Page 59 of Impending Consent

“Then it’s time for me to be an adult about this.”

“You sure?”

She nodded again. “I’m sure.”

I kissed her again then stepped back so she had space to move. When we reached the front door, Sailor paused, taking a deep breath. I placed my hand at the small of her back and kissed her neck.

“I got you, Sail.”

She nodded and reached for the doorbell, but before she could press it, the door swung open.

"Sailor, and you must be..."

"Mom, this is Rival Hassan. My husband." Sailor's voice was steady, chin lifted slightly in defiance. "Rival, this is my mother, Shonda Addison."

"Mrs. Addison. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Same, however, I most certainly didn't expect to be meeting a son-in-law like this."

"Mom," Sailor warned.

"It's a fair observation, sweetheart." She stepped back and motioned for us to enter. "Your siblings are already here and your father is collecting himself."

As we stepped inside, I heard voices from somewhere deeper in the house. Sailor tensed and stepped closer to me before she caught herself and pulled away.

"Into the lion's den," she muttered under her breath then plastered on a smile as we followed her mother toward the sound of voices.

Chapter 15

Sailor

Every step deeper into my childhood home felt like I was walking toward my own execution. I was here with my husband who my parents hadn't known existed until yesterday.Definitely about to face the firing squad…

When we entered the living room, all conversation stopped. TJ and Indi were on one of the sofas while Skylar sat across from them with Gray and all eyes were on us as soon as we were visible.

"Sail." Skylar was the first to speak, rising to her feet. “And Rival, right?"

Rival nodded and offered his hand to my sister. "Good to see you again."

Skylar eyed him carefully. "Mmhm and under interesting circumstances."

I could have strangled my sister because of the smug grin plastered on her face.

"That's one word for it," TJ muttered, standing as well. He nodded at Rival before giving me a look that clearly said we needed to talk.

Introductions were made all around and the tension in the room was awkward while everyone waited for my father to appear and the real fun began. I silently observed everyone in the room, realizing how different the vibe was between my siblings and their spouses.

Gray leaned over to say something to Skylar with his hand resting comfortably on her knee. She smiled and the two shared a private look. Across from them, TJ threaded his fingers through Indi's, which was a casual gesture that seemed so natural, so easy.

Their energy made me more aware of how different things were between me and Rival. And I felt envious. Something twisted in my chest. My siblings had found partners who truly complemented them and loved them for who they were. I had a marriage of convenience that was anything but convenient.

I glanced at Rival, only to find him already watching me. He winked and smiled, which oddly enough made me relax. At home…

Shit, why was I so comfortable calling his place home?Because it was home and at home we worked, but even now, surrounded by the real world, we worked. That was fucking terrifying.

TJ disrupted my erratic thoughts, bringing me back to this chaos. “Was this the original plan for telling Dad about the marriage or was he supposed to figure it out when you changed your last name?"

"I'm not changing my name.” The words left me on autopilot but I cringed when I felt Rival shift beside me.

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