Page 27 of Worth the Vow

“Sienna, Carter, Aspen. Come here right now,” Savannah snarls.

Aspen’s arms tighten around me further, and Carter walks over to stand beside me. Sienna is the only child who walks toward Savannah, but Dominic stops her. “What are you doing here, Savannah?”

“Can’t I come see my kids when I want?” she says with an exaggerated pout.

“According to the state of Colorado, no, you can’t just show up,” Dominic says dryly. “You are only entitled to scheduled visitation when you set it up through my attorney, Savannah. You know this.”

“I don’t see why we need to involve the attorney, Dom,” Savannah says nonchalantly, waving a hand toward us. “But did I hear correctly, that you married the help?”

I don’t get an opportunity to respond before Dominic moves to stand in front of me, one arm keeping Sienna beside him, and the other positioned so the rest of us can’t get past him. “You will not speak to my wife like that. You are on my property, around my family, and you will not disrespect any of them.”

It does something to my insides to hear Dominic refer to me as his wife. Somehow it’s even more final now. I’m really married to him. Butterflies erupt in my stomach as I subtly lean into him. I feel him lean back briefly. Feeling a hand on my shoulder, I turn my head slightly to see Nick and Sofia directly behind me. Alex stands off to the side, but his eyes are on me. He nods his support as he wraps his arms around both of his kids. It’s almost as if they’re my family.

Family.

I don’t regret growing up the way I did. My mom was the best mom out there. Did we struggle? Yeah, absolutely. But there was never a day where she didn’t make me smile and show me that she loved me. I have so many amazing memories from my childhood. But this … this is exceptional. Feeling the Santo family surround me is a balm to my soul.

“If you come back on my property again, Savannah, I will file a restraining order,” Dominic says deeply. While one arm is wrapped tightly around Aspen, I grab Dominic’s hand, the plain white gold wedding band feeling odd on my skin. He wanted something flashy. He pushed for a diamond, but I was steadfast in my refusal to accept a diamond engagement ring from him. I can’t accept that kind of thing for a fake marriage. It’ll make me feel worse than I already do for my current struggles. Besides, I’m not really a diamond kind of woman.

“You can’t keep me from my kids!” Savannah shrieks. Carter buries his head in my arm, and I let go of Dominic to wrap it around Carter, covering his outside ear with my hand. Carter has sound sensitivities. He does not handle loud noises well.

“Tell her to lower her voice!” I hiss at Dominic. “She’s scaring Carter!”

Savannah growls at me. “Don’t you dare tell me anything about my own child, bitch.”

“Well someone has to tell you about him, because clearly you don’t know a damn thing. Carter hates loud noises. Show a little respect toward your child, bitch.” I feel Aspen giggle against my neck, and I don’t feel bad about the profanity. Dominic will probably give me hell about it later, but it is worth it right now. I love these kids, and I’ll fight for them. I don’t care if she’s their biological mother.

“Come over here and say that to my face,” Savannah taunts, removing her outlandish hoop earrings and motioning for me to come to her. I think the fuck not.

“Seriously? You want me to fight you in front of your own children? Are you insane?” I ask incredulously.

“Don’t ask questions you already know the answer to,” Dominic mutters. “Savannah, you need to leave. If you want to see the kids, you know what steps you have to take.”

“Fine,” Savannah spits. “This isn’t the end of this, nanny.”

As Savannah flounces down the driveway, I realize how Dominic’s driveway curves just enough that someone can park on the street and not be visible until they’re almost right up to the house. I shiver, thinking that I don’t feel too safe with Savannah roaming around.

I carefully crouch to kneel beside Carter. His eyes are red as he scratches at a spot on the inside of his wrist. I’ve noticed him scratch at this spot when he’s nervous or anxious, and I think it’s like an autistic stim. Similar to flapping the hands or arms.

“You okay, firecracker?” I ask Carter softly. He nods, but his breathing shakes as he attempts to speak.

“I don’t like her,” he stutters.

I smile bitterly. “You want to know a secret?”

Carter nods.

“I don’t like her either.”

A small smile graces Carter’s face, showcasing the empty spot where his top front teeth are missing. He looks up at his dad before looking back at me and whispers, “you said the B-word, Kate.”

“I did,” I whisper. “I shouldn’t have, huh.”

“Do you think Daddy will give you a consequence like he does us?” Carter asks. Good lord. Dominic would probably enjoy that a little too much. I hear him snicker above me as Aspen raises her head from my shoulder.

“Can Daddies discipline adults?” she asks.

I keep my face devoid of emotion as I answer. “I think it’s different when it’s adults, but I’m sure your Daddy is going to have a strongly worded talk with me.”

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