I slept in a bit too late the next day- and before I could even think, I was woken up and brought to hair and makeup.

As my hair was being done, Callie came into the room.

"Today is just going to be for interviews," she said, "We are prepping for the family days coming up. Tomorrow, you will meet Luna's mom, and Mia's dad and cousin. They will be coming to the mansion. The next day, your family will be coming to the mansion- and they will be meeting Luna and Mia. I got word that it'll just be your mom and brothers, your dad couldn't take the time off work."

"I understand," I said, "He's a busy man."

In the mirror, my own reflection meets my gaze, and I can't escape the whirlwind of conflicting emotions swirling within me. The aftermath of last night's elimination and the intimacy shared with Mia weigh heavily on my mind. The prospect of family days only adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

I couldn't help but feel funny about meeting Luna and Mia's families- and them meeting mine. It's not like I could explain to anyone that I wasn't going to be having a romantic relationship with either Luna or Mia.

I'm really going to have to compartmentalize my feelings.

Caroline Matthew's presence in the interview room adds an extra layer of tension to an already emotionally charged day. As her questions probe into the dynamics with the remaining contestants and the imminent meetings with their families, I struggle to maintain a composed front as I say I am "really looking forward" to meeting their families. The facade cracks when Caroline throws a pointed question my way, asking me to choose a winner at this very moment.

"That's a difficult question," I say.

"Someone had to have come to mind immediately," Caroline said back.

I hesitated before I said, "Mia. I think."

Caroline then nodded, and she had a smug look on her face that I wanted to slap off.

She got what she wanted. Drama.

Once again, I could hardly sleep that night- and the next morning I had to be woken up by Ian and brought to hair and makeup quickly.

I was going to be meeting with Luna and her mom, Allison, in the garden first.

I found myself feeling less nervous about meeting Luna's mom over Mia's dad and cousin. Luna's presence has always been a source of comfort, and I hoped that her positive energy would extend to the introduction of her mom, Allison.

In the garden, Luna and her mom await, and Luna's warm smile reassured me.

"Hello," I said, with a friendly wave to Allison, "It's so nice to meet you."

Both Allison and Luna stood up, and Allison greeted me with a warm smile.

It's impossible not to notice the family resemblance between Luna and her mom, Allison. Luna's vibrant blue eyes and infectious smile find their origin in Allison's features.

Her mom didn't have colored hair though- her hair was light blonde.

"It's so nice to meet you, Amelia," Allison said to me, "Luna has been telling me all about you."

I wonder what exactly she has been saying?

"Let's sit by the sunflowers," Luna said, "It's beautiful there."

Quickly, production put a rug on the grass for us to sit on to not get dirty, and the three of us sat by the gorgeous sunflowers.

I thought of Casey for a moment, and the morning we had together by them.

Allison first asked me about my profession.

"I hear that you're a nurse," she said, "That's so impressive. What kind of nurse are you?"

"I'm an oncology nurse," I said, "It's tough, I won't lie. But I really love it."

"You know, I always tried to encourage Luna to go to nursing school, but she always refused," Allison said, with a chuckle.

"Behind a bar is where I belong," Luna said, with a playful smile.

Allison spoke affectionately about Luna, describing her as a positive beacon of light. The stories painted a beautiful picture of Luna's early years, highlighting her kindness and inclusivity. One story stood out—the way Luna always reached out to kids facing bullying or exclusion. It was clear that Luna's compassionate nature and empathy had been ingrained in her from a young age.

"Luna deserves to find someone really special," Allison said, "That's what I want for her- to find someone to share her life with, and of course become her travel buddy. It would be appreciated, actually. I worry when she travels alone."

"I agree that Luna deserves someone really special," I said, and Allison smiled at me.

"What made you want to be the frontrunner of the show?" Allison asked me.

"Well, when I auditioned I was not trying to be the frontrunner, but they offered it to me," I said, "Sometimes I think I'm crazy for taking it, but I am glad I did."

Allison laughed and said, "Sounds like the production team saw something in you. When I asked Luna why she auditioned, she shrugged and said, 'It could be really fun'."

"And it has been," Luna said to me, with a smile.

"Amelia, even if it doesn't turn out to be Luna, I really hope that you find what you're looking for here," Allison said, with a warm smile.

"We've agreed to stay friends no matter the outcome," Luna said, meeting my gaze.

"That's wonderful," Allison said, "I can tell you've really bonded."

"We have," I said, shooting Luna smile.

After the meeting, Luna and I stepped away from the cameras, finding a quiet corner in the garden. Luna's voice was gentle as she shared a private moment, explaining that she had confided in her mom about the complexities of my situation. Her words carried a genuine hope, expressing her mother's desire for Perry and me to find a resolution.

"That means a lot," I said to Luna, "From both of you."

I found myself to be more apprehensive about meeting Mia's father, Eduardo, and Mia's first cousin, Adriana.

Walking into the pool area, I was met with a scene of warmth and joy. Eduardo was at the grill, creating an inviting atmosphere with the enticing aroma of grilled food. Mia and Adriana were engaged in lively conversation, laughter echoing around the pool.

Adriana, with her striking resemblance to Mia, exuded a similar sense of confidence and charm. Her long, dark hair framed her face, and her features carried the familial connection.

"Amelia you're here!" Mia said, getting up. She then walked me over to where her father and Adriana were, and introduced me to them. They both greeted me with a warm hug.

"Amelia, I hope that I am grilling something you will enjoy," Eduardo said. He had a bit of a Spanish-sounding accent. He then added, "I'm cooking up shrimp, chicken, vegetables, and steak."

"He basically raided the fridge when we got here," Adriana said, with a laugh.

As Mia shared more about her relationship with Adriana, it became evident that their bond was like that of sisters. Mia explained that being an only child, Adriana had filled that role for her throughout their lives. Adriana chimed in, revealing that, despite not being siblings by blood, they had shared countless experiences that solidified their deep connection.

Adriana was twenty-five, three years younger than Mia. Her profession as a nail technician showcased her creativity and skill.

Mia then revealed some information that I did not know about her, "My mom was not going to come. I don't really speak with her, she doesn't accept my sexuality."

"When Mia came out when she was 15, I immediately said she could move in with me, as she felt uncomfortable at home with her mother," Eduardo said, "I love my Mia no matter what."

Seeing the relationship between Mia and her dad warmed my heart- and I could see where she got her larger-than-life personality from.

Adriana then went on to say that she has a two-year-old daughter back home, and that Mia is "phenomenal" with her.

"Mia, you better give me grandchildren, one way or the other," Eduardo said.

Mia laughed and said, "I love kids, and I'd love to be a mom one day. But we'll see."

"How about you, Amelia? Do you want children one day?" Adriana asked me.

I nodded, "One day, yes. I'd like to be a mom."

As Mia expertly crafted cocktails at the poolside bar, the atmosphere became lively. Mia, Adriana, Eduardo, and I gathered around, raising our glasses in a collective toast to "life and love." In that moment, any lingering nerves I had about meeting Mia's family melted away. They made me feel right at home.

Eduardo and Adriana went to explore the mansion a bit, and Mia came up to me.

"I hope you're okay about what happened the other night?" she asked me.

"It was fine, Mia. Well, it was more than fine. But I'm okay with it."

"Good," Mia nodded, "I'm glad. Just wanted to make sure."

Eventually, Luna and Allison joined us by the poolside, and Eduardo grilled up some more vegetables for Luna.

As the day unfolded with Luna, Mia, and their families, my heart experienced a mix of joy and melancholy. The laughter, shared stories, and warmth enveloped us, but underneath it all, there was sadness. Despite the enjoyable moments, Perry's absence and the missed chance to meet her brother cast a shadow over the day.

Am I ever going to move past this?