Chapter 26 - Abe
There she stood, my Pippa, a vision in white lace that hugged her beautiful curves. Her eyes locked with mine, shimmering with unshed tears of joy. My heart thundered in my chest, a feeling I'd never experienced before meeting her. Truth is, she rendered me speechless.
"I, Pippa, take you, Abrahim…" Her voice trembled slightly as she began her vows.
I couldn't tear my gaze away from her glowing face, framed by those light brown curls I loved to run my fingers through. Her seven-month baby bump, proudly on display in her form-fitting gown, only made her more radiant. Fuck, how did I get so lucky?
When it was my turn, I cleared my throat, pushing past the unexpected lump of emotion. "I, Abrahim, take you, Pippa, to be my wife. I promise to protect you, cherish you, and love you fiercely for all of our days." My voice softened as I continued, "You've shown me a life far more beautiful than what I imagined possible. With you, I've found a home I never knew existed for the likes of me."
Pippa's eyes widened and she tilted her head at my uncharacteristic display of vulnerability, a sweet smile playing on her soft, pink-painted lips. I wanted nothing more than to kiss her right then and there.
As if reading my mind, the officiant declared, "You may now kiss the bride."
I didn't need to be told twice. I cupped Pippa's face in my hands and claimed her lips with a passion that probably wasn't entirely appropriate for a church. But hey, I'd never been one to play by the rules.
The church erupted in applause and cheers. I reluctantly broke the kiss, keeping an arm wrapped possessively around Pippa's waist as we turned to face our guests.
My brothers, Vlad and Ivan, were on their feet, whooping like we were at a boxing match instead of a wedding. Their wives, Adley and Emory, looked on with amused and joyful expressions, no doubt used to their husbands' antics by now.
As we made our way down the aisle, I leaned in close to Pippa's ear. "You look fucking gorgeous, pip," I murmured. "I can't wait to get you alone later."
Pippa's elbow connected with my ribs, but her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Behave yourself, Mr. Ustinov. We have guests to entertain."
I grinned, already plotting ways to steal her away during the reception. After all, what was the point of being a feared member of the Unholy Trinity if I couldn't bend the rules at my own wedding?
***
The reception hall buzzed with laughter and chatter as Pippa and I made our rounds. I kept my hand on the small of her back, feeling the warmth of her skin through the delicate lace of her gown.
"Congratulations, you two!" Vlad Vadim's booming voice cut through the noise as he approached us, Mariana on his arm. "And to you especially, my dear Pippa. You're positively glowing."
I couldn't help but puff up with pride. "Thanks, Vlad. We're pretty damn happy."
Pippa leaned into me, her hand resting on her swollen belly. "Thank you both for being here. It means the world to us."
Mariana embraced Pippa gently. "We wouldn't miss it for anything. You're family."
As they moved on, I caught sight of Nikolai and Giselle Vadim headed our way. "Incoming," I muttered to Pippa. "Brace yourself for Giselle's enthusiasm."
Pippa giggled. "Be nice. She means well."
"Pippa!" Giselle practically squealed, engulfing my wife in a careful hug. "You look absolutely stunning! And Abe, I never thought I'd see the day you'd settle down. Miracles do happen!"
I raised an eyebrow. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Giselle."
Nikolai clapped me on the shoulder. "She's not wrong, Brother. But we're all thrilled for you both. Sorry, most of the family couldn’t make it except us. Billie’s pregnant and on the last stretch, and Pietro is with her. The rest are out of town."
"How is Billie doing?" Pippa asked warmly. "I really wanted to compare pregnancy notes." She winked at Giselle.
Giselle chuckled. "Last I saw, she was demolishing the dessert table. Pregnancy cravings are no joke."
Pippa's eyes lit up. "Oh! I too should check out the dessert table. For the baby, of course."
"Of course," I agreed, amused as we said our goodbyes to the couple and made our way toward the sweets. "Just save some for the rest of us, yeah?"
On the way, I caught Ivan's eye across the room. He raised his glass in a silent toast, a knowing smirk on his face. I nodded back, feeling a surge of contentment. This was my family now—chaotic, dangerous, and utterly perfect.
***
The opening strains of a slow song filled the air, and I instinctively reached for Pippa's hand. "May I have this dance, Mrs. Ustinov?"
Her green eyes sparkled as she placed her hand in mine. "Always, Mr. Ustinov."
I led her to the dance floor, my heart swelling as I took in her radiant beauty. The soft curves of her body, accentuated by her flowing wedding gown, fit perfectly against my frame.
"You're staring," Pippa murmured, a blush creeping across her cheeks.
I grinned, unapologetic. "Can you blame me? My fierce, gorgeous wife is carrying our child. I'm the luckiest bastard alive."
She rolled her eyes, but I caught the pleased smile tugging at her lips. "Such a charmer. Who would've thought the great Abrahim Ustinov would turn into such a sap?"
"Only for you, Love," I whispered, pulling her closer. "Only for you."
As we danced, the world seemed to fade away. The lively chatter and laughter of our guests became a distant hum. All I could focus on was the feel of Pippa in my arms, the gentle swell of her belly pressing against me, a tangible reminder of our future.
"Abe," Pippa said softly, her eyes meeting mine. "I never thought I'd have this. A family, I mean. After my parents…"
I brushed a curl from her face, my throat tight with emotion. "You'll never be alone again, Pippa. I swear it."
The music swelled, and around us, the reception continued in full swing. I could see Ivan twirling Adley, both of them laughing. Vlad and Emory were engaged in what looked like an intense dance-off, much to the amusement of the surrounding guests.
"Look at them all," Pippa mused, following my gaze.
I chuckled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Why look at them when we can show these amateurs how it's really done?"
Pippa's eyes widened. "Abe, don't you dare—”
But it was too late. With a wink, I spun her out, then pulled her back in, dipping her low, but not too low. Her surprised laugh, clear and bright, rang out just as people around us began to whoop, filling my heart with warmth.
***
When the music shifted to a slower tempo, I caught Pippa's eye. A spark of mischief lit up on her face and she gave me a subtle nod. Without a word, I knew exactly what she was thinking. I leaned forward, my heart racing with anticipation.
"Ready to make our great escape, Mrs. Ustinov?" I murmured, my lips brushing her ear.
Pippa's cheeks flushed prettily. "Lead the way, Mr. Ustinov."
With practiced ease, we slipped away from the dance floor, our fingers intertwined. I guided her through the crowd, nodding and smiling at guests as we passed, but never slowing our pace. The moment we cleared the reception hall, I pulled Pippa into a secluded alcove, hidden from prying eyes.
"Well, well," I drawled, pressing her gently against the wall. "Looks like I've got you all to myself now."
Pippa rolled her eyes, but her smile was radiant. "You're incorrigible, you know that?"
I grinned, tracing the curve of her cheek with my thumb. "You love it."
"Maybe," she teased, her hands sliding up my chest. "But what will our guests think, us sneaking off like this?"
I chuckled, leaning in close. "They'll think I'm a smart man getting to steal a moment alone with my gorgeous wife."
Pippa's laugh was music to my ears. "Smooth talker. But what about the baby? I'm not exactly light on my feet these days."
"Please," I scoffed playfully. "The way you're glowing, I wouldn't be surprised if we end up with Irish twins."
Her eyes widened comically. "Abrahim Ustinov! Don't you dare joke about that. One pregnancy is quite enough, thank you very much."
I couldn't help but laugh, pulling her close and reveling in the warmth of her body against mine. "Alright, alright. But you can't blame a man for dreaming, can you?"
“I guess I can’t,” she said, and we both met halfway for a kiss, leaving the rest of the world behind.
*****
THE END