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He let go after a moment, straightening up as he stepped aside to let her past the threshold into the house.Then he looked at Sam with a tight smile that was laced with more awkward discomfort than it was unfriendly.

“Sam,” he said, nodding once.

“Hey Mr. Miller,” she said with a warm smile, easily navigating the awkward tension she’d grown accustomed to over the years. “It’s good to see you again.”

She held out a hand, and he took it, his palm calloused and grip firm as he gave her one solid shake.

“Yeah,” he said, clearing his throat. “You too.”

She stepped past him over the threshold, following Jess inside, her duffel bag and backpack weighing against her shoulders.The house smelled faintly of cedar and something savory from the kitchen.

A black-haired, middle-aged woman stood in the kitchen, grinning up at them from where she was drying her hands near the sink. Her tan skin carried a healthy glow, though the faint lines around her mouth and eyes hinted at her age. Her black bob cut framed her face neatly, the ends just brushing her shoulders in an effortlessly tidy way that seemed to suit her perfectly.

“You must be Jess,” she said, dropping the towel on the countertop and making a beeline toward them.

She paused a few steps away from her, and Sam could read the apprehension clear across her face. Like she was deciding whether or not to go for the hug or the handshake.

“Yeah,” Jess said, her own voice sounding more nervous than Sam had heard it in a long time.

“I’m Suki,” the woman said, her smile softening into something more understated.

Jess reached out, shaking her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Suki nodded, her expression steady but kind, as if she understood how difficult this moment was for her. She turned to Sam then, her warm smile still firmly in place, though there was a hint of curiosity in her gaze as she looked her over.

“I’m Sam,” she said quickly, grinning at the woman as she reached a hand out.

Suki nodded, smiling as she took it. "It's wonderful to meet you, Sam." Then her eyes flicked back to Jess, who seemed to be almost frozen in what she guessed were awkward nerves.

And Sam couldn’t blame her. She couldn’t imagine how it would feel to meet the first woman her father had dated since her mother passed. Especially in her childhood home.

Sam cleared her throat, looking back at Suki. “Thanks for letting me crash your dinner,” she said with a light laugh. “I hear you’re an amazing cook.”

Suki chuckled softly. “You’re very welcome,” she replied, her voice smooth and low, with just a touch of amusement. “I wouldn’t call myself amazing, but I do enjoy it.” Her dark eyes flicked back to Jess. “And it’s nice to finally meet you both.”

“I’ll take your guys’ bags up to your room,” Mike’s gravelly voice cut through as he stepped up behind them.

“Oh—” Sam muttered, pausing when he held a hand out for her duffel bag. “That’s okay. I’m actually staying at a hotel nearby.”

He nodded, unfazed, turning to grab Jess’ suitcase instead.

“Thanks dad.”

“I’m just so grateful you guys were able to come,” Suki said as Mike dragged the suitcase up the stairs and out of view.“I’m sure your schedule is packed with all the wedding festivities.”

Jess gave her a small smile that seemed just slightly less tense than before. “Yeah. Lots to do.”

Suki watched her, an expectant smile on her lips as if waiting for more.

And when a couple of seconds ticked by in silence, Sam broke it for her once again.

“Is there anything I can help with?” she asked. “I’m not great in the kitchen, but I can definitely follow instructions.”

Suki laughed, waving her to come forward as she turned back toward the kitchen. “I would love some help.”

Sam dropped her bags by the bottom of the stairs, then walked back toward the kitchen, running a gentle hand across Jess’ lower back as she passed.

Jess gave her a grateful smile, releasing a breath as her shoulders dropped slightly into their normal relaxed state.