-behaved young man and approved him as her future son-in-law.
“Come in, Larry. You guys have a seat while I make you some tea.”
“Please don’t trouble yourself, Mrs. Watts.” Larry smiled before turning to Joan and said, “You go on in. I’ll bring over the gifts from the trunk.”
“Mm-hmm. You go ahead,” Joan replied in a singsong voice.
“Oh my! You didn’t have to bring gifts. Your presence is more than enough.”
Mrs. Watts’ lips parted into a wide grin.
She had hoped that her daughter would find a good man and settle down happily.
Now that Joan had formally introduced such an exceptional man as her boyfriend, Mrs. Watts’ face lit up with glee. She couldn’t contain the joy that warmed in her chest.
In the following ten minutes, the Watts watched as Larry carried boxes and bags of gifts from his trunk over to the living room. They initially didn’t think much of it, but as the minutes went by, Mr. and Mrs. Watts’ jaws gradually dropped in shock.
“Joan, what’s all this?” Mrs. Watts asked.
Joan shrugged helplessly. “I told him not to get so many gifts, but he kept insisting.”
“Do you think that’s the last of it?”
“Hmm, seems like it.”
“Why is he still going, then?”
“Give him a minute. I’m sure he’s almost done.”
“Is that it?”
“I-I’m not so sure anymore.”
The Watts’ eyes widened in disbelief once Larry was done moving the gifts.
There was now a mountain-like pile of gifts that almost reached the ceiling in the living room. At this, Mrs. Watts twiddled her thumbs. “Did you guys buy everything in the mall?”
Larry chuckled before calmly explaining, “I wanted to get you guys gifts since it’s our first time meeting. However, I didn’t know what you guys liked, so I got a bit of everything. Once we get to know each other better, I’ll bring over gifts that you prefer the next time I visit.”
“That’s very thoughtful of you, Larry.” Mrs. Watts grinned from ear to ear, feeling more and more satisfied with her daughter’s choice in men.
“But really, there’s no need for gifts in the future. I’ll be more than happy if you two visit us often. Don’t you agree, darling?”
