Chapter 26
Karina
The weekend came quicker than I would have liked.
Not because I don’t want to go to Val’s gathering, I’m just a nervous wreck.
Before I left the house, Vulcan tried to put my mind at ease, and after two orgasms, it worked.
Now, here I am, standing with Cassie on the steps of Val’s townhouse on the Upper West Side.
I’ve never been part of a big friend group before.
Growing up, I kept to myself, and as I got older, between college and work, I didn’t have much time to be social, meaning I was usually passed over for more intimate gatherings like these.
Lately, Cassie has been my most constant friend, and I’m so grateful she’s here with me.
“Ready for this?” I ask her.
“Always,” she replies. “But the real question is, are you? This is your first time hanging out with your future sister-in-law, right?”
“Yeah, I think I’m ready. She was nice when she came over last week.
” We exchange a quick smile before I press the doorbell.
Moments later, the door swings open, and there stands Valkyrie, tall and radiant with her blonde hair styled in loose beach waves rather than the messy bun she wore last time I saw her.
Workout clothes must be her thing too, because she’s in a pastel orange Nike set today.
“Karina! And you must be Cassie.” She beams, ushering us inside with the casual grace of someone who’s thrown a thousand parties. “Come on in, the gang’s all here. And they can’t wait to meet the lady who captured my grumpy older brother’s heart.”
Inside, four women are chatting and laughing amongst themselves, the space buzzing with energy.
Her home is just how I imagined it. The living room is a cozy collection of plush sofas and soft throws, all neutral tones with splashes of vibrant green from the lush plants scattered throughout.
I’m about to comment on the beautiful decor when Val speaks.
“Everyone, this is Karina, my sister-in-law, and Cassie, her best friend,” she announces, and heads turn toward us, appraising and friendly all at once.
“Let me introduce you to the ladies,” she continues. “This is Naomi, my partner-in-crime since we were in diapers.”
“Hey, ladies. So happy you could join us,” Naomi says as she wraps her box braids into a makeshift bun atop her head.
“That’s Sharon.” Valkyrie points to a woman who looks up from her phone.
“Welcome, welcome,” Sharon greets before looking back down at her phone, laughing at something on the screen.
“Over here we have Tasha—” Valkyrie gestures to a petite woman wearing a red denim jumpsuit and draped in gold accessories. Her style screams New York runway, yet her warm gaze softens the high-fashion aura.
“Hey, chicas! Hope you’re ready to have some fun.” Tasha winks.
“Last but not least, we have Kaylor,” she says, tipping her head toward a woman with a playful grin who’s pouring herself a glass of what looks like chilled rosé.
With introductions out of the way, the night descends into laughter, shared stories, and the kind of bonding that turns strangers into friends in the blink of an eye. I’m a little disappointed in myself for not having done more of this in my early twenties.
The clink of wine glasses punctuates the snippets of conversations humming around me.
Naomi’s latest hotel horror guest story, Sharon’s culinary adventures, Tasha’s tales from the front rows of Fashion Week, and Kaylor’s endearing misadventures in dating.
I’m so impressed with their chic-sounding jobs that when the focus turns to me and how I met Vulcan, I feel shier than even before.
My worries are for nothing though, because by the time I finish the same story I’d given to Cassie and Valkyrie, they’re eating it up.
I pop a cheese cube in my mouth as Val asks, “Are you ready for the big day?”
“I am,” I reply, swallowing the richness and reaching for a gherkin.
“I love him, Val.” It’s the first time I’ve said it out loud, and I quickly realize I’m no longer just trying to sell them on a story.
I love Vulcan. It’s been two months since I first met him, and already I’m head over heels.
He’s the first man to truly break through my defenses.
The only dark spot to this situation? It’s not real.
Though, based off the looks he’s been giving me recently, not to mention our move into the physical, it might be time to sit down and lay all our cards out on the table.
“He’s been ten toes deep planning the wedding,” Val tells the girls, which earns her gasps all around.
I knew this was coming—it’s unconventional, that’s for sure.
He’s asked me questions here and there and sought out my opinion, but he’s taken care of the bulk of it.
I felt bad at first, but he assured me he needed something to occupy his time with being out of commission from the fire department.
“So, wait, Vulcan is doing this himself?” Naomi smiles. “How did you manage to get Mr. Grumpy Pants so involved?”
“He wanted a big wedding, and I was just as happy with a courthouse one. But he’s allll about grand gestures,” I explain, swirling the wine in my glass, watching it catch the light.
“He said that if we’re doing this, we’re going to do it right.
And honestly? Seeing him so passionate about the flowers, the menu…
even the band! It’s endearing.” I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face.
Kaylor tilts her head. “You’ve got a keeper, Karina. I mean, Grumpy Pants planning a wedding? That’s unheard of! Shows how much he loves you.”
Val shimmies her shoulders. “Do you want to hear a secret?”
I nod eagerly and sip my drink, sighing as it warms a path to my belly.
“Vulcan has been taking dance lessons,” she reveals quietly.
“No way!” Tasha gasps theatrically.
“Yes! He wants to surprise Karina with a special dance at the wedding. He’s been practicing every Thursday night.” Valkyrie grins, then must see my concerned expression. “Don’t worry about his shoulder! He’s been running his dance moves by his doctor and PT.”
My hands fly to my mouth as tears prick my eyes. The thought of Vulcan doing something so out of his comfort zone just to make our day special tugs at every string in my heart. “I can’t believe he’s doing all this,” I say, more to myself than anyone else.
“He loves you.” Cassie squeezes my hand, and while I appreciate the reassurance, there’s so much she can’t know, which makes her statement feel a little empty. “And soon enough, everyone will see just how perfect you two are for each other.”
The room buzzes with excitement and curiosity.
Valkyrie gives me a warm smile—she’s fully on board with this new chapter of her brother’s life.
A new chapter that is built on a lie and a three-hundred-thousand-dollar contract.
I feel bad for lying to the people we love, but if we can make this marriage last more than three years, it could all be worth it.
“We’ll need to celebrate properly,” she declares.
She raises her glass higher, initiating another round of toasts.
“To Karina and Vulcan, may their journey be as adventurous and passionate as their love.”
The warmth inside me grows, fueled not just by the wine but also by the genuine affection surrounding me. I never thought I’d be lucky enough to have something like this in this lifetime.
“Hey, Val, can I talk to you for a second?” I ask, pulling away from the girls.
“Sure, what’s up?”
I clear my throat. “As you know, I wanted a small wedding.”
She nods. “Yup, and thank you for agreeing to have our mom there.”
I sip my wine. “Well, Vulcan has been doing so much for me. I know your family is tight-knit, and I want to surprise him.”
“Are you about to do what I think you’re about to do?”
I nod, feeling a blush tint my cheeks.
“As in our grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins?” Her eyes twinkles with excitement.
“Mhm. All of it. I love him, and his family is important to him. They should be there to witness this. My family won’t be coming, but I want him to be happy.”
“Wow.” She pauses. “I don’t know what to say. I mean, thank you. He’s going to love this. But are you sure? Not to bring it up, but Vulcan mentioned you don’t do well with big crowds.”
My heart skips a beat. He covered for me, and that makes my decision to have his family there the right one. “Well, this big crowd will consist of his people, so it’s a little different. Plus, with Vulcan around, I feel safe and protected.”
“Okay, I’ll reach out to everyone. Not sure how many will be able to make it since it’s like, a week away, but my brother has always been the prized one in our family, so I’m sure they’ll make it work.” She rolls her eyes good-naturedly.
“And—”
“I’ll make sure no one spills the beans,” she adds.
My throat tightens with emotion. “Thank you.”
“No, thank you. I’m so happy he found you. You two are made for each other. I have the best sis-in-law ever!”
Before I can respond, Naomi squeals, catching everyone’s attention.
“Okay, ladies, it’s time for Love Behind the Headlines.” She grabs the remote off the table. “I really hope Max and Talia do not recouple. He’s just stringing her along. And she is just going along with everything that idiot says.”
“Facts!” Cassie chimes in, walking toward the sofa. “He’s only telling her all those sweet nothings in case Brandy decides to recouple with Eli.”
I take a seat between Cass and Val, listening to them discuss their favorite pairings on the show.
I’ve watched fifteen minutes of one episode, so I only know Juno and Ryan.
Every time I’ve tried to watch it, Vulcan has had other plans, and those plans always ended with back-to-back orgasms on the couch.
The opening credits roll and the familiar theme music plays, drawing everyone else to sing along while I sink further into the plush couch, sipping my wine and eating more cheese squares.
The celebrities’ complex love lives seem to parallel the ones we navigate in our relationships, and soon we’re all hooked.
About thirty minutes in, I check my phone to find a text from Vulcan.
Vulcan: Hope you’re having fun tonight. I miss you.
My heart flutters at the sweet reminder of my reality waiting for me back home.
I type back a quick response, telling him about the show. His reply comes quickly, light and teasing.
Vulcan: Sounds like a battlefield. Save some energy for later.
I can almost hear his deep voice, and it sends a shiver down my spine.
Just as I’m about to put my phone away, Valkyrie notices the shift in my demeanor. “Is that Vulcan?”
“He’s just checking in.”
“Tell him we’re taking good care of you. He is so possessive.” She laughs, and then her eyes are once again glued to the screen.
As the episode nears its climax, my phone buzzes again.
Vulcan: I just remembered you drove to Val’s place. So, if you’re drinking, I can get you.
I smile and type out a quick response.
Me: I promise I’m fine to drive. I’ve switched to water.
Setting my phone aside, I tune in as Valkyrie begins passionately debating whether Max or Andy deserves to find love after all the chaos they’ve caused.
When the show ends, there’s a satisfied sigh among us.
Naomi turns off the television and Valkyrie stands, stretching her arms wide.
“All right, ladies,” she announces with a grin.
“How about some dessert? I’ve got chocolate fondue set up in the dining room.
” Groans of delighted anticipation fill the room as we all rise from our seats.
The night is far from over, and as we move toward another round of indulgence—this time sweet and decadent—I realize how fortunate I am to have found such an open group of women.
When the evening winds down, we say our goodbyes and exchange numbers. On the drive back home to Vulcan, all I can think about is his text message. Save some energy for later. Pulling into our spot in the underground parking lot, I see him waiting by the elevator.
“Welcome home,” he says as I step into his open arms.
“Home,” I repeat, realizing that no matter where life takes us, being with him truly feels like home.