Page 169 of Through the Storm

“I do.”

“Did they say congratulations?”

I shake my head. An understanding fills his eyes.

“They did say they’re worried about me,” I add, trying to explain it like it makes sense.

He leans back slightly, gaze steady on mine.

“And what doyouthink?” he asks quietly.

That’s when my throat tightens. “I thought they were calling because they were happy for me,” I admit. “And instead, it felt like… like they took some of the joy away.”

Ben reaches across the table and takes my hand, thumb brushing over my ring.

“I’m sorry,” he says. “Let’s try to get it back. If you want a prenup, we’ll talk about it. You, me, and your lawyer. But for now, let’s enjoy this.”

I blink. “You’re not offended?”

“I’m offended on your behalf.”

A weak laugh escapes me. “Of course you are.”

He squeezes my hand. “But I don’t want you making decisions because someone scared you. I want you choosing because you talked to a lawyer and you understand what protects you best. And I want you to ask for whatever you need to feel safe.”

I nod, eyes burning. “I do feel safe. With you.”

He leans in and presses his forehead to mine. “Good. That’s all I care about.”

I let myself breathe, the weight of the call finally loosening its grip.

“I don’t think I want them at the wedding,” I say quietly. “They’ll steal the joy there too.”

Ben doesn’t hesitate. “Okay.”

“I want the people who showed up for me, for us,” I continue. “Who were there when things were hard. Not people who only make me feel bad about myself.”

Ben nods once. “Then that’s who we’ll have.”

His thumb traces a slow circle over my knuckle, grounding.

“You have so many people that love you, Katy,” he adds. “You don’t need them there.”

I rest my head against his shoulder, the ring cool and solid against my skin.

“I know.” And I do.

The second we pull into the driveway, something feels… off. The house seems too quiet. There are no lights in the windows, no movement anywhere. There’s no Danny losing his mind at the sound of the car.

I glance at Ben. “Why is it so quiet?”

He shrugs, but there’s a flicker of something in his expression. Suspicious.

“You don’t think they’re out?—”

We barely make it onto the porch before the front door flies open.

“DON’T MOVE.”