The private dinner with the dean and alumni was polished but brief. Ryan answered a few questions about Phoenix Fund's future, smiled through a toast, and exchanged polite cards with investors he had no intention of calling. Leah charmed the room with her insight and calm demeanor. Within ninety minutes, they were gone.
---
The Next Night – Leah's Parents
Ryan adjusted the collar of his jacket for the third time as Leah pressed the doorbell.
Ryan: "You sure they won't grill me?"
Leah (grinning): "Of course they will. That's how they show love."
Her mother, Carla Montgomery, opened the door with a warm smile.
Carla: "You must be Ryan! We've been hearing about you since the second date. Come in, come in."
Inside, her father Michael emerged from the kitchen holding a tray of lemonade.
Michael: "Heard you're some kind of business wunderkind. But can you cook a decent steak? That's what really matters."
Ryan (laughing): "Medium rare. Garlic butter finish. I'll defend my honor on the grill any day."
As they sat down for dinner, Carla served homemade lasagna and fresh garlic bread. The table was covered with small dishes, the kind only families use to make people feel truly welcome.
Carla: "So, Ryan, tell us—when did you know you wanted to build your own company?"
Ryan: "Honestly? The first time I realized I didn't want to work under someone who didn't care about people. I wanted to build something that did more than make money."
Michael: "You built something alright. Your name came up in an article I read last week. Impressive stuff. And I'm guessing you and Leah met at work?"
Leah: "We started as co-founders. Then... we kind of forgot to stop spending time together."
Ryan: "Somewhere between business meetings and late-night takeout, I fell in love."
Carla (smiling): "You two balance each other. It's written all over your faces."
After dessert, her parents walked them to the door.
Michael (quietly to Ryan): "She trusts you. That means I will too. Just take care of her."
Ryan: "I promise."
---
Night Two – Ryan's Parents
The next evening, Leah wore a navy blue sweater and brought a bottle of red wine as they arrived at a modest but well-kept house outside the city.
Ryan: "Just be yourself. Mom will love you. Dad will act grumpy, but he's all heart."
Nancy Keller greeted them with open arms.
Nancy: "So this is Leah! Oh, you're even lovelier in person. And sharp, from what I've read. Come in, I made way too much food."
Ryan's father, George, nodded from his recliner.
George: "So, you're the one my son keeps rearranging his calendar for."
Leah (smiling): "I only rearrange it to make sure he eats."
Nancy: "Thank you! I've been trying to get him to eat more than protein bars since high school."
Over dinner, George slowly opened up.
George: "He always had a head for numbers. But it was the people part I worried about. Then I see him with you... and I stop worrying."
Leah: "He brings out the calm in me. I bring out the questions in him."
Nancy: "That's how you know it works. You sharpen each other."
George: "So, any plans for what's next? Marriage? Grandkids?"
Leah nearly choked on her water.
Ryan (grinning): "Let's start with vacation first."
Later that night, as they walked to the car, Nancy hugged Leah tightly.
Nancy: "You're part of our family now. Don't be a stranger."
---
The Flight Back
As the plane leveled off above the clouds, Ryan leaned back in his seat, hand resting over Leah's.
Ryan: "That went better than I imagined."
Leah: "Your dad asking about grandkids might've been a bit much."
Ryan: "He liked you. That was his version of a compliment."
They laughed, their fingers laced.
Ryan: "So... vacation. We need a break. Just us. No meetings, no timelines. What do you think?"
Leah: "Yes, definitely! "Somewhere warm. Somewhere quiet. And maybe... unplugged? What about somewhere coastal? Maybe the Amalfi Coast? Or something low-key like Maui?"
Ryan: "I could go for either. Or maybe something off the map. New Zealand? Croatia?"
Leah: "Let's not overthink it. We need quiet, good views, and no cell service."
Ryan: "That sounds like Santorini. Greece, sun, white walls, blue water."
Leah: "Sold. When do we go?"
Ryan: "Ten days. No calls. No meetings. Just us."
Leah: "I'll book it tonight."
They watched the city lights fade below as the plane moved forward, carrying them into the next chapter—not just as partners, but as something deeper, stronger, and entirely their own.
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