Page 141 of My Husband Problem

So since I intend to sweep her up and carry her straight to bed as soon as I hit the door, I needed to shower. I then found myself surrounded by hockey players, community members, and Maggie, the reporter, who wanted a few more quotes before she wrapped up her story.

I am not even sure what I said to her.

Everything was pretty fucking perfect as far as I was concerned. I was able to tell the media that I intend to stay inRebel, the game was fun, and I held my own, and then my end performance with Astrid was the chef's kiss.

In addition, my best friend, my sister, and her family were all in the stands.

My heart squeezes when I think about the way Fiona stepped out of the crowd at the crawfish boil. She looked nervous at first, but as soon as we hugged, I knew we were okay. She lives just down the road. I don’t have to wait for Christmas to have some of my family back in my life.

But he’ll be at Christmas this year.

Astrid’s words to Saoirse play over in my head. Surely that means she wants to stay together, right?

But…no. Not necessarily. We can both go to Cara for the holidays. Astrid would want that for me. No matter what happens between us.

I turn down the street to Astrid’s house—ourhouse, dammit—and have to slow down because of the extra vehicles parked along the curb.

I don’t recognize the trucks, but I have a guess who they belong to.

And it looks like my reunion with my wife will have to wait.

I head up the newly paved front walk and climb the new steps to the new front porch.

Twinkle lights are strung above, and soft, jazzy music plays from hidden speakers.

My sister and Iris sit in dark brown wicker chairs with gaudy overstuffed flowered cushions, while Nora and Patty share the matching loveseat. There’s a low coffee table that’s holding a pitcher made of thick green glass etched with leaves and matching glasses.

At the other end of the porch, Knox and Saoirse are on a swing talking to Miles, Alex, and Wilson, who are leaning against the thick, sturdy porch railing.

“Declan!” Fiona is the first one to notice me.

“Hey, everybody. Welcome.”

Just as it’s hitting me how much I fucking love welcoming these people to our home, my gorgeous wife steps out of the front door, carrying a tray of snacks.

She pulls up when she sees me. Her face breaks into a wide smile that is so genuine, and, seeing her framed by that doorway, I actually feel tears prickle at the back of my eyes.

“I need to talk to you,” I tell her.

My tone is gruffer and firmer than I intend, but I don’t hesitate or try to soften it. I step forward, take the tray from her hands, and hand it over to Patty, the person seated closest to me, then wrap a hand around Astrid’s upper arm and escort her back into the house.

I don’t stop until we are in the kitchen, where no one can hear us.

She frowns up at me, concerned. “Are you okay?”

“I am completely in love with you.”

This isn’t exactly how I plan to tell her, but it’s completely right. I can’t wait another minute, and here, tonight, with all of those people outside, is perfect.

Her eyes widen, then fill with tears.

I cup her face with both hands. “I know that you might not?—”

She immediately grips my wrists and interrupts, “I am completely in love with you, too.”

All of the air whooshes out of my body. “You are?” I ask.

She tries to nod, but I am holding her face. She smiles. “Of course, I am. I have been for a while. But I am completely sure of it and definitely ready for you to know.”