19. Chapter Nineteen
Standing in front of the mirror in the bedroom, I’m breathless as I take in the glitzy ball gown cascading down my curves and hugging them in all the right places.
I chose a lavender satin and tulle mermaid gown that borders on silver. It gives the perfect hint of purple for the Houston Havoc without making me look like a puck bunny. The tulle has a shimmer to it, the draped sweetheart neckline really highlights my new ample cleavage, and it’s showing off my small bump perfectly.
Since we did the video call with his parents last week our liten b?nne has grown so much. We are prepared for the rumors to swirl after tonight. Thank goodness we have our session with Alesandra in a few short weeks. I’m right at the point where it could be the happy weight gained in a new relationship, or a baby. No one knows quite which, but the rumors will start swirling.
The article the reporter wrote about how we met was in fact the front page, and written so beautifully. I bought three copies. One for us to frame, and one for each of our parents. I can’t wait to see what he writes about our baby boy.
Unfortunately the other reporter wrote a tabloid article that went viral about me being a gold digger, and clinging to Viktor, forcing him to say all the things he said. They commented on how someone who looks like me could never get a man like Viktor.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t cry when I read it. I’d also be lying if I said Viktor didn’t go straight to their headquarters with Ken. At least he didn’t see the reporter or I feel like he may have ended up in a jail cell.
The problem is that tabloids don’t give a shit. They went viral again when someone recorded Viktor and Ken going to headquarters, giving them yet another article to write.
“Um, hellooooo sexy mama,” Joy whistles as she walks in.
“You’re one to talk!”
Joy is in a skin tight satin gown in the color sage that compliments her tanned mediterranean skin and golden eyes.
“Oh, this old thing?” She laughs .
I’m so glad that Joy’s company got tickets again, and of course her boss gave her one.
“I bet Callen will love it.” I wink at her, and don’t miss the middle finger she shoots me in the mirror.
“Ladies, are we ready to go?”
I turn to see Viktor leaning on the door frame with his legs crossed in a full black tux with a bow tie that matches my dress.
Holy shit . I didn’t think he could get any hotter and then he wears a damn tux. Guess we’ll be having a black tie wedding.
Shit, these hormones are taking me on an emotional rollercoaster lately. Maybe there is something to his soulmate theory.
He walks over to me, cupping my cheek. “You can wipe the drool, Skatten Min. I’m all yours every night.”
“Ok, ok, let’s save that for when I’m not in the same room.” Joy saunters past us on her way to the living room.
“Come on, the faster we get there, the faster I can get you out of this tux. Or maybe, I’ll get to do it at the charity gala.” I toss a wink over my shoulder as I leave to follow Joy. “Maybe I’ll really give the reporter something to write about.”
We all pile into the car, William is our driver once again .
“Hi William, where’s the wife? You didn’t want to bring her?” We gave him two tickets for the gala since he’s been so good to us lately.
“Oh, she’s just at home waitin’ for me to go pick her up proper, Ms. Miller.” He smiles at me.
I learned that William used to work at the stadium as a janitor, but got fired when he had to take off so many days due to his wife’s cancer diagnosis. Viktor hired him as a driver that he rarely needs at double his yearly rate, and covers all of Rose’s medical bills.
I’m so excited to finally meet Rose. William talks about her like she’s hung the moon. I sent over a beautiful red satin gown for her to wear after shopping where I caught William staring at it. I sent the dress with a note to come in to the boutique and get the right size for her, and any alterations needed. I’m so glad she took me up on my offer.
“I sure hope you’re going to stop and get that woman some flowers too.” Viktor notes.
“Sure am. Already ordered her favorites.” He winks at Viktor, because I know damn well Viktor ordered them when he ordered the bouquet for me and Joy.
That man has a soft spot, and Joy is in it by extension. His other soft spot is any theories I bring to him regarding Joy and Callen. He’s even come up with a few of his own, I think he’s just as invested in them hooking up as I am. They’re tension is off the charts, but they won’t break the no fraternizing rule at work.
Even though Callen is the millionaire behind the company with his name on the checks.
William pulls out into the Houston traffic down to the art museum where the gala is being held in the historic district. We drive over in silence, Joy sipping the champagne, and my hand laced with Viktor’s.
The gala is nothing like I’ve ever seen. Large purple lights illuminate the exterior of the museum, and there’s a black carpet leading from the cars to the entrance. Everything is done in Houston Havoc colors.
The gala is for the Golden Foundation, a youth camp the players put on around the state of Texas for kids in underprivileged communities. They provide all the gear and for two weeks in the summer the guys go to staff summer sessions. Something I’m thrilled to be a part of for this year.
Claire runs the non-profit, and being able to work with her, to grow this charity has been rewarding. It feels good to contribute to something that is so important to so many of the guys on the team and impacts so many children in the state.
We’re queued up next in line to exit vehicles. I spy Callen waiting off to the side, looking for us.
“Joy, he’s waiting for you.” I point out the blackened window to where Callen is leaning on a rock wall, legs crossed at his ankles, hands in his pockets. More than a few women are looking his way.
She rolls her eyes and lets out a childish huff of air. “Ugh. Please. Why is he even here waiting? I told him I’d rather be a third wheel with you two.”
“Why so angry with him?” I ask for the hundredth time, with the same eye roll answer.
William opens the door, “Ms. Joy, Mr. Callen awaits your arm.”
He winks at me and I chuckle at his obvious set up.
“Jesus fucking christ. What is this?!” She huffs getting out of the car, cursing all of us under her breath.
Viktor unfolds from the back of the car next, holding out his hand for me. When I step out and loop my arm through his, the cameras all start flashing. We’ve been laying pretty low since the article in the Houston Gazette about our relationship. We’re living the dream together quietly, out of the spotlight. Or so we want to portray, according to Ken.
He even sent an NDA to the ultrasound place and my doctors. Like they wouldn’t be bound by HIPAA anyways.
“Viktor! Are the rumors true?”
“Is she pregnant?”
“Is she blackmailing you to stay with her? ”
“How did you two find each other? Was the Gazette true?”
When we reach the end of the carpet at the doors of the museum, he spins me around, pulling me in for a kiss.
“This is the woman of my dreams, only the Gazette has exclusive access to our relationship. Everywhere else is running off sources that are spreading false lies. So turn to the Gazette if you want the truth. Only one reporter has our rights.”
We turn to walk in, and I see Harry, the reporter we’re working with, snapping his photo before stopping us for an interview about the non-profit, our suggestion of course. Perfect timing with Viktor’s speech.
We catch Craig and Claire, letting her speak to the non-profit with him. I hope it helps bring in more donations through the website I designed for them.
As they’re talking, Viktor and I sneak inside.