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“You are staying. And you are not paying for anything.”
“Sean—”
“Absolutely not.” I pull her into me and take her chin between my fingers. I love the little intake of breath that squeaks out of her in surprise right before I capture her mouth in mine.
The room is abuzz with festive cheer as we move throughout the room. I meant what I said, we don’t have to stay here long. I figure that we can eat the food, mingle a little bit, and head home before anyone notices.
“Oh, she’s no one important.”
My focus narrows in on a small group of gossipers nearby, their gaze leering at Astrid. It’s not that I didn’t believe her before—I did. But to hear it myself is another thing entirely. I’m only relieved that Astrid didn’t seem to hear them this time.
I refuse to allow an ignorant stray comment to dampen the mood. No one important. I’ll show them.
I feel a surge of protective instinct, and without hesitation, I pull Astrid close. In that moment, surrounded by teammates and friends, I kiss her— a public display of affection that leaves no room for doubt.
"Astrid,” I say, resting my forehead against hers, not caring about the gasps of surprise from the nosey people around us. “You are the most important thing to happen to me this year," I say loudly enough that my voice carries across the room, even though I’m only looking at her. "You’re the heart of everything for me. My partner, my love, and my family. And I’ll never have anyone else by my side."
The people near us fall silent for a moment, the weight of my words sinking in. And I can’t help but enjoy the shock that slips over the cruel face of the woman who said those words.
I place another kiss on Astrid’s lips. I hope everyone realizes it now. No one, and nothing, will stop me from making her a part of my life. Astrid is no longer just "someone" in my life; she is my life.
CHAPTER 46
ASTRID
We’ve talked at length about how this will go, so I don’t know why I’m still so nervous. Sean squeezes my hand as we walk into the room and sit Violet down. She must sense something because she looks between us as she kicks her legs against the couch.
“Violet,” Sean begins, his voice is strong and clear. He smiles. “Astrid and I have something important to talk to you about.”
I take a deep breath. I hope she’s happy. I hope that she’s okay with this. I’d never want to replace her mother.
“You’re staying!” Violet says, not missing a beat. Her face breaks into a smile.
It makes me laugh. I should’ve known that I didn’t have to worry about that part. We get along great. But getting along and having a potential stepmother are two very different things.
“Well,” I say, “yes.”
Sean squeezes my hand.
“Astrid is going to stay. She’s going to keep living with us.”
Violet bounces with excitement.
I take a deep breath, a mixture of relief at her excitement and nervousness for what he’ll say next. Violet is only six, too young to really understand what’s going on, but I still want her to accept me. I want her to be happy. I want them to be my family.
“Violet. Astrid is my girlfriend,” I say.
“Ohhhhhh.” Violet's eyes widen in excitement, and then a big smile spreads across her face. "Are you going to get married?" She seems unable to contain her joy.
Sean nods and my heart swells.
“We do want to get married one day. Does that make you happy?”
“Yes!” Violet throws her arms around us in a tight hug, her approval and happiness evident in the way her tiny arms squeeze our necks.
Thank god.
Violet is reluctant to go to bed after that, too excited and insisting that she gets to stay awake. Sean and I both stay in her room, taking turns reading to her until her eyes betray her, and she grows too tired to stay awake.
