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“You are most welcome. Did you think I wouldn’t notice?” she asks. “The glow is there on her face. Every pregnant woman has it. You would see it too if you were paying attention.”
“We just don’t want her father to know before we’re married,” I say. “Please.”
“I won’t say anything, but then you better put a rush on this wedding, because soon enough, she’ll be showing.” Mama pats my hand.
“I have no doubt he’ll figure it out afterward, but we’re going to act like we didn’t know. We might also announce it at the wedding. We’re still discussing it.” I smile, feeling a little awkward talking to my mother about having babies. “Thanks, Mama. Enjoy your drive home.”
“Bye, Arseny,” Mama calls from the car and waves.
I watch as the car pulls away before someone comes behind me and covers my eyes. “Boo.”
“Hello, Elena,” I say with a smile. I use her name in case Ethan is with her.
“He’s not here,’ she says as she lets me go. “It’s just us.”
“Just us,” I say with a smile as I turn and kiss her deeply. “Just us.”
Elena
I stand at the doors to the chapel, my chest tight in my dress as I breathe hard. I don’t know why I’m so nervous when I’m doing the right thing. This is how it should be. I feel it with every fiber of my body. Arseny and I together forever as a family.
It seems crazy that he kidnapped me, and now I’m marrying him, but that’s the life of a mafia princess. Crazy is somewhere in our middle name.
The wedding march starts and I take my father’s arm. “Ready.”
“Ready,” he says gruffly, a stray tear in his eye. “You look beautiful, darling.”
“Thank you, Father,” I lean over and kiss his cheek. He’s handsome in a tailored, three-piece suit. The dark blue compliments his skin tone, and I’m so proud to call him my father.
The doors open and we slowly walk out in time with the song. Arseny is standing at the end of the aisle, watching me. He’s also wearing a three-piece suit, but his is black, with a deep-red vest underneath. He’s the most gorgeous man present.
I can see the hunger in his eyes as he watches me come up the aisle, and I know we’re not going to sleep tonight. I doubt we will sleep much on our honeymoon.
I reach the front of the church, and my father hands me off to Arseny, who takes my hand. We face the priest, standing shoulder to shoulder, as he begins the service.
It’s a boring service. I wanted to skip it, but Arseny said his mother would have a heart attack. I suggested we elope, and he said he’d get murdered if his mother didn’t get a wedding.
All this fancy show for what? All that matters is Arseny and me.
Bored, I look around at the decorations my sister-in-laws had helped pick out for me. Gorgeous wreaths of white roses, lilies, and baby’s breath adorn every available space. They are the same flowers that make up my bouquet. It does look stunning, and I’m thankful for their help.
Arseny turns to face me, and I quickly do the same. I can see he’s trying not to laugh at me and I bite my tongue. Now is not the time to giggle.
“Mr. Milov, your vows,” the priest says.
“Elena,” Arseny says, taking my hands. “I promise to love you beyond death. Nothing will part us. I will follow you into the next life, and the life after that. I’m certain that in every past life we were together, too.”
It’s so sweet, I get a little teary-eyed. Damn, these hormones.
Arseny continues, “I want you to know that there is no one who could stand in the way of our love. I intend to spend the rest of my days making sure you’re the happiest woman alive.”
He smiles and mouths. “Your turn.”
I blush and nod. “Arseny, I never thought I was made for marriage. I always thought I would be all business and no pleasure. You’ve shown me that I can have the best of both worlds: a life of business and a family. I promise to spend my days making you happy and ensuring that you never long for anything because of me.”
We stare into each other’s eyes and it seems like it takes forever for the priest to announce us as man and wife.
Arseny pulls me to him and kisses me deeply, dipping me down. I lace my hands together behind his neck and hold on for dear life. I know he won’t drop me, though. He’s seriously strong. He’s shown me many times… in the shower, on the counter, over the couch. My mind wanders, and I have to pull myself together.
