Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Aubree was on edge, especially after the whole fiasco with the Clements family. Meeting her boyfriend's family now felt like a hurdle she wasn't ready to jump over.

"Aubree, there's something different about you these days. Your performances have a depth to them. Someone's clearly had a big impact on you. If that someone is my son, he should count himself lucky. My wife has already warned him-he better not break any hearts, regardless of age. We all know Matt; he might come off as laid-back, but he's actually quite determined and has a mind of his own."

"But love is a two-way street. My wife and I want Matt to find his path, but we don't want him getting hurt. He's never been in a relationship, so I'm asking you, even if you decide he's not the one, let him down easy. If you accept him, you're always welcome in our family." Aubree couldn't find the words, her fingers tightly clutching her purse.

Say thank you?

That seemed too simple.

Matthew had rocked her world in a way she never thought possible. And Casey's words resonated deeply with her.

Casey wasn't looking for gratitude, brushing it off casually.

"That kid should be here any minute. You better go."

Aubree opened and closed her mouth before finally saying, "Mr. Casey, thank you."

sipping his tea,

airport, Aubree's mind was a

as she spotted Matthew with headphones draped around his neck,

her, and he came over with

"Aubree!"

he hugged her and spun her around. "Did

in ё full disguise, cautious of any lurking paparazzi.

managed. The

a wave of relief as Matthew took her hand and led them

here before the reporters catch

nodded, and they made their

naturally slid into the driver's seat. Aubree mentioned she had made dinner

head to

seeing her made him long

the passenger seat. "I'll drive. You look

they got