Diego's family is overbearing, but in the best possible way. They're loud and chatty and always laughing. They've welcomed me wholeheartedly, asking me a million questions about myself and drowning me in stories about Diego. I expected them to be close, but I didn't expect them to be so open and accepting. It really feels like they've done everything they can do to make us feel welcome.

It's obvious I'm an outsider, though. And not just because my Target dress doesn't compare to their designer outfits. I'm just a little out of step. They all speak and move with an air of authority. Even the most recent member of the family, Diego's soon-to-be brother-in-law Isaac, seems to match their sense of security. He jokes around with the others like they've been lifelong friends. He brought his nephews along, too. They're a few years older than my girls, but it's only noticeable with Penny.

They're inside right now, watching Ice Age in the theatre room with Lucy and Diego's youngest sister Violet. Penny is probably asleep by now. Hayley might be, too. Those girls ate far more food than they usually do. The Ferrari's pulled out all the stops. We basically had a full three-course meal. Even I'm stuffed to the brim.

We moved into the lounge room once dinner was over, and started on some cups of tea or booze for those who wanted it. The room looks like something out of a magazine. If I didn't know any better, I'd say this was a movie set, and that no one actually lived here.

The family has dispersed since dinner ended. Most stuck around for a drink or two, but most of his sisters have already left, leaving us with just Oliver in the room. He's been incredible accommodating to me this whole evening, just like the rest of the family.

"Look at you two," he leans back in his chair, eyeing Diego and I. "You're just the perfect couple, aren't you?"

"Dad," Diego laughs.

"I'm so proud you finally made it happen, son," he grins. "I was starting to think you were never going to ask the girl out."

"Come on. Give me some credit," Diego snickers. "I was always going to ask her out. I just needed to find the right time."

"And is it the right time?" he turns my way.

"It works for me," I smile. "But it would've been nice if he'd asked me out sooner."

"See?" Oliver laughs at my joke.

"You two are the worst," Diego chuckles. "I should've kept Amelia away from this damn house for as long as possible."

"Nah, kid. We're just messing with you. Jokes aside, I'm glad you found someone. I know you've been wanting this for a long time."

"You have?" I glance at Diego.

"Oh, for sure," Oliver continues. "He's always wanted to get married and have a few kids of his own."

Oh, god.

"Calm down," Diego laughs awkwardly.

"Too soon?"

"Way too soon," he runs his fingers over the small of my back, trying to reassure me. But it doesn't scare me. These things are important to talk about.

"Do you want to get married?" I ask him.

"I mean... yeah, at some point."

"And you want kids, too?"

"Yeah, I do. But we don't have to talk about that now."

"No, I don't mind. I kind of assumed... with how you are with the girls and everything."

"Oh, Diego's always been so good with kids," Oliver comments. "He used to love feeding his sisters, taking them to the park- he even played dress up with them."

"I can definitely see that," I laugh.

"That's enough, Dad," Diego complains.

"No, please, tell me more."

"I'm sure by now you've realised his appearance is entirely misleading," Oliver continues. "He just has to look intimidating to compensate for all those times he wore dresses as a kid."

"Aw!" I coo.

"I have four sisters!" he defends. "What did you expect?"

"That's so adorable," I laugh. "You are a big sweetheart, aren't you?"

"I think you two will be good for each other," Oliver says. "I hope you don't mind me saying this, Amelia, but it's really impressive how you've managed to keep your family together and work so hard to provide for them. You seem really devoted, and I respect that."

"Thank you," I smile. "That's really nice of you."

"I know being a single parent must be difficult, so I really admire you."

"I could say the same about you. Diego looks up to you a lot. It's great to see how close you are."

"Well, it's easy to form good relationships with your kids if you love them," he laughs. I can't relate to that. I did not have a good relationship with my mother. "Diego was a troubled kid, you know, but he was equally as sweet as he was difficult."

"I'm right here, you know?" Diego interrupts

"He's only been sweet so far," I tell his dad. "He cares a lot about me and the girls, which, to be honest, is pretty unusual. Most people wouldn't want to be with someone with two kids. But he doesn't see them as a burden or even try to avoid them. He's great with them — like he wants to look after them."

"Diego wants to look after everyone," Oliver chuckles. "He's a provider, a caretaker. He wants to look after the people he loves so they don't get overwhelmed like his mother does."

I hadn't even thought about that.

"It's not that deep," Diego scoffs.

"It's the truth, kid. You used to cry whenever your mother had a panic attack, and refuse to leave the room until she'd calmed down."

"I was probably just copying you. I was obsessed with you when I was a kid."

"You still are," Oliver jokes.

"Wow, it's like that, huh?"

"Oh, absolutely," Oliver slaps Diego on the back. "Nah, all jokes aside. You know I love you, kid. I'm proud of what you're building here."

"Thanks, Dad."

"And Amelia," he turns to me. "You're absolutely lovely. I'm glad to welcome you into the family."

"Oh, thank you," I smile politely. I'm not sure Diego and I are really at that stage yet, but he's slowly becoming part of my family, too, so I'll accept the compliment.

"Can I pour you both another drink?" he offers.

"Not for me, thanks," I say. "We should probably get going soon."

"Already? We haven't even gotten to the baby photos yet."

"Thank God," Diego mumbles.

"Sorry. We'll have to save that for next time," I respond. "I've got to get the girls in bed before the tantrums start."

"Ah, I remember those days," Oliver laughs. He looks at Diego. "Shall I drive you up to see the renovations another day?"

"Yeah, that's probably best," he turns to me. "We just finished renovating one of our properties further north. I was meant to go check it out today but didn't get the chance."

"Oh, that's fine! You can do that now," I tell him. I don't want his family to think I'm keeping him from them or his job.

"Nah, it's okay. It'll be at least an hour."

"That's alright. I can take an Uber back home and meet up with you later."

"I don't mind. I'll just drive up tomorrow."

"Diego," I give him a stern look. He's too considerate. I'll be fine. He might like some time to chat with his dad, anyway.

"Alright, fine," he gives in. "But I'll catch an Uber to your place. You drive my car."

"No, I don't-."

"Amelia," now it's his turn to give me a stern look.

"Fine," I laugh. "I'll take your car."

"Good," he smiles in satisfaction.

"Yeah..." Oliver nods. "You two will be just fine."

I hope so.