Page 138 of Nikola

“Don’t let these two babies make you late for your own wedding,” Branka muttered, rolling her eyes at them, then she and Mama made themselves scarce.

“New Orleans doesn’t have tiramisu,” Papa reasoned.

“Well, Italy doesn’t have alligators,” Sasha snapped.

“I rest my case.” Papa grinned, then turned to me. “Are you ready to get this party started, princess?”

I lifted my long dress and stepped forward, closing the distance to the two men who had been my whole world for so long. Their bickering instantly ceased and they both offered me their arm.

There’d be no bouquet to hold since I was wearing the flowers, and besides, walking down the aisle holding on to these two men meant so much more.

I met Papa’s gaze, then Sasha’s, and leaned over to press a soft kiss on each of their cheeks.

“I love you both,” I mouthed with a trembling lip, locking eyes with theirs that glistened.

Inhaling deeply, Papa spoke first. “You’ve made me so proud, princess. Don’t forget your papa when that Russian boy spoils you rotten.”

I smiled softly. “Never. Besides, you both spoiled me rotten first.”

Sasha shook his head. “We better get going. I don’t want to ruin my makeup.”

I chuckled and my clammy hands gripped their strong arms. We made our way out of my room, down the stairs, and out onto the terrace, where all eyes were on us.

My heart fluttered fast and fierce as we took a step toward the terrace where a makeshift altar and priest waited for me. One step. Two. Three.

As we walked down, the entire world faded away as my eyes landed on a tall, strong man with the palest blue eyes. Nikola’s eyes on me were full of love, reverence, and obsession.

Then it sunk in and a sharp gasp left my lungs.

Nikola stood tall, gripping a wooden carved cane and waiting for me. His three-piece suit was immaculate, his Windsor tie knot just a bit off, and his smile just right.

My heart was too eager, my love overflowing as my steps sped up, dragging Papa and Sasha toward my future.

I didn’t wait for Papa and Sasha to give me to him. I closed the distance between us, wrapping my arms around Nikola’s towering frame.

“Surprise,zayka,” he murmured with the biggest smile I’d ever seen on his face while so many emotions and questions swirled in my chest.

“How… when… why didn’t you tell me?”

“I wanted to surprise you.” He cupped my face. “I want to be the best version of myself for you, Skye. The strongest one.”

“You already are the best man on this planet, malysh. The best version. The best everything for me.” I kissed him on the mouth. “The only man for me.”

The priest tapped Nikola on the shoulder and we turned our heads to look at him, not letting go of each other.

The priest shifted uncomfortably. “We haven’t gotten to the vows yet.”

It didn’t matter, because Nikola refused to let me go. The ceremony began and ended with my hand in his and his in mine.

“You may kiss the bride.”

My husband kissed me, lazy and sweet, rough and possessive, sending shudders through me.

Then it was just the two of us. Husband and wife.

Forever.

THE END