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Things were finally calm. Reef’s disappearance was a mystery. We knew this because Matvey had contacts in the police department who informed him. The cops were treating his disappearance as voluntary. There was no mention of us. Matvey had his men go to Reef’s place and remove all pictures of Alexandra so no one would come to speak to us. The busted window at her apartment was a cold case. And since there was nothing to tie her to him, no one came to her work to speak to her colleagues.

Her work was back to normal, and she was secure in her position with no more issues with her boss. We’d also gotten everything moved out of her apartment and turned it back over to the landlord. She was living in our house and making it into our home. She’d done some redecorating, but nothing I couldn’t live with.

Tonight, we were having dinner at Matvey and Victoria’s house. I was glad to see it finally arrive and excited for the evening. We were asked to be there by seven, and dinner would be served around eight o’clock.

Victoria’s invitation asked us to dress for dinner, but it stated that it didn’t need to be formal, such as a suit or tux. After talking to Mikhail and Hoss, we learned how we’d dress. The women always dressed beautifully, so there were no worries in that regard. We were the ones who didn’t want to embarrass them.

Alexandra was a little quieter the first two weeks or so after what happened to Reef. I closely watched her and often checked if she had regrets or if what was done haunted her. She assured me repeatedly that it didn’t. Seeing her smiling and laughing like her old self on the drive to Leiper’s Fork was nice.

Again, we admired it when we were let through the gate. It was a property you had no choice but to love. After we parked where other cars were, including Mikhail’s and Hoss’s, we walked to the door to be greeted by a jovial Matvey. One didn’t expect a Mafia boss to open his doors. They had staff, including a butler, but Mikhail said Matvey often did what he wanted. We were greeted with hugs and kisses and then shown to the smaller, intimate sitting room.

In addition to our three couples and our hosts, Sawyer and Sharlena were present. I wasn’t surprised to see Tamara, Tajah’s mom, and Gideon, Tamara’s boyfriend. Mom was smiling. We’d done a lot of talking and healing since she left Father. She surprised Cady and me when she informed us her new home was in the Nashville area of Franklin. She wanted to be close to us. We were happy about that. Father had been left to live his life the way he deserved: alone and unloved. We had no doubt he’d get even more karma paid back over time. Cady and I looked forward to it.

Victoria hugged us and asked us to be seated. Before we did so, we went to say hello to Sharlena and Sawyer. They appeared nervous. Who could blame them? Next, we said hello to Mom, and then we sat.

Drinks were offered. For those who accepted, Mikhail helped his cousin prepare them. As they did, Alexandra whispered in my ear. “Did you know they invited your mom, Sawyer, and Sharlena? Why would they do that?”

I shrugged. “I have no idea unless it was to make us feel more relaxed and family-like.”

She thought of it and then nodded. “That has to be it. Well, it was sweet of them.”

“It was,” I agreed.

Time flew by as we chatted about a variety of things. As time went by, I saw the Blackman siblings and Mom relax. When we were told dinner was served and shown to the formal dining room, they were smiling and laughing like the rest of us.

The dining room was set with china, crystal, and linens that made the table incredible. It was amazing. The women were all exclaiming over it as we seated them. Once everyone was settled, Matvey indicated to the server that we were ready. Plates were brought out, and we were served rather than dishing our portions ourselves. The food looked and smelled incredible. After everyone was served, we dug in. It exceeded any high-end restaurant I’ve ever eaten at. We all moaned and complimented the chef. By the time we’d stuffed ourselves, including having dessert, we could hardly amble back to the sitting room.

“I would like to propose a toast, so all of you must accept a glass of champagne to do it with me,”

Matvey insisted.

As he said it, the butler came in carrying a tray with flutes of champagne on it. Everyone took one, even Tajah. Alexandra caught me staring at her.

“It’s alright. A few sips or even that small glass won’t hurt the baby.”

Reassured, I focused back on Matvey. He held up his glass and had his arm around Victoria, who was standing beside him.

“Spending more time with my cousin Mikhail has been wonderful and a blessing. He has always been a part of the family, but we seldom saw him. Since he met Tajah, that has changed. And now, they have brought more wonderful people into our lives. Ones that we hope will remain forever and be a part of our family. I know we have only met a few of you tonight, but you would not be here if you were unimportant. Victoria and I were never blessed with children, but we feel we are gaining more through you and a grandchild soon with the birth of Mikhail and Tajah’s little one.”

He blew a kiss to Tajah. “Za vashe zdorov'ye i schast'ye, to your health and happiness,” he added.

We all repeated it, except Mikhail, who did it in Russian. Then we all took a drink. It was hands down the best champagne I’d ever tasted. Before everyone could drain their glasses, Matvey called for their attention again.

“There is another thing that we need to toast. Carver, would you come here and help me with this?”

Matvey asked.

He had a twinkle in his eye. I felt everyone’s stares and puzzlement as I approached him, especially Alexandra’s. Matvey shook my hand. “I will now let Carver tell you what we hope to toast.”

He moved to stand next to Victoria, who was beside Mom. My hands felt clammy. I hadn’t been nervous until this moment.

“Thank you, Matvey. Thank you and Victoria for opening your family and home up to us. Many of us in this room have no family or very little family. In some cases, the family we have isn’t one we’d choose to be with. The people in this room are Alexandra and my friends and family. We’re so thankful for you and that you could be here tonight. When you have those you care for gathered like this, it’s the perfect time to say something important. Which is what I need to do.”

Pausing, I walked back to Alexandra. I set my flute down and took hers away to do the same. Tension rose as I held both her hands and stared into her eyes. She still didn’t understand. However, when I dropped to one knee, let go of her right hand, and reached into my pocket to remove a ring box, she did. She gasped. I heard cries of joy, murmurs, gasps, and manly chuckles as I gave the most important speech of my life.

“Alexandra Roche, you took me by storm. I was struck by not only your incredible beauty but also your mind, wit, and inner you. Not one part of you still doesn’t amaze me every day. Along with the storm, you were able to make me want to submit to you in a way I’d never considered with another. No matter what we do, we do it as partners. Sometimes, we may disagree, but I believe we have the perfect way to smooth out those differences. Look at what we’ve already been through. You and I have made a home together, and I want us to go further and make it last a lifetime. I love you and want a family with you, so I didn’t want to wait to ask you this. Will you please say yes to becoming my wife? Will you marry me?”

I opened the box lid right as I finished asking her. She gazed down at me in astonishment. Her eyes landed on the ring, and she gasped, then smiled. My pounding heart slowed.

“Carver Anderson, I adore and love you. I never thought I could be as happy as I am with you. I thought I’d live my life alone. You’ve brought me more happiness than I imagined. And just as you submit to me like no other, I submit to you the same way. I would love to be your wife.”

I held myself back long enough to slide the ring on her finger, then rose and kissed her. As we did, the others were all cheering. I would’ve been happy to keep kissing if she hadn’t pulled away.

“I need to see this ring closer. It looked incredible,” she said.

I pretended to sigh as I lifted her hand so we could both look at it.

Alexandra:

I was still recovering from the shock of Carver asking me tonight to marry him. Despite how his sister teased me, I had no inkling he planned to ask me any time soon. And I never associated tonight’s dinner with a proposal, even though the people present were a surprise. As he held up my hand, I drank in the sight of my engagement ring. It sparkled in the light.

It was set in silver or platinum, with a twisted shank covered in small round diamonds, which were also haloed around the center emerald-cut diamond. I glanced up at him. Carver was watching me.

“I love it. Before we’re mobbed, I think we should finish the toast and let the others see the ring, especially your sister and mom. They’re probably ready to burst. Unless you already showed it to them.”

“Nope. No one saw it or knew I was planning to ask you tonight. Matvey contacted me before the official invite went out. He asked if I was making you an honest woman soon or not. When I told him yes, he said to get the ring, and he’d help arrange the time and place if I would allow him. I worked it out with him and Victoria. They wanted it to be special yet have the people we’re closest to there to celebrate with us.”

“This dinner was the perfect way. I love everything about tonight. Thank you,”

I told him.

Smiling, we picked up our glasses and held them high. The others did the same. I laughed when Carver shouted, “Thank you, God. She said yes!”

Laughter, cheers, and teasing comments punctuated our toast. Then it was time to be mobbed, show everyone the ring, and receive hugs and kisses. When I made it to Matvey, he winked.

I hugged him tight and whispered, “Since you seem to be adopting us, that means you have to give me away at the wedding.”

The way he beamed, you would’ve thought I told him he won the lottery. He was quick to shout to let everyone know he was the father of the bride, causing us all to cheer and take another drink. Basking in the love in this room with these people, I was more thankful than ever that I moved to Tennessee and joined the House of Lustz. Who knew I’d find the love of my life in such a place? I never imagined it or the trials we went through to make it here, but it was worth it.