As the lively atmosphere of the family reunion buzzed around us, I couldn’t shake off the warmth spreading in my chest. After witnessing the genuine affection my family showed Kennan, I could see the barriers around him beginning to crumble. He had been nervous at first, his hands trembling slightly when we met my grandparents, but the way my grandpa smiled and praised him seemed to lift the weight off his shoulders.
As we settled back at our table, my heart raced with anticipation. I glanced at Kennan, who was chatting with my sister and laughing, the tension that had once clouded his features melting away. It was beautiful to see him so at ease, finally starting to realize that my family accepted him without reservation.
“Wayne, can I steal Kennan for a moment?” My cousin Josh asked,
