Page 198 of Blood & Snow

"It's beautiful," she admits.

"Like the woman I'm offering it to," I say.

"So, what's your answer,Ptichka? Will you marry me or do I need to increase my bribery budget?"

"You can't bribe me into marriage."

"I can try."

"Your efforts would be wasted."

She slides the ring onto her finger, admiring how it fits perfectly against her skin.

"Because my answer is yes."

Her answer makes breathing difficult. I stand and pull her into my arms, kissing her with enthusiasm that makes the children giggle and Irina clear her throat meaningfully.

"Alright, that's enough," Irina says, standing and herding the children toward the living room.

"Let's give them some privacy. Igor, you can help me clear the table."

"I don't do dishes," Igor protests weakly.

"You do tonight," Irina informs him, and to my amazement, he follows her without further argument.

If he weren’t already married, I’m sure Irina would whip him into shape tonight.

Alone in the dining room, I deepen the kiss, pouring months of fear and hope and desperate love into the connection between us.

Nadya responds with equal passion, her hands gripping my biceps as if she can pull me closer through sheer determination.

"I love you," I whisper against her lips.

"More than I thought possible to love another person."

"I love you too,Khishchnik. Even when you're being ridiculous about baby names."

"Xavier is a perfectly good name."

"We'll discuss it later," she promises, the same words I used earlier.

"After we've celebrated our engagement properly."

"How do you propose we celebrate?"

"I have ideas. Most of them can’t happen until company goes home, though…"

The suggestion sends heat through my veins.

"I've never been good at delayed gratification."

"I know. It's one of your more endearing flaws."

Through the doorway, I hear Irina organizing the children for games that will keep them occupied.

Igor's gruff voice contributes occasional commentary that suggests he's being drafted into entertainment duty against his will.

This is what redemption looks like.

Not grand gestures or public declarations, but quiet moments stolen in the midst of the chaos of building a life with someone who sees your worst qualities and loves you anyway.

Nadya has given me that gift, has offered me a future where I'm more than just a weapon the Bratva wields against its enemies.

"Merry Christmas,Ptichka," I murmur against her hair.

"Merry Christmas,Khishchnik. And may we have many more together."