Page 77 of Impending Consent

"Yep. She was surprisingly understanding."

"Mom's always been the reasonable one. Dad's the hothead."

"Like you, Sail.”

"Like all of us in different ways.”

“But you got the worst of it.” She grinned.

"Lucky me."

Skylar glanced at Skylynn, ensuring she was absorbed in her artwork and not paying attention to us. "He treating you okay?"

"Better than okay. He's patient and understanding. Even when I don't deserve it. Lord knows I’m a handful.”

"Don’t do that. You’re not that bad, Sail. But I’m glad, because if he wasn't, I'd have to get Gray to handle it, and honestly, I need him focused on baby prep right now and not beating up your husband."

I laughed. "I can take care of myself, Sky."

"I know but that's what family does, we worry and get involved when we don’t have to." She checked her watch. "I should get those files and head out. I have to figure out what’s for dinner so I can run by the store before we head home and I've got calls to make this afternoon."

"I could watch her. If you need to work."

Skylar's brow lifted. "You’re volunteering for toddler duty? Who are you and what have you done with my sister?"

"Shut up." I rolled my eyes. "I like Lynnie and you look like you could use a break."

"While the offer is very tempting, I'll pass. Gray's home today, so he can take over once I get there, but thanks for offering. That was very maternal of you."

"Oh God, don’t get any ideas. I'm just being a good aunt."

"Uh-huh." She smirked. "Come on, Lynnie. Time to go see Daddy."

I arched my brow and mouthed to Sky. “Your daddy or her daddy?

She shot me a bird and I laughed.

Skylynn looked up from her drawing. "But I'm not finished!"

"You can take it with you and bring it back to finish next time you visit." I helped her gather the colored pencils.

"Promise?"

"Promise," I assured her, accepting a hug after she launched herself at me.

Skylynn rambled on excitedly about showing her drawing to Gray as they left and Sky paused at the door. "This marriage thing might be good for you, Sail. You seem happy."

Before I could agree or deny, they were gone, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Was I happy? This marriage was brand new but something had shifted. I felt more grounded. The constant search for the next distraction and my next conquest no longer existed.

I filled the chair my niece had just vacated and TJ's words kept echoing in my mind.Maybe this forced situation is exactly what you needed.

I wasn't ready to admit he might be right but I wasn’t arguing that he was wrong either…

Chapter 18

Rival

The Reynolds' property in Virginia-Highland was exactly what I'd hoped, a beautifully restored Craftsman with good bones and owners who understood the value of custom work. Morris and his wife Eliana walked me through the spaces they wanted built-ins and described their vision with enough detail to be helpful but not so much that it felt restrictive. It was hard for me to create with confinement.

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