24.2 ARCHER

I'm nervous right now for an unknown reason, perhaps because today is different. I've already met Sierra's aunt, but now is the first time I'll formally introduce myself to her. I try to avoid Jade whenever I visit their bakery, and she does the same too. I wasn't doing it because I disliked her, but because I could sense her facial expression of obvious disapproval of me being Sierra's boyfriend anytime she saw me in their bakery.

I remembered Jade asking me if I was certain about my love for Sierra. I told her with an honest "yes," but her eyes remained skeptical. I understand her hesitation because she's thinking about my family background and is concerned that my parents will disgrace them or order them to stay away from me. But I lied to her and told her that my parents were supportive of Sierra and me; perhaps Jade didn't tell Sierra about this, which is why Sierra was upset to learn that my parents