45. Sean
Astrid and I spend the morning moving her things to my bedroom. Our bedroom.
I’ve easily moved all of her clothes from the basement. That took an hour, tops.
The books, however…
I wipe the sweat from my brow. I don’t think I have it in me to move them all again.
The morning sun filters through the curtains as Astrid and I continue transforming our new living space. The transition from the basement to the bedroom is more than just a physical shift; it’s symbolic, proof of my commitment to this and her renewed trust in me. It is a new beginning for both of us.
Astrid joins me, despite my attempts to convince her to relax. Her determination is evident in the set of her jaw as she bends at the knees to lift a particularly heavy box.
I’ve created a little library for her in our bedroom, next to the picture window with the loveseat. It is a beautiful reading spot overlooking the woods that line the backyard.
“I don’t think I’ve ever met someone with so many books,” I say, teasing her.
“That’s because you spend too much time with Cory,” she says, smirking at me from beneath her lashes.
“I’m so telling him that you said that.”
We unpack everything together. It’s a process that takes time, but it is worth it. Were not just moving books; were weaving our lives together.
By midday, we’ve moved everything. Our task is complete. The bedroom is officially ours. Her personal touches are everywhere, warming the room in a way I didn’t even know I needed.
I should’ve done this a long time ago.
“I guesswe need to get ready for the party,” I say. Although I would give anything to be able to keep Astrid here in this bed all night.
“Okay.” She nods her head, getting up first.
I follow her into the shower, slipping in behind her and pulling her body back against mine.
“Sean,” she squeals as I pull her body to mine. “This isn’t getting ready.”
“I think you need my help.” I smile, taking the shampoo bottle off the ledge. I gesture for her to tip her head back so that I can massage the shampoo into her scalp.
“Oh, Sean,” she lets out a soft moan. “That feels so good. You shouldn’t be so good at this. I’m going to make you do this for me all the time.”
“I think that’s a great idea.” I kiss her forehead. “New rule, we shower together.” I let my hands trail down the back of her head, down her back, and grab her ass.
“Sean,” she warns.
“You better stop saying my name like that, or this shower is going to take a lot longer.” I press myself against her, loving the way her eyes go wide as she feels me grow hard against her.
“I guess we’ll be in here for a while then.” She reaches down and takes me in her hand, stroking me hard and fast.
I can’t help but groan as her hold tightens.
She only makes it a few seconds in charge before I’m pushing her back against the wall and lifting her thighs around my waist.
It takesus far less time to get dressed than it did to shower. I smirk at the memory and reach over to grab her hand.
The sun starts to set as we drive to the team party. Tonight is more than just a social event, it is the night that we make it official. The decision to showcase our connection is a deliberate one, a public declaration of love and commitment is exactly what Astrid deserves. Everyone should know that she’s mine.
I bring her hand to my lips and kiss her knuckles.
Once we arrive, I help Astrid out of the car, holding her hand proudly as we walk inside. I swear she grows more beautiful every single day.
Tonight is no exception. Her curves are on display in a beautiful green dress and her long hair is swept to the side in elegant waves.
I’m so proud that she’s mine. Not just because of how beautiful she is, but because of everything that she is to me. For me.
“We don’t have to stay long, right?” she asks, looking up at me as we make our way inside.
I can see her brow furrow, and wonder if she’s remembering the last time we came to a team party, and she left in a hurry after someone said something unkind.
“We don’t have to stay long.” I open the door to the main room. “You’re eager to get me undressed already?” I lean over to whisper the words in her ear, enjoying the way she laughs at my suggestion.
“You can’t blame me when you look like this.” She turns, running her hands over my chest. I’m not modest enough to deny I clean up nice in a suit.
I scan the room. Most of the team is here now. I spot Connor and Tanner in the corner. Connor is talking to Heather, and though her back is turned to us, her red curls are hard to mistake. Cory walks over to them and I see the other guys start to trail into the room.
Looks like everyone cleaned up tonight.
I don’t usually stay long at holiday parties. There’s not usually a reason to.
But this year is different, I think as I look down at Astrid, who smiles back at me, making my throat bob. Everything is different now.
“There’s so many people here,” Astrid says. “Are they all the family of players or..?”
I glance around us. “It looks like some extended family and friends. They tend to gather the masses when the playoffs start.”
Astrid nods her head. “It was nice of Connor and Tanner to bring Heather.”
I scoff. “Connor and Tanner would die without Heather.”
She nods her head to that point too.
“But I actually think there’s a few other nannies here.”
I see Astrid chew on her lip and pull her hand so that she comes closer to me. “You are here because you are my girlfriend, Astrid.”
Her eyes widen and for a moment, I’m afraid that she’s going to cry. But she swallows and smiles.
“If we need to bring a nanny, we’ll bring Silvia next time.”
“Really?”
That makes me chuckle. “What do you mean, really?”
“I mean…” She looks around us, as if concerned people might be listening. “You don’t want me to work for you anymore?”
“Of course I don’t. Let’s be honest, you haven’t really worked for me for a long time. At this point, co-parenting is a much better description.”
She beams at me, but then her face falls. “I should really be paying some of the mortgage if I’m going to stay.”
I cut her off. “If you’re going to stay?”
“Since I’m staying,” she corrects herself.
“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.