Page 150 of Scarlet Promise

He rolls his eyes. “And you were right. I was wrong. Ilya could run his bratva, but his talent lies as my second, and mine lies in listening to him. We complement each other. And because I got out of my own way, because he’s Ilya, and you’re you, yougave me the chance to accept it. And we’re stronger than ever. So thank you, Alina.”

“I love you.”

“I love you. Plus, you gave me an adorable niece.”

Smiling, I put my arm through Demyan’s, and he leads me out to give me away.

He’s officially growing our family.

And I feel so blessed.

“…in sickness and in health,”the pastor says, “for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” I say.

He turns to Ilya and repeats the words.

Without missing a beat, Ilya says, “I do.”

We didn’t write vows. We said those to each other last night. We’ve said our own words of love every night to each other.

This is my love, my life, my man, my husband. My best friend.

I can’t describe the love I hold for him and our baby daughter.

We slip the rings on each other’s fingers, and our haze of love silences the rest of the world to a background buzz. The only clear thing is Ilya, especially when he kisses me.

I cling to him and kiss him back, tasting the future, happiness, a life to be lived, love.

And when we part, we’re married.

Unlike last time, this is real.

We know who we are and where we stand.

And that place is love.

Our reception is small.It’s located in the town where we’re staying, where Ilya has a country house, courtesy of his horrible grandfather.

I know what happened to Melor, someone I barely now think about. I know because I asked, and I understand. I’m glad he’s dead. And I’m gladder still that both my brother and Ilya didn’t go any farther down the path of torture. It’s already borderline too much.

But…I get it.

“May I dance with the bride?” a familiar voice says.

Ilya’s got Albert in one arm, Katerina in the other, and I think my ovaries explode at the sight.

It’s the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.

And I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it. I won’t ever see him hold our daughter and not find it sexy, because a big, strong man like him being so careful and natural with a tiny baby ishot. Add Albert, the formerly scared dog, to the mix, and I’m a goner.

“If there’s room,” I say with a laugh.

He hands me Albert. “There’s room.”

I laugh once again and kiss him, then Katerina, and then Albert. There are other dogs here as well.

Eva brought along the ones she’s fostering, and already, they’re a hit.