She keeps glaring. “I’m not currently … happy.”
“I understand,” Nick says softly. “I’m not either.”
“We’re not going to sleep like this,” I say clearly. If it takes me saying something to get through all these thick heads, then I will. “We’re about to be married, that means we have to learn to deal with this shit. We’re airing everything out and then we’re going to move on.”
Sophie turns her glare on me. I shake my head at her. “Don’t you give me that look. We’re all adults. That means owning our mistakes, coming to an understanding, and forgiving each other when we have a problem. If we can’t do that, we have no business in this relationship.”
She takes a slow breath and rubs the back of her neck. “I felt like you didn’t see me as an adult because I’m so much younger. That’s why I lost my temper. I’m stressed too. It doesn’t matter how much you guys are helping – I mean … it does, because it shows how much you care – there’s just so much for us to do and so little time and it’s eating at me.”
No one dares to cut her off now.
“I’m sorry, Nick. Next time I’m … frustrated, I will make myself listen instead of assuming the worst.” Sophie finally meets his eyes without glaring. “I’m still not super happy with my mother, but now I know the situation and I was wrong to yell at you.”
“You yelled?” Roman asks.
She sinks between her shoulders. “Yes.”
“I’m sorry for getting pissy.” Nick clears his throat. “Your tone and accusation flipped a switch since I knew I didn’t do anything wrong and I acted defensively. Rather than talking, I shut you down and put you in time out.”
He takes a few steps toward her. “I’m sorry and I’ll work to be better for you. By the time I was in the car, I was more pissed at myself than you. I think the wedding is getting to me, but I will work hard to put myself in your shoes before lashing out.”
“Thank you,” Sophie whispers.
Nick sits next to her and offers his hand. “Are we okay?”
She nods and takes his hand. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
They hug and I nod. One battle fought and gone through. I sit on the other couch with Gunner. Gunner shakes his head. “We’re going crazy over the wedding and everything else.”
“So let’s look at all the lists we have, let’s print them out, and let’s cross off what we have done, designate some things, and make sure nothing’s missing.” I decide. “And let’s try to avoid staying late at work.”
“I can designate more work to those under me. I know that one of them is looking for a promotion and that means more responsibility.” Nick offers.
Roman nods. “I’ve been in the process of hiring an assistant specific to me. Someone who can look over the legal stuff and help me balance my workload better. Not that you aren’t excellent at scheduling for me, Sophia, I just need more help with the meetings I have.”
“I know it’s not personal.” She assures him with a convincing smile.
“Gunner?” I ask.
He nods. “I’ll see what I can do. Maybe if I actually work instead of finding ways to procrastinate, I’ll be able to get home sooner.”
Sophie wipes at her eyes. “We’re too stressed. We need to find a way – other than sex – to get some things off our shoulders.”
“Date night?” Gunner asks. “Something silly? Bowling or putt-putt?”
Sophie nods. “That would be really nice. I miss group dates.”
“This is probably not a great time,” I say, preparing Sophie. “But I’d rather talk about it now. Carl still wants to meet you, Sophie. He asked if we could do Friday or Saturday.”
“Saturday.” She says calmly. “Am I allowed to have an attitude with him?”
“You better.” Gunner smirks. “Because I don’t want to be alone in that respect.”
I roll my eyes, but at least it’s progress. We have an agreement; we survived the first fight before the wedding and I know there will be more. Sophie relaxes a little and I smile. “In better news, your mom mentioned that you love your dress.”
Sophie nods then blushes. “I don’t know if my dad will, but it makes me feel like a princess. I’m really excited for you guys to see it.”