Derrick nodded, forcing a smile. “We are.” He felt like an actor in a play without a script, but his instincts told him to follow Emily’s lead.

Mr. Lawson’s expression softened slightly, but his skepticism was palpable. “Well, it’s good to see you both together. I was starting to wonder.”

Derrick’s mind raced. Clearly, there was more at stake here than he had initially realized. Emily’s father seemed poised to probe deeper, and Derrick needed to be ready.

“We’ve just been dealing with some things,” Derrick said, choosing his words carefully. “But Emily’s happiness is all that matters to me.”