Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 80207 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80207 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
That’s what a father should be like.
Emotion wells in my chest because Alexei is a father to us all.
Needing to hug my son, I get up and walk to where he’s playing with Alex and Lucian.
He points at me. “This is my daddy.”
I crouch by him and press a kiss to the top of his head before sitting flat on my ass to play with him.
Minutes later, Viktor calls out, “Food is ready.”
I climb to my feet and lift Vincent to my chest. “Do you want a hotdog, buddy?”
“Yes. I want two.”
“Please.”
“Please, Daddy.”
It will never get old hearing him call me Daddy.
Everleigh grabs two plates and loads some food onto them. “Sit down so you can eat.”
“Yes, Mommy,” I say to tease her.
“She’s not your mommy,” Vincent laughs.
“What is she to me?” I ask.
“She’s your…ahh…she’s your wife.”
“From your mouth to God’s ears,” I mutter.
I place Vincent on a chair and wait for Everleigh to give him his plate before she hands mine to me.
“Thank you, moya malen'kaya lyubov'.”
“You’re welcome.” She goes to get food for herself, and when she sits beside me, she glances at Demitri. “Is he always so quiet?”
I nod while I swallow a bite of the potato salad. “Demitri is Alexei’s custodian.”
“What’s a custodian?”
Demitri overhears our conversation and answers, “I protect Alexei.”
“Oh…so like a bodyguard?” Everleigh asks him.
Demitri shakes his head. “No, it’s more than that. I’m sworn to Alexei for life. Where he goes, I go.”
“Oh wow,” my woman whispers. “How long have you been his custodian?”
“Almost fifty years.”
“Holy crap.” She lets out a chuckle. “That’s impressive.”
“Eat, moya malen'kaya lyubov',” I remind her.
“Oh, right.”
I lean closer and whisper, “Or you won’t get any dessert later.”
She lets out a burst of laughter before she takes a bite of her flame-grilled corn.
When we get home, Vincent is fast asleep. Before we left the estate, I made sure he used the bathroom, so hopefully, he won’t wet the bed. I hated how upset he was the other night.
I help Everleigh change him into his pajamas before I kiss him good night. I wait for my woman to kiss our son, then taking her hand, I lead her to the living room.
“So, how do you feel about the BBQ?” I ask.
We sit down on the couch before she answers, “Surprisingly, I enjoyed it. I really liked talking to Alexei.”
“He’s an amazing person,” I say. “What did you and Viktor talk about?”
“Hmm…wouldn’t you love to know,” she teases me. “I asked him whether Vincent and I would be safe if we lived on the estate with you.”
“What did he say?”
She takes hold of my hand and links our fingers. “He said you’re important to him, so that makes our safety a priority because he’d like to keep you sane.”
I let out a burst of laughter. “And? Has that changed your mind about moving in sooner?”
She leans her shoulder against the back of the couch, her body facing me. “I don’t want to sell this house.”
“You can keep it as an investment.” I think for a moment, then excitement bubbles in my chest. “Or I can rent it from you?”
“That would be stupid. Who would live here?”
“My mother.” My expression grows serious. “I want to bring her to the US as soon as possible. I hate that she’s all alone in Russia.”
“That would be amazing.” Everleigh gives me a worried look. “Do you think she will like me?”
“My mother’s a woman of few words. She’s from a different world, but with time, I’m sure you’ll get along.”
I haven’t told her about Everleigh and Vincent. I wanted to do that in person.
“Can she speak English?”
I nod. “Yes. She had us all take lessons.”
“When are you going to bring her to the US?”
“I need to talk with Viktor, but as soon as I have a date, I’ll let you know.”
With a bit of luck, I can go get Mama in the next couple of weeks. But I need Viktor’s approval because I’m also going to settle the score with my father.
Bringing the conversation back to our original topic, I ask, “When are you moving in with me?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Everleigh teases me. “It’s all happening a little fast, don’t you think?”
“Fast, my ass. It’s been four years in the making, Everleigh. I think it’s long overdue.”
“Well, if you put it that way.” She gives me a playful look. “I guess the sooner, the better.”
“Are you fucking with me right now?” I ask.
When she shakes her head, I grab her face and kiss the ever-loving shit out of her. Once she’s breathless and a little dazed, I free her mouth.
“The love of my life and my son is finally coming home to me.”
Love shines from Everleigh’s amber eyes. “Vincent is going to jump out of his skin when he hears the news.”
I relax against the couch and pull my woman into my arms. “I love it when he calls me Daddy.”