Page 63 of Impending Consent

"It becomes our concern when it affects the family, Sailor. The firm, our reputation?—"

"So that's what this is about? How my marriage might affect the Addison name? God forbid I do anything that might tarnish your precious legacy."

"That's not fair, Sail," TJ interjected. "Dad's just concerned..."

"He's concerned about how it looks. Damn sure not about me."

"That's not true," my mother said quietly. "We're worried about you, sweetheart. This isn't like you."

"Maybe it is me. Maybe I'm tired of being the reliable one, the one who always does what's expected. Maybe I wanted something just for me, even if it was stupid and reckless."

The honesty of my words hit harder than intended and I felt relief from saying something I hadn’t expressed to either of them before.

"If I may…" Rival spoke up, his voice was calm and controlled. "I understand your concerns. This wasn't a traditional start to a marriage but I care about Sailor. I respect her and I'm committed to making this work regardless of how it began. We’re here now, and again, she’s my wife. You will either show her the same respect or we can leave. You’re not gonna keep talking crazy to her."

My father looked like his head was about to explode, and had things not been so chaotic, I would have laughed, but he quickly pulled it together, keeping his cool. "And what do you get out of this? Half her assets if this marriage fails?"

"I don't want or need her money. That’s not what this is about."

"Then what’s it about?" My father glared at Rival.

"This is about giving my wife a place where she belongs, free of anyone’s expectations except her own. I don’t give a fuck about what any of you believe she’s supposed to be or what role she plays in this family. She is my wife. I’m giving her whatever the fuck she wants or needs to be Sailor Addison-Hassan. And if she chooses to drop the Addison, I will still be her family. So trust, she’ll be good. Again, this started unconventionally, but it’s still genuine."

Well, fuck…

I stared at this man, completely caught off guard. Did he really mean that or was it just for show?

"Well…" My mother broke the silence because apparently Rival had rendered my father temporarily speechless. "At least one of you is approaching this maturely."

My irritation spiked but I kept quiet.

TJ was the next to voice his opinion. When he cleared his throat, I tensed, but then quickly relaxed at his words. He had my back. “This is her life, none of us have the right to have an opinion on it. If this is what she wants, then she has my support.”

“Can you seriously say that when supporting her has put your livelihood at risk?” My father glared at my brother and TJ stood his ground.

“I can, because again,mylivelihood. Sky and I are the ones connected to this. Success or failure, it’s on us. This doesn’treally concern you, so while your thoughts are valid, they don’t get a vote.”

“He’s right, Daddy. The decision Sail made truly only affects us and we support her no matter what,” Skylar added and my heart swelled when they both looked at me and offered reassuring smiles.

"Look." Gray spoke up for the first time. "I think we can all agree that how this started isn't ideal but what matters now is where it goes from here."

He turned to Rival. "I don't know you, man, but if Sailor chose you, even in unusual circumstances, then I fuck with it. Because let’s be honest, Sail doesn’t choose anyone." Gray turned to me and smirked.

"I agree," Indi added softly. "Sometimes the most unexpected beginnings lead to the best outcomes."

She and TJ exchanged a look loaded with meaning. The start to their relationship wasn’t traditional either considering Teej’s depression. His resistance to touch required a slow bond of trust between them.

"So we're all just supposed to accept this?" My father glared at me.

"What choice do we have? It's done, Torrance. All we can do now is support them and hope for the best." My mother’s eyes left him and bounced between me and Rival.

My father shook his head, clearly not satisfied, but he realized he was outnumbered. "Fine. But don't come crying to me when this falls apart."

"I won't.” His words stung more than I wanted to admit but there wasn’t much I could do about it.

The rest of dinner was pretty much strained conversation and moments of awkward silence. I was very much aware of Rival beside me and it felt…

Nice!

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