Chapter 15
S ailor
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.
"That's what you're focusing on?" Skylar grinned. “Sail, you have bigger issues than a name change…"
Before I could answer, the sound of footsteps silenced the room. A moment later my father appeared in the doorway and shifted the energy in the room.
He was dressed impeccably in a tailored suit like he was heading to court instead of enjoying dinner with his family.
His introspective gaze moved around the room before landing on me and shifting to Rival. "I assume this is the husband."
Rival stood and extended his hand. "Mr. Addison. Rival Hassan."
My father looked at his hand for a long moment before accepting. "Yes, I believe we've met. You were building something in my daughter's apartment."
Wonderful. This is going to be a fun evening…
"Yes, sir. Custom accent walls."
"And now you're her husband." My father's tone was condescending. "That's quite a promotion in a short time."
"Daddy? Can we talk about this civilly? Like adults?" I stepped forward, feeling a strange urge to protect Rival from my father's scrutiny.
"By all means." He gestured to the empty sofa. "Let's talk about how my daughter got married without a word to her family and how I had to find out from the groom over the phone in a random conversation he wasn’t a part of."
I sank onto the sofa beside Rival. Our thighs were touching and the warmth of him beside me grounded me in a way I hadn't expected but needed.
"I was going to tell you."
"When? After the honeymoon? After the divorce? Where exactly in your timeline did informing your family fall, Sailor?"
"Torrance," my mother warned softly.
He held up a hand but never took his eyes off me. “Don’t defend this foolishness, Shonda. I want to know what possessed our daughter to behave so recklessly."
"It wasn't reckless.”
"Really? Because from where I'm sitting, marrying a man you've known for what, a month, seems pretty damn reckless."
"Three months," Rival corrected and his voice was eerily calm and firm.
All eyes turned to him and I panicked. I didn’t want a war between my husband and my family. They would all stick together, which meant it would be just him against the Addison clan. Well…us two because I would definitely be in his corner.
Shit…
This is feeling very commitment-like, Sail.
"Three months? And in that time, you decided marriage was the logical next step?" My father’s sarcasm was incredibly loud.
"Sometimes you just know," Rival doubled down and locked eyes with my father. His dominance matched the man of the house.
My father's eyes narrowed. "What I know is that my daughter has never expressed the slightest interest in marriage. In fact, she's been vocally opposed to the institution. So you'll have to forgive my suspicion."
"People change, Daddy," I said, reaching for Rival's hand without thinking.
The moment our fingers intertwined, something settled. It felt right, natural, as if we had been doing this for years rather than days.
My father's eyes dropped to our joined hands. "And what prompted this sudden change of heart, Sailor?"
This was it. Shit, the moment of truth. I could feel TJ and Skylar watching me, waiting to see if I would tell the real story or continue with the bullshit.
I looked at Rival and he squeezed my hand, silently communicating his support, before I turned back to my family. "The truth is, we got married quickly. Too quickly. I had been drinking and made a decision that wasn't well thought out."
"Good God, Sailor," my father muttered.
"But, we're married now. It's legal and binding and we're going to make the best of it."
Skylar’s eyes widened then she slowly arched her brow. “Is this a real marriage or just a temporary arrangement? Make it work for how long, Sail?"
She knew the truth. I was buying time until I could bail…
I hesitated but Rival spoke up.
"I can't speak for Sailor, but as far as I'm concerned, this is real. I take my vows seriously, even if the circumstances were unconventional."
"How noble," my father said dryly. "And what exactly are your intentions toward my daughter? Beyond the obvious."
Rival's jaw tightened. "I respect your concern, Mr. Addison, but my intentions are between Sailor and me. I don’t give a damn what you think or how you feel. She’s my wife. That’s not changing."
I physically felt everyone in the room tense but my mother intervened.
"I think that what's done is done. Sailor has made her choice, however hasty it may have been. Now we need to decide how to move forward as a family."
Family? Yeah, right. Them against us…
"What's there to decide? She's an adult who's made her bed, quite literally it seems, if she was drunk when she married him."
"Torrance!" My mother glared with another warning.
"It's fine, Mom. Daddy's just being his usual charming self."
"Watch your tone," my father warned.
"Or what? I'm a grown woman with my own life. I made a decision. A bad one possibly but it's mine to make and I don't appreciate you taking your disapproval out on Rival."
Everyone looked at me, surprised as hell that I was defending my husband but something about my father's dismissive attitude toward Rival struck a nerve.
"Dinner is served," a voice announced from the doorway. The housekeeper stood there smiling, oblivious to the shit storm she interrupted.
"Perfect timing," my mother said and stood. "Shall we? Torrance, lead the way."
My father gave me one last disapproving look before nodding and following my mother to the dining room. TJ and Indi stood next, then Skylar and Gray, leaving me and Rival alone.
"You didn't have to defend me, Sail. This is your family. We’re figuring shit out. I don’t expect you to blow up your world.”
"Yes, I did. He was out of line, and like it or not, my world now includes you. They have to accept that."
"I told you I can handle your father."
Rival grinned.
“Oh, you definitely handled my father. I’m pretty sure he’s currently plotting your demise. Nobody gives Torrance Addison a fuck you and lives to tell about it.”
He shrugged and leaned in, pressing a kiss to my temple. “That wasn’t a fuck you.”
“Technically it was in his eyes. Anyone who challenges one word my father says is on his shit list. Just stay close. There's more where that came from."
"That I can handle, I like being close to my wife." He winked and we made our way to the dining room. My father took his place at the head, my mother to his right. Skylar and Gray sat on one side, TJ and Indi on the other, leaving Rival and me to sit directly across from my father.
Food was served, wine poured, and conversation remained basic. We discussed work projects, Skylar's pregnancy, TJ's recent legal victory, but I could still feel the unspoken questions and judgments. My father would occasionally stare at me and Rival with that “ what the fuck have you done” look, so I did my best to keep my focus on anything but him.
I found myself watching TJ with Indi, admiring the way he anticipated her needs, passing the salt before she asked or refilling her water glass. They moved in sync, expressing how comfortable they were with each other. Sky and Gray were the same. He whispered in my sister’s ear, making her laugh, and his hand occasionally rested protectively on the stomach. The love between them was very visible.
I felt that twist of envy again. My siblings had found their matches in partners who complemented them. I had a sham marriage rooted in alcohol, impulse, and my selfishness.
But…
Rival's hand was weighted on my thigh, linking us in a way that felt just as natural. I dropped my eyes to the connection and smiled before I looked at him. When he caught me watching, he winked, and I playfully rolled my eyes, making him laugh. Okay, so maybe this wasn't all pretend.
"So, Rival. What exactly do you do for a living? Beyond building accent walls, that is." My father’s tone was blank.
"I own a custom wood and design business. I specialize in one-of-a-kind pieces, mostly commissioned work."
"Is it lucrative?“
Okay then, let’s get right to it…
"I have a steady client base and make enough to support myself and my wife, so yes."
"But not enough to afford a place in your wife's building, I assume."
"Daddy," I hissed.
"I own my home," Rival said, unfazed. "A historic Victorian in Inman Park that I've been restoring for the past couple years. It's not a high-rise penthouse but it has character so I have no complaints."
"And where is Sailor living now? Your 'character-filled' home or her apartment?"
"We're at my place currently. It's part of our arrangement."
I flinched at his choice of words and my father's brow rose.
"Arrangement? That’s an interesting term for a marriage."
"What I meant was, it made sense for us to live together in one place rather than splitting our time."
Oh fuck…
My father wasn't buying it. He put down his fork and his eyes locked on me. "Sailor, what's really going on here? I know you. This isn't you. You don’t do ‘character filled’ homes and living in someone else’s space."
I felt everyone's eyes on me and all their thoughts—TJ's disappointment, Skylar's concern, my father's suspicion, and my mother's quiet assessment. Indi and Gray were neutral because they had been in the Addison hot seat before.
"What's going on…" I started slowly, "is that I got drunk and married a man I barely knew because I wanted to sleep with him and he wouldn't unless we were married."
Everything in the room went silent. Skylar closed her eyes briefly, TJ sighed, and my mother set down her wine glass.
"Jesus fucking Christ, Sailor," my father muttered.
"You wanted the truth. That's it. I was impulsive and selfish, and now I'm stuck in a marriage for a year because of a prenuptial agreement I drafted that will cost me half my assets if I try to end it early. Happy now?"
My father's expression hardened. "Do you have any idea how irresponsible?—"
“Spare me the damn lecture. I know exactly how irresponsible it was. I don't need you to tell me."
"Clearly you do since you made such a reckless decision."
"Torrance." My mother placed a hand on his arm. "That's enough."
"No, it's not. Our daughter has tied herself legally and financially to a man she admits she barely knows. I have the right to say whatever the hell I want about this to her."
"Not like this, with accusations and judgment," my mother said firmly.
"I'm not a child. I made a mistake. A big one, but it's mine to deal with, not yours."
"It becomes our concern when it affects the family, Sailor. The firm, our reputation?—"
"So that's what this is about? How my marriage might affect the Addison name? God forbid I do anything that might tarnish your precious legacy."
"That's not fair, Sail," TJ interjected. "Dad's just concerned..."
"He's concerned about how it looks. Damn sure not about me."
"That's not true," my mother said quietly. "We're worried about you, sweetheart. This isn't like you."
"Maybe it is me. Maybe I'm tired of being the reliable one, the one who always does what's expected. Maybe I wanted something just for me, even if it was stupid and reckless."
The honesty of my words hit harder than intended and I felt relief from saying something I hadn’t expressed to either of them before.
"If I may…" Rival spoke up, his voice was calm and controlled. "I understand your concerns. This wasn't a traditional start to a marriage but I care about Sailor. I respect her and I'm committed to making this work regardless of how it began. We’re here now, and again, she’s my wife. You will either show her the same respect or we can leave. You’re not gonna keep talking crazy to her."
My father looked like his head was about to explode, and had things not been so chaotic, I would have laughed, but he quickly pulled it together, keeping his cool. "And what do you get out of this? Half her assets if this marriage fails?"
"I don't want or need her money. That’s not what this is about."
"Then what’s it about?" My father glared at Rival.
"This is about giving my wife a place where she belongs, free of anyone’s expectations except her own. I don’t give a fuck about what any of you believe she’s supposed to be or what role she plays in this family. She is my wife. I’m giving her whatever the fuck she wants or needs to be Sailor Addison-Hassan. And if she chooses to drop the Addison, I will still be her family. So trust, she’ll be good. Again, this started unconventionally, but it’s still genuine."
Well, fuck…
I stared at this man, completely caught off guard. Did he really mean that or was it just for show?
"Well…" My mother broke the silence because apparently Rival had rendered my father temporarily speechless. "At least one of you is approaching this maturely."
My irritation spiked but I kept quiet.
TJ was the next to voice his opinion. When he cleared his throat, I tensed, but then quickly relaxed at his words. He had my back. “This is her life, none of us have the right to have an opinion on it. If this is what she wants, then she has my support.”
“Can you seriously say that when supporting her has put your livelihood at risk?” My father glared at my brother and TJ stood his ground.
“I can, because again, my livelihood. Sky and I are the ones connected to this. Success or failure, it’s on us. This doesn’t really concern you, so while your thoughts are valid, they don’t get a vote.”
“He’s right, Daddy. The decision Sail made truly only affects us and we support her no matter what,” Skylar added and my heart swelled when they both looked at me and offered reassuring smiles.
"Look." Gray spoke up for the first time. "I think we can all agree that how this started isn't ideal but what matters now is where it goes from here."
He turned to Rival. "I don't know you, man, but if Sailor chose you, even in unusual circumstances, then I fuck with it. Because let’s be honest, Sail doesn’t choose anyone." Gray turned to me and smirked.
"I agree," Indi added softly. "Sometimes the most unexpected beginnings lead to the best outcomes."
She and TJ exchanged a look loaded with meaning. The start to their relationship wasn’t traditional either considering Teej’s depression. His resistance to touch required a slow bond of trust between them.
"So we're all just supposed to accept this?" My father glared at me.
"What choice do we have? It's done, Torrance. All we can do now is support them and hope for the best." My mother’s eyes left him and bounced between me and Rival.
My father shook his head, clearly not satisfied, but he realized he was outnumbered. "Fine. But don't come crying to me when this falls apart."
"I won't.” His words stung more than I wanted to admit but there wasn’t much I could do about it.
The rest of dinner was pretty much strained conversation and moments of awkward silence. I was very much aware of Rival beside me and it felt…
Nice!
After that awkward ass dinner, Gray caught us before we left the dining room. "Want to check out the bourbon collection? Torrance has some impressive bottles."
Rival glanced at me and I nodded. He deserved a break from my family’s scrutiny. He dropped a kiss to my temple and followed Gray to the study while Skylar caught my arm. "Help me with coffee?"
I followed her to the kitchen, leaving Teej and Indi with my parents in the dining room. As soon as we were alone, Skylar turned to me.
"What the hell, Sail? I knew you were impulsive but I didn’t think you would actually tell the truth."
"I know. I fucked up big time."
"That mean he’s really holding you to this for a year?"
I nodded. "The prenup is ironclad. I made sure of that, thinking it would protect me."
"The one time it sucks to be good at your job.“ She smiled, rolling her eyes. "But are you okay? Like really?"
The concern in her voice caught me off guard. "I’m fine, Sky. It's not terrible. Rival's a good guy."
"I can see that." She studied me for a moment. “…and you defended him against Dad. That was new."
"He was being an ass."
"True, but usually you let people fend for themselves. You were protective of Rival."
"Was I?"
"You know you were." She moved closer and lowered her voice. "Is there something real developing between you two, Sail? Because the way you look at him sometimes..."
"It's an arrangement, that's all."
"If you say so, but for what it's worth, I think he genuinely cares about you. The way he stood up to Dad? That takes guts."
I grinned. "Yeah, he kinda went in on Senior, didn’t he?”
She nodded. "And Gray seems to like him."
"Gray likes everyone," I pointed out.
"Not true. He literally hates everybody.”
That made me laugh. "He only hates people who change his menu items.”
She narrowed her eyes on me and I flashed a smile.
"Just be careful, okay? Not about Rival, but about yourself. Don't close yourself off to the possibility that this could be something real, even if it started as a mistake."
"So now you’re the family voice of reason? When did that happen?"
"Somewhere between falling in love with Gray and growing a human inside me." She grinned, patting her baby bump. "It changes your perspective."
“Yeah I don’t want that kind of new perspective.” I frowned and Sky shrugged.
“Your husband is fine, Sail. You might not want it but it might be your reality. You did marry the man just to get some dick.”
I groaned because I hadn’t had the dick recently, which sort of defeated the purpose, but I wouldn’t tell her that or she’d really give me shit. “Condoms are my friend.”
“Mmhmm. Let’s go.”
We gathered the coffee cups and I found myself thinking about Rival again. Was there truly something real developing with us and did I want there to be?
After helping Skylar with the coffee, I headed back toward the dining room but paused when I heard voices coming from my father's study. I could hear Gray and Rival talking inside, and well yep, I listened…
"You look like you could use a drink after that shit show," Gray said.
I knew I shouldn't eavesdrop, but curiosity got the better of me. I moved closer to the door but stayed out of sight.
Rival chuckled. "That obvious, huh?"
"Torrance is intense but tonight he was ready for war. You handled it well though and pretty much the same way I dealt with him about Sky."
“I guess that gives me hope because y’all seem cool.”
“Yeah we’re good. He didn’t like the way I stepped to him about Sky but he respected that I did. Give him time.”
"I was prepared for some resistance but that shit was extra.”
"That was a full blown inquisition, but for what it's worth, I think you passed."
"Not with her father."
"Torrance is tough, shit more than tough, but he'll come around. If you had let him handle you, then this would have ended differently. Hell, he didn’t throw you out of his house, so that’s a good sign.” Gray's tone was light but honest.
“You think he would have.”
“Hell yeah.” Gray laughed.
"But even if he needs time, the rest of us don’t. We just want Sail to be happy."
There was a pause before Rival spoke again. "She will be. I got her. Even if she keeps fucking fighting me, I promise I got her."
Something fluttered in my chest and I smiled big as hell.
"I believe you," Gray replied. "Look, I'm not going to pretend I understand how this all happened, even though Sailor's explanation was truthful as fuck..."
I tensed, remembering how truthful I had been.
"Sail’s not the easiest person to get close to. Keeps everyone at arm's length except her family, and even then, she's selective about what she shares."
"I've noticed," Rival said dryly.
"But tonight, she let you in. She defended you and that's not Sail."
"She was just standing up to her father," Rival said.
"Nah, she was standing up for you. There's a difference." Gray's voice was firm. "Sailor doesn't do that. She lets people fight their own battles. Always has. The Addisons are complicated," Gray continued. "They love hard, fight hard, and hold grudges like a muthafucker, but once you're in, you're in for life. Trust me on that."
"Speaking from experience?"
Gray laughed. "Hell yeah, when Skylar and I first got together Torrance hated everything about me. Ex-athlete with a scandal attached to his name. I was his worst fucking nightmare for his daughter."
"What changed?"
"Time. Consistency. Showing him I was serious about Sky and that I wasn't going anywhere, but more importantly, by doing what you did. Standing my ground and not giving a damn about his expectations or opinions about how I fit into Sky’s life." Gray's voice turned serious. "If you really care about Sail and you're in this for real and not just because of some contract, then show up. Every day. Be the man she needs, even when she pushes you away, hell especially then."
"I appreciate that.”
"Just one more thing…" Gray's tone became protective. "If this is about money and if you hurt her..."
"It's not, and I won't," Rival interrupted firmly and that dominant tone was back, making me smile. God, this man was so damn sexy. "I give you my word."
There was a moment of silence and I could picture Gray assessing Rival, trying to determine his sincerity.
"Good. Then welcome to the family, man. Good fucking luck because you’re one of us now."
They both laughed and I heard movement so I quickly retreated, not wanting to be caught eavesdropping. I hurried back to the dining room, replaying the conversation.
Rival said he wanted me to be happy. He gave Gray his word that he wouldn't hurt me and the most unsettling part of all this? I believed him.
I slipped back into the dining room, trying to appear casual despite the war of emotions I was experiencing.
"Everything alright?" my mother asked, watching me carefully.
"Fine. Just getting some air." She nodded then glanced at my father who was approaching.
“I’ll let you two talk.”
Wonderful…
“A minute?” He motioned to the hallway and I sighed but moved with him behind me. Once we were there, he angled his head to the side.
“Did you really marry that man…”
“Rival. My husband,” I corrected and my father grunted.
“Did you really marry him because he refused to sleep with you?”
“Yes.”
“Sweetheart, I don’t get you. What’s going on? Is everything okay?”
I sighed. “Yes, I’m great. I’m spoiled, selfish, and currently dealing with the consequences of my actions.”
“Do you want me to…”
“No, I don’t.” I shook my head. “When I said I’m grown, I meant it. I did this, I’ll deal with it.”
“And what about your siblings?”
I frowned. “I’m staying in this to make sure they’re not touched. It’s one year. I can do this. It could be worse.”
He snorted again. “Is he, are the two of you…how are things there at his house?”
I barked a laugh because this was my father making sure I hadn’t married some horrible, insane person who might be harmful to me. At least he cared.
“Rival is a good guy. A really good guy. Better than I deserve honestly…”
The truth gut punched.
My father shook his head and lifted my chin so our eyes met. “That’s not true, sweetheart. You’re an amazing woman, brilliant, caring, also selfish.” He smiled. “But you deserve happiness. You deserve a man who truly loves you, and if that’s this guy, then fine, if it’s not…”
“I’m good, Daddy,” I said softly and he stared at me for a moment longer before he nodded and pulled me into a hug.
“I love you, Sail.”
“I love you too.”
“I’m still not going to accept this, so don’t expect me to be nice to him anytime soon. I need to know for sure who this man is.”
I rolled my eyes. “Yep, I expect exactly that.”
He nodded again and walked away. I stepped back into the room feeling a little better. Gray and Rival returned moments later. I couldn't help but watch Rival's face, searching for some sign of what he was thinking after his conversation with Gray. His eyes found mine immediately and that sexy, reassuring smile was back. The smile shouldn't have made my heart speed up. But it did. God, I’m falling for my husband…
T he drive home was quiet but that was needed because dinner had been a shit show, but when Rival pulled into our driveway, I decided it was time to break the silence. "I'm sorry about my father."
"Don't be. He was just being protective."
"He was being an ass and you didn't deserve that."
Rival turned to face me. "It's strange how we defend each other to our families, even though this marriage isn't real?"
"What’s strange is that it felt so normal to defend you. I didn't like how he was treating you."
"And I didn't like how he was making you feel. That's what people do when they care, Sailor. They protect each other."
"Is that what we're doing? Caring?"
He laughed, shaking his head. “Yeah, that’s what we’re doing.”
“You’re much better at this than me.”
“Nah, we’re both caring in the ways we understand. I feel you, Sail. Don’t think I can’t see through you.”
I groaned. “Yeah, that’s the problem.”
He laughed again. "Come on. Let's go inside. It's been a long fucking night."
We got out and headed to the door. Like always, Rival kept his hand at the small of my back, a gesture that was becoming familiar and needed. Maybe there was more to this arrangement than I assumed it could be and surely more than just a bad fucking mistake.