Page 63 of Notes About Vodka (Happily Ever After Hangover #1)

Chapter Thirty-Five

VAL

“Vodka is often marketed in ways that appeal to younger audiences, increasing the risk of early alcohol abuse. Underage drinking can have long-term negative effects on brain development and increase the likelihood of developing alcohol dependence later in life.”

The days swirl into a whirlwind of paperwork, meetings, and wedding planning.

Each night blurs into the next as I pour over forms and draft letters, reaching out to senators—from Alabama, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut—hoping for a thread of support to untangle our legal knots.

Hope fuels my persistence, knowing what’s at stake: a future where nothing can keep us apart.

We decide that after Laura’s graduation in May, when my parents can visit, we’ll finally have the wedding we always dreamed of—surrounded by everyone we love, laughter filling the air, and joy carrying us through the day .

One bright afternoon, I'm off from the City Tavern and Laura has a break from studying. She heads out to hunt for her wedding dress, excitement radiating from her every step, but I catch a flicker of nervous anticipation in her smile. Her mind is buzzing with dreams and possibilities—she's imagined this moment since she was a little girl, and now, it’s real. She wonders if the dress she chooses will capture how deeply she loves me and the life we’re building together.

I set off to pick up my tux, both of us agreeing to keep our choices a surprise.

The secrecy adds a thrilling tension, a promise of the magic that awaits.

She pauses at the door, her eyes sparkling. “No peeking,” she teases with a wink, her voice bright with excitement and hope. Watching her leave, heart full, I’m reminded how lucky I am—twice blessed to call her mine.

The tailor’s shop is warm and polished, a place where elegance is stitched into every seam.

I choose a classic black tux—sleek, timeless—but add personal touches: a crimson bowtie, Laura’s favorite hue, and sapphire cufflinks that glint like the oceans we love.

Red to coral, sapphire to turquoise—our colors, our story.

Stepping into the street, tux in hand, I can’t resist sending Laura a text.

Me: Just picked up my outfit. No sneak peeks—you’ll have to wait.

Her reply is instant.

Laura: I like the sound of that. But don’t worry, mine’s under wraps too.

I can’t help but smile, imagining her in whatever dress she chooses—though, in truth, she’s always breathtaking.

Me: You’ll be radiant. I can’t wait to see you walk down that aisle.

Laura: You’re going to make me cry before the day even arrives. I love you.

Me: Love you more, Mrs. Zaitseva.

I linger with my phone, her words echoing in my heart. In that moment, I see not only the wedding but every day after—the laughter, the adventures, the quiet moments where love speaks in silence. And I know this isn’t just planning a wedding—it’s building a life, together.

Luckily, a senator from Alabama comes through swiftly, securing visa interviews for my parents in mid-May—a perfect stroke of timing that lifts a weight off my chest. Relief and excitement intertwine; everything is falling into place.

I can already picture them there, sharing this long-awaited moment with us.

I Skype my mom, knowing my dad is on a fishing trip with some friends.

I stare at the screen, my heart pounding with every ring of the Skype call.

The dim room is filled with the faint hum of my laptop, and the warmth of the desk lamp pools around me.

The screen flickers—and there she is. My mother.

Her dark brown eyes that are just like mine glisten with tears, and my breath catches, the years apart crash down on me every time I talk to my parents on Skype.

"Мама..." I whisper, my voice trembling under the weight of the moment.

"Valerey," she replies, her voice cracking, hand covering her mouth. "Ох, мой милый мальчик... Я вижу тебя. Наконец-то." Oh, my sweet boy... I see you. Finally .

A wave of emotion swells, tightening my throat. "Mama, it’s really happening. You’re coming. Fifteen years... I’ve waited so long to say those words."

Her tears fall freely, mirrored by mine. "Пятнадцать лет..." she repeats, her voice shaking. "Каждый день я скучала по тебе. И теперь... скоро... я обниму тебя снова. Мой малыш." Fifteen years... Every day, I missed you. And now...soon...I will hold you again. My baby .

My laugh is soft, broken by tears. "I’m not a boy anymore, Mama."

Her voice, warm and proud, reaches through the distance.

"Ты всегда будешь моим мальчиком. Но посмотри на себя—ты стал мужчиной.

И нашёл такую красивую девушку. Я так горжусь тобой, Valerey.

" You will always be my boy. But look at you, you are a man.

And you have found such a beautiful girl. I am so proud of you, Valerey .

I wipe my eyes, my chest aching with joy. "Mama, Laura... она — моя душа. Она любит меня так, как я никогда не думал, что возможно." She is my soul. She loves me more than I thought possible .

Her hand presses to her heart. "Я уже люблю её—потому что она любит тебя." I already love her—because she loves you.

My voice cracks, raw with longing. "Mama, когда я тебя обниму... одиннадцать лет... Это слишком долго. Но скоро, в день моей свадьбы, ты будешь здесь." Mama, when I hug you... Elevan years... It’s too long. But soon, on my wedding day, you’ll be here .

The call dissolves into tears and laughter, our hearts speaking more than words.

The soft hum of the Skype disconnect chimes, but the warmth of our connection lingers in my chest—a glowing ache of joy, hope, and love.

I am not only gaining a wife. I am regaining my mother. And soon, my world will be whole.

The rest of spring unfolds in a whirlwind, each day packed with wedding preparations.

Cake tastings become sweet adventures, laughter spilling over as we debate flavors between bites of rich buttercream and fresh berries.

Our evenings are spent scrolling through venue photos and envisioning the perfect day.

After careful thought, we chose Torreya State Park in Florida for the ceremony.

It’s a place where towering trees and winding trails create a natural cathedral—intimate, serene, and full of life.

The lush greenery feels like a world touched by magic, as if nature itself will bless our vows at the foot of the mansion there that rests on a cliff.

The real reason thought, it’s close to her grandparents, making it even more meaningful. We can already imagine the sun filtering through the trees, the soft rustle of leaves, and the warmth of loved ones surrounding us.

We begin planning the small details—a floral arch, rustic lanterns, and a good friend to DJ. Thanks, Skipper.

Laura even orders her cake from one of the ladies she went to church with back home.

"Why make it crazy and expensive when it's really about us bringing our families together. I just want to enjoy being at the beach with you," Laura says one evening.

I smile softly, "And maybe a little dancing under the stars?"

Laura grins. "Only if you promise not to step on my toes."

"Agree, as long as we are together, it doesn't matter. Now, just to get you graduated. "

"Don't worry, Valerie, you will have your degree soon, too. It's okay that you took this semester off to work."

She's right, but with Laura being at NYU all the time and me taking over as bar manager at the City Tavern, I needed a moment to breathe. I'll finish next year, then maybe continue my dream of having a Russian restaurant. I just need to make sure Laura and I are side by side the entire time.