Page 80 of Forgotten Vows

“No one here has seen you pregnantyet,” Gabriella teased, bumping her hip against mine as she passed to pick up Andre.

I swore that kid would be the center of attention when he grew up. He always fussed when there was a crowd and he wasn’t held.

Later that night, Ivan and I had a family picnic with just the three of us. Lev chased butterflies in the twilight, making me smile at the innocence he still had.

It seemed like we were celebrating, and we really were. But I couldn’t wait to celebrate with Ivan. Alone.

“The second the vote came in and the family heads decreed that Lev was officially a Dubinin heir was one of the best feelings ever.”

I smiled at him. I could see it. His soft smiles of pride and joy. But then as I envisioned how happy he was at the news from this meeting, I imagined how furious my father would’ve looked. “Was he there?”

“Konstantine?” He shook his head. “We wondered.”

“I bet he wouldn’t risk it. Luka can’t be his only enemy. That’s why I was surprised when it sounded like Luka figured he could have some support.”

Ivan smirked. “Konstantin would only have allies in other enemies of ours, and we all know a new rival or enemy can pop up at any time. But you’re right. Many grumbled about Konstantin. A ‘representative’ from the Petrov family appeared in Konstantin’s place. But even that caused drama. Many are mad about the fights and feuds he was behind. Some blamed him for damages from that last big war with the Cartel, the one where he let everyone think he was dead.”

“He must really be pissed that we have a child,” I replied. “It was the trigger to pull him out of hiding.”

“Maybe, maybe not. Emil’s been working along the lines that Konstantin might’ve been trying to find you and follow you for a long time. I wouldn’t be surprised if he put the Riveras up to grabbing you outside Paris.”

I shrugged, crawling over the blanket to sit closer to him.

I don’t care.

I had my family now. Or I soon would. Ivan’s “proposals” would stick once I had a ring on my finger, but I knew I wasn’t leaving anytime soon.

Even if I wasn’t welcomed to be a Dubinin, it would be the end of my father.

I’d kill him before letting him threaten my son or lover.

I kissed Ivan’s smile right off his lips, excited that I could be this much closer to the dream of a family I’d longed for.

With you.

I kissed him again, and he grinned.

“Are you impatient to go to bed?” he teased.

“I’m impatient for the rest of my life to start—again—with you.”

He took hold of me with his hand on my neck, gently tugging me closer until he could kiss me. Then kiss me some more.

Until Lev sighed. “If you’re going to have a baby, I would like a sister, please.”

I laughed, falling back from Ivan as he chuckled too.

How about we make surethisbaby is born when we’re married, though, huh?

33

IVAN

The next day came like any other. This new routine of our version of domestic life began with Raisa and me getting Lev ready for school and dropping him off.

Even though these actions weren’t new, I couldn’t help but feel like this was a restart on life.

Questions had been addressed and we’d answered them.