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)
My mother is old school. She’s been taught to fear men and obey their every word. It will take a while for her to adjust to life in the US.
Everleigh
“Shoot,” I mutter as I rush to the oven. I pull it open and let out a sigh of relief when I see the mini cupcakes didn’t burn.
“We have a winner,” I call to Rosalie, where she’s tidying the living room.
“Really?” She comes rushing into the kitchen. “Let them cool off before we put the icing on.”
“Okay.”
If it weren’t for Rosalie, I wouldn’t have gotten it right to make the cupcakes. She’s a patient teacher.
“What’s still left to do?” I ask after I’ve set the cupcakes down on the cooling rack.
“We need to place the flowers in vases and get the welcome banner up.”
I place my hand on my stomach, then admit, “I’m nervous. What if she doesn’t like me?”
Rosalie wraps her arm around my shoulders and steers me toward the living room. “She’s going to love you. Stop worrying, or we won’t get everything done in time for your mother-in-law’s arrival.”
“You’re right,” I mutter. Taking a deep breath, I grab the banner. “Let’s get this up.”
“Mommy,” Vincent calls from where he’s playing in his old bedroom. “Why can’t we go back to Daddy’s house?”
“Because someone very important is coming to meet you,” I shout so he’ll hear me.
“Who?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“I want to know,” he wines.
“Vincent Alek Adams, Mommy needs you to be a good boy!”
“Take care of him. I’ll get the banner up,” Rosalie says.
“Thank you.” I rush to the bedroom only to see Vincent’s toys scattered all over the floor.
Rosalie and I have been working our butts off to get the house ready for Alek’s mother.
“We need to tidy this mess. Your father will be here within the hour.”
“I don’t want to be Adams anymore. I want the same last name as Daddy.”
“We’re busy changing your name. It takes time.”
“I want a cupcake,” he demands.
I give him a look of warning. “Stop being difficult and help Mommy, or I’ll tell Daddy.”
Vincent jumps up, and much to my surprise, he hurries to collect all his toys.
Wow, it worked. I’m so throwing Alek under the bus from now on.
I hurry back to the living room and see Rosalie is already done hanging the banner. I go to the kitchen, were she’s arranging the flowers in a vase.
“You’re a godsend,” I say. I touch one of the cupcakes, then ask, “How long do they take to cool down?”
“The longer, the better.” She checks the time on her wristwatch. “Let’s give them another thirty minutes.”
“That’s cutting it close.” I help Rosalie arrange the roses and lilies. “Thank you so much for everything. I would’ve been a mess if it weren’t for you.”
“That’s what friends are for.” She smiles at me. “Besides, I’m actually having fun.”
When I place the flowers on the coffee table in the living room, I glance around to make sure we didn’t forget anything.
“Come take a seat and catch your breath,” Rosalie says.
We plot down on the couch and let out a collective sigh.
In less than an hour, I’ll meet my future mother-in-law.
God, I hope we get along.
For Alek’s sake, I’m going to do my best to win her over.
Chapter 49
Alek
My heart is beating out of my chest as I stop the G-Wagon in front of Everleigh’s house.
“This house?” Mama asks, her eyes wide as she glances around the neighborhood.
“Yes. I’ve already installed a state-of-the-art security system, and you’ll have a guard with you twenty-four-seven.”
Mama pats my cheek. “You take such good care of me.”
“Let’s go.”
We climb out of the vehicle, and I wrap an arm around my mother’s shoulders as I walk her to the open front door, where Everleigh is already waiting.
My woman looks nervous as fuck, and there’s fear darkening her eyes.
I give her a comforting smile, and as we reach her, I switch from Russian to English. “Mama, this is Everleigh.”
My mother stares at the woman whose supposed death broke me.
“So beautiful,” Mama says. She glances Everleigh up and down. “And healthy.”
“Ahh…thank you.” Everleigh takes a cautious step closer. “It’s such a pleasure meeting you.”
Mama stares at Everleigh until my woman gives me a panicked look.
I move closer to Everleigh and take hold of her left hand. “We’re going to get married.”
“Daddy!” Vincent shouts from behind me.
I head into the house and catch my little man. With my son in my arms, I turn around so I can introduce him to his grandma.
Intense shock hits my mother, and I quickly move closer. Her eyes are transfixed on Vincent, and lifting a trembling hand, she touches his cheek. “He looks like…” A sob overwhelms her, but she holds her arms open, and I pass Vincent to her.
She gently bounces him the way she used to do with us when we were little.