Fake marrying my new boss

She has an idea

*Will*

The clatter of dishes and the low murmur of hospital chatter swirl around us like background music, but my mind is a storm of thoughts. Christina’s words hang heavy in the air, and I can feel Kiera’s intensity beside me, a reminder that the stakes are high. I take a deep breath, trying to steady the whirlwind of emotions crashing through me.

Shen I travelled here I had not considered the problems, that anyone would question me as her guardian. I had been so focused on how to bring Frida home I had not considered I might not be allowed to.

“Will,” Christina begins again, her voice taking on a serious tone, “I need you to consider something crucial. Grief is a complex beast. You’re not only processing the trauma of what happened to Frida and her loss; you’re also facing your own loss. Are you truly ready to take on the responsibility of a small child while you’re still grieving? Do you feel ready to deal with her grief.”

I feel my throat tighten, and I can’t help but clench my fists again. “I can’t let her go,” I say, my voice steady yet tinged with desperation. “I can’t imagine not being there for her. She needs me.”

“But have you thought about how you’ll handle her grief?” she presses gently, her gaze unwavering. “You’ll be her anchor, but you must also be willing to face your own feelings. It could be overwhelming, Will.”

The thought sends a jolt through me. The image of Frida, her wide eyes filled with uncertainty, her small frame trembling with fear… what if I can’t be strong enough for both of us? If I can’t help her heal. I shake my head, trying to dispel the creeping doubts. “I have to do this. I have to be there for her. She needs family.”

Christina leans forward, her brow furrowing with concern. “But Will, what about your aunt and uncle? They’re willing to take her in, and you could still be a part of her life. You could still her uncle, but you wouldn’t have to shoulder this burden alone. You would not carry the burden of being her guardian.”

A wave of nausea washes over me at the thought of Frida with them. My stomach knots as I imagine her laughter, her innocence, being snuffed out forever. “No,” I say, my voice low and fierce as the knot in my stomach grows to almost unbearable size. “I can’t let that happen. I won’t let them near her.”

Her eyes narrow, her voice steady. “Is this really about Frida, or is it about you? Are you ready to be a father figure? Remember She should always come first, her comfort and safety will be the priority of the child court.”

I’m silent, the question hanging in the air like a weight. “I…” I fumble for words, but the truth is hard to articulate. “I didn’t think about it like that.”

“Wait,” Kiera suddenly breaks in. “Am I reading this right, Mr Lund being a single man is one of the things they will see as negative, right?”

Christina’s expression softens, yet her tone remains firm. “Being single might work against him in this case. Child protective services prefer a stable environment with both a mother and a father. As I said, Frida’s well-being will be their priority.”

The truth hits me hard. I’ve never considered marriage. My life has been consumed by work and the relentless pursuit of success. I glance at Kiera, remembering how awkward I feel around women, especially in a romantic context. It has always been like that, they seems to find me attractive, but only from afar. I’ve built walls around myself, and the idea of breaking them down is daunting.

Kiera seems to read my thoughts, her voice filled with determination. “Would it strengthen his case if he were to get married?” she asks, her gaze unwavering.

Christina nods slowly. “Yes, it most likely could.”

“No, I need a more subsistensløs answer,” Kiera says. “Would having a spouse with experience in child care make a difference.”

I look between the two of them, confusion swirling in my mind. “What are you getting at?” I ask, unsure of where this conversation is heading.

“Let’s be direct,” Kiera insists, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “If he were married to someone who had experience with kids, would you then have a better chance of getting Frida?”

Christina raises an eyebrow, her lips curling into a knowing smile. “Yes, if the wife were at home and could provide a stable environment when Will works or travels, it would definitely work in his favor.”

“Great, then we’ll get marry!” Kiera announces, giving me a smile, like she just announced we would have fish for dinner.