Chapter 16 #2
She chuckles at my sarcasm and hooks our arms, guiding me out of the kitchen. “I think you’ll be the most beautiful bride, bábika.”
A bride without a maid of honor. I swallow down the retort, forcing a smile.
Now isn’t the time to dwell on the painful parts of the day.
My mother is right; I always put everyone before myself.
And yes, I want to be there for Leo and Bastian.
I even want to be there for their father.
To help him through this difficult transition and support him along the way.
But I also want to do this for me. I think Leon was right when he said us being together feels like a perfect fit.
I can already see myself blending into the family seamlessly, and it makes my heart feel warm and gooey.
Still, a part of me truly hopes that my mother is right and Chloe will come around.
But if she doesn’t…maybe we aren’t meant to be friends forever.
I think if I put myself in Chloe’s shoes, I could never have lashed out at her so harshly for getting something that I wanted, even such a good marriage prospect.
When I consider it, all I can imagine feeling for her is happiness.
If I couldn’t have it, I’d want my best friend to.
I care so much about her, but there’s only so much you can sacrifice to prove your love for someone. Eventually, you’ll erase yourself entirely.
“Ahh, there she is,” Linus proclaims gleefully as he spots us come into the room. He lifts up his crystal glass full of sparkling green apple juice and grins. “The woman of the hour and my gorgeous wife escorting her.”
“Kat!” Gaia squeals, jumping up so fast that she almost spills her drink.
Her dad catches the stem of the chute and holds it for her so she can sprint over and throw her arms around my legs.
“You’re getting married, aren’t you? Mama said maybe, but Daddy said probably. Probably is closer to yes, isn’t it?”
I chuckle at her enthusiasm, and pat her head of silky blonde hair.
Despite Linus’ darker features, she inherited our mother’s hair like I did.
Although, she actually tans in the summer while Mom and I turn red without proper protection.
“Yes, Gaia. I’m going to get married. Your daddy wasn’t sure yet, because I wasn’t sure yet either. ”
“But you’re sure now?”
“Yeah, Princess.” I nod. “I’m sure now.”
“Is he pretty?” she demands, putting her hands on her hips as if her question is the most important thing in the world and she’ll only accept the correct answer. It reminds me of Leo’s serious inquiry into my knowledge of the Ice Age movie, but with more sass.
Her father groans loudly and pinches the bridge of his nose while our mother tries to poorly hide a giggle.
Gaia is a little obsessed with looks, not in a snooty way, really, but more of an adoring pretty people way.
She loves celebrities in movies, and prince charming archetypes.
Likely because she’s a pretty little princess herself.
“He’s very handsome,” I tell her, awkwardly avoiding Linus’ eye. “And he has two sons who are close to your age. Perhaps you’ll become friends.”
Her eyes sparkle and she grins excitedly. “What are their names?”
“Bastian and Leo,” I reply, smothering a smile. “They’re a little younger than you but I think you’ll like them. Leo is very outgoing like you, and Bastian is a bit shy, but very nice. They like animals so you’ll have to tell them all about Dino.”
“Hmmm,” she hums, considering it. “Maybe I’ll be their friend.”
Her dad huffs, rolling his eyes. “Gaia, why don’t you take your mother to go get a cake for us to celebrate? There’s some things your sister and I need to discuss.”
His suggestion is lighthearted, and it doesn’t concern me that he wants to talk with me alone. Marriage discussion and the paperwork that comes along with it isn’t exactly something for a six-year-old to be a part of. Logistics bore Gaia, and I can easily understand why.
“Okay, but I get to pick the flavor,” she agrees, moving around me to grab our mom’s hand. “Mama, can you show me pictures of Kat’s husband?”
She chuckles at her daughter. “I’m sure I can find a couple for you.”
As the two of them leave the room, Linus sighs. “That girl is too invested in looks. If you’re marrying anything less than a storybook hero with great hair, she’s going to be judging you.”
“She won’t be the only one,” I reply and then wince. “Sorry, the Chloe thing is still fresh. I don’t know why I said that.”
Linus tilts his head. “Why are you sorry for saying what comes to mind? I’m not going to scold you for dwelling on something that only just happened. Chloe’s father is quite disappointed in her.”
“What?” I flinch, worry hitting me like a semi truck. “Because she didn’t secure Leon? How can he be upset with her for something that was completely out of her control? That’s not fair—”
“No,” he cuts in, shaking his head. “You’re misunderstanding. He’s not disappointed that she wasn’t picked to be Leon’s wife.”
Oh thank God, I immediately deflate. I don’t know what I would do if she was being disciplined for losing something that was given to me instead.
“He’s disappointed—angry, really—with the way she treated you.
You aren’t just her friend, Katya, you’re my stepdaughter.
An insult to you is an insult to me. If she talked about you the way she did and she was a man?
She would have had physical consequences.
I might have taken her tongue if she had been one of my men, rather than one of my men’s daughters. ”
“Oh.” I swallow thickly, ashamed to only just realize the gravity of Chloe’s words and actions. I was thinking about them so personally before, not remembering that words and actions can have severe impacts in our world. “She’s not going to be punished, is she?”
He softens, noticing my discomfort. “I don’t have control over how her parents choose to handle her actions, but she won’t face any punishment from me. I know you wouldn’t want that, and your mother is certain that she’ll regret her actions.”
“Thank you,” I breathe out, relieved. “I’m…she really hurt my feelings, but even if she never apologizes or regrets her words, I wouldn’t want her to be punished for them. We’ve been friends for so long, and I’ll always care about her.”
“I know,” Linus acknowledges. “Just remember that her response had more to do with her than it had to do with you.”
He sounds so sure of his assessment, and I suppose I should believe him.
“Now, shall we go over the proposed contract? Dante contacted me himself as soon as you left, and Leon sent over the paperwork not too long ago. From what I’ve gone over so far, they’ve offered very good conditions. They must really like you.”
I can’t help but smile, thankful to hear it. “They were all very kind. I think I’m going to like being a part of their family.”
“As someone who took you into his family once upon a time, I can tell you that they’ll be just as fond of having you as I have been. You’re a good girl, Katya.”
His sincerity washes over me and I swallow down the emotion that comes along with it. “Thank you, Linus. I wouldn’t have been able to consider this arrangement if I didn’t feel so comfortable leaving my mother and Gaia with you.”
We share a comforting look and then delve into the documents.
With each page that I read, I feel more and more secure in my decision.
Not just reassured in my choice, though.
I’m excited for what’s to come…and even a little flattered.