Page 85 of Impending Consent

"Got the family over here chilling. I’m guessing you’re surviving this shit?”

“Yeah, we’re good.”

He grinned and nodded. “I thought for sure this was going to be the dumbest shit you’ve ever done in your life and you’ve done some pretty crazy shit, fam.”

I chuckled because I couldn’t argue that point. “Marrying Sail wasn’t a dumb decision.”

“You sure about that? Last I checked, you married a woman you barely knew because she was drunk and wanted to fuck you."

"It's more complicated than that.”

I refused to openly admit all Sail’s insecurities because they were mine for safe keeping but he didn’t press.

"Always is with women." Jairo shook his head. "Especially women like her."

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?"

He was my boy, but she was my wife, and there was no way in hell I would let him disrespect her. I also understood where his concern came from. He knew my past, which meant he was more than aware of what a woman like Sailor had the potential to do to a man like me.

"It means," Gray interrupted, apparently having overheard, "that my sister-in-law is a lot to deal with but she also brings alot to the table. So if you feel like he’s more invested than she is, then you’re fucking wrong."

The tension thickened as Jairo held up his hands defensively. "It’s not about what either of them bring to the table, but more about what her priorities are going to be.” He looked at me, communicating what they didn’t know before he turned to Gray and TJ. “I'm just looking out for my boy. You can't blame me for being concerned."

"No, but I can blame you for judging my sister without knowing her." TJ’s expression was hard because he was shifting into defensive mode.

"Fair enough," Jairo conceded. "Enlighten me. What's changed in the last six weeks that makes you think this is going to work?"

I considered the question, aware that TJ and Gray were now listening too. It was a fair question, one I had asked myself more times than I could count. I wanted more from Sailor than I had in my past, but Sailor wasn’t my ex, regardless of how many times I made the comparison. The problem was, she had no clue about my past, because if she did, she would surely fucking run.

"She’s changed.” I raked a hand down my face. “Or maybe we both have. It's not just about the prenup anymore, what we agreed to on paper or me forcing her to be in this. She wants to be here..." I glared at my boy before finishing. “And so do I, so we’re making it work. Shit’s not perfect but what ever is?”

"Not a damn thing?" TJ said.

"I know how it started and what it looks like from the outside. But there's more to your sister than most people see." I laughed. “Shit, mostly because Sail is so fucking guarded that no one gets the opportunity to see her, but I do, and I don’t take that lightly.”

TJ nodded. “That’s all that matters then.”

"And you're okay with the baggage? Because everyone in the Addison family comes with a truckload of that shit." Gray’s tone was light, like he knew the mood needed to be adjusted.

"Says the man who married into it," TJ snorted.

"Exactly. I’m speaking from experience because I know what the fuck I’m talking about."

“After that family dinner, I can speak from experience too.”

TJ chuckled. “My father is my father. He’ll get his shit together, but as long as you show up for Sail, we got you.”

I tossed my chin in acknowledgment.

"If you’re good, then I’m good,” Jairo added.

"I’m good.”

Jairo laughed, shaking his head, then lifting his beer. “Your ass is really all in on this, aren't you?"

"I have been from the beginning."

"Why?" TJ asked. “My sister isn't exactly the settling down type. What made you think this could work?"

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