Shane's eyebrows shot up in surprise, while Sean's lips curved into a hesitant smile. "You want us to come over for dinner?" Shane asked, still processing the invitation.

Avery nodded. "Yes, I do. My parents would love to meet you both, and I thought it would be a good opportunity for us to spend some time together outside of, well, all this tension."

Sean nodded in agreement. "I think it's a great idea. I'd love to come."

Shane hesitated for a moment before nodding as well. ...