Gambling hearts - Hosie

Part 9

"So, you decided to stay married."

Josie looks to her right where Hope is sitting. They've been in the Mikaelson mansion for less than ten minutes, but the brunette already feels overwhelmed by Hope's family and their questions. The last one comes from Klaus himself. He's been watching them with an unreadable expression on his face, making Josie more uncomfortable with every minute passing.

Hope's hand tightens around Josie's. She lifts her chin up a little, unwilling to show any weakness to her father.

"Yes." The auburn haired woman glances at Josie, and gets an encouraging smile. "We both think we could build something together."

"What about love?" Hayley asks, her head tilted to the right. "Do you think you could love each other?"

Hope swallows hard, the question hits her a little harder than she would have thought. She could love Josie. She already cares about the brunette a lot more than she dares to admit. The time they spent together in New York has proven how fond she can be of the other woman, and she knows it could grow into something way deeper and meaningful. She can't answer for Josie though. Actually, she's still unsure as to why the Saltzman woman decided to stay married to her.

"I think we could." Josie says, her voice steady and clear. "I think we already do." She looks at Hope, and their eyes lock together. There's surprise in Hope's blue eyes, but it's mixed with joy and it makes Josie smile softly at her wife. She looks back at Hayley. "We just need some more time to fall in love. True love starts with friendship, right?"

Hope's mother lets a little chuckle escape her lips. "Well, I think your minds are made up. Who are we to stand in the way of young love?"

"I think-" Klaus quickly starts, but is cut off by his wife.

"Niklaus, it's enough. We should trust our daughter." The blond man closes his mouth after his wife glares at him.

"I do have some questions about how you'll work from Mystic Falls." Rebekah suddenly says. "How will it work? Are we still planning on opening an office there, or not? Are you simply gonna work on your own and come back to New York when we need you?"

Hayley sighs and stands up. "Josie, would you come help me with dinner? I'm sure they don't need us to figure out those things."

The brunette quickly looks at Hope, and finds her wife looking right back at her. Josie softly bites her lip, unsure about leaving Hope's side.

"You should go." Hope says softly, a little smile tugging at her lips. "This is gonna be boring for you."

So, Josie goes with Hayley to the kitchen. She's surprised when Hayley starts to make easy conversation after they start working on dinner. The brunette cuts vegetables as she talks about her town, her family and her friends to the woman. Hayley listens with a soft smile on her lips, only speaking up to ask more questions. The conversation quickly drifts to Hope, and Josie gets to hear all sorts of stories about the auburn haired girl. Stories Josie is sure would bring a lovely shade of red to her wife's cheeks.

Josie appreciates the time she gets with Hope's mother. It feels nice to get to know Hope this way, and to feel like she might have a place amongst the Mikaelson family one day. Something she had never felt the few times she met Hope's father.

When they're done with preparing everything, Hayley places the dish in the oven and they move back to the living room where the rest of the family still is. They're still clearly discussing business, so both Josie and Hayley take back their seats in silence. Hope's face lights up when Josie sits next to her, and she quickly reaches for the brunette's hand. Josie smiles softly as their fingers intertwine themselves. It feels good. It feels natural.