Page 144 of Twisted Pact

“My opinion is that I want to marry you as soon as possible.” He runs his fingers through my hair. “Everything else is just details.”

“Details matter.”

“Not as much as you do.”

Katya makes a gagging sound from the couch. “You two are disgustingly sweet. I love it.”

Alexei’s phone rings again. He glances at the screen and sighs. “I need to take this.”

He steps out of the office, leaving Katya and me alone with the wedding samples. I set down the flowers and lean back in my chair. My hand moves to my belly. At twelve weeks pregnant, I can tell that my stomach is changing.

“Have you thought about the dress?” Katya asks.

“I have an appointment next week with a designer Papa suggested.” I pause and correct myself. “That Papa and Mamabothsuggested.”

Katya’s eyebrows rise. “Your mother is involved in the planning?”

“She called yesterday. We talked for an hour about venue options and guest lists.” I still can’t quite believe it. “She even offered to help with the preparations.”

“That’s wonderful, Mila.”

“It is.” And I mean it. The conversations with my mother have been awkward at times, full of carefully chosen topics and old wounds we’re both trying to heal. But we’re trying. That’s what matters.

The office door opens, and Papa walks in. He looks better than he did three weeks ago. The bruises from his captivity have faded, and his limp is barely noticeable.

He crosses to me and kisses my forehead. “You look beautiful, Mila.”

“I look pregnant,” I scoff.

“Beautiful and pregnant.” He glances at the wedding samples spread across the desk. “How is the planning coming?”

“Slowly. There are too many decisions to make.”

“Then let me simplify one for you.” He pulls an envelope from his jacket pocket. “Your mother and I would like to host the reception at the estate. We’ve already begun preparations.”

I take the envelope and open it. Inside are photos of our family property. The gardens have been restored, and the ballroom has been renovated. Everything is fresh and new.

“Papa, this is too much.”

“It’s not nearly enough.” He squeezes my shoulder. “Let me do this for you. Forbothof you.”

Alexei returns to the office before I can respond. He takes one look at the photos and nods. “The estate is perfect. Thank you, Leonid.”

Papa looks pleased. “Good. It’s settled then.”

Dmitri appears in the doorway behind Alexei. “Sorry to interrupt, but we need to finalize the alliance documents.”

“Now?” Alexei asks.

“The lawyers are waiting.”

Alexei looks at me. I wave him off. “Go. Katya and I can handle the flowers.”

He kisses me once more before following Dmitri out. Papa lingers for a moment, studying the wedding samples with an expression I can’t quite read.

“What is it?” I ask.

“I’m proud of you, Mila.” His voice is rough with emotion. “You chose your path. Made your own decisions. That takes courage.”