Chapter 25 - Kolya
It’s been about six months since our love confession.
On that day, she also shocked me by revealing her pregnancy.
It was one of the greatest days of my life.
Life has been hectic since then. But our love was firm.
We also ensured there was time for fun. However, we haven’t gotten to spend a lot of time with our family.
Today I had a surprise for Sophia. I’ve been planning for two weeks. I hoped it turned out the way I anticipated. “Come on, little Babmi, where are you?” I called out, waiting impatiently at the bottom of the stairs.
“Yes, yes! I’m coming, hold your horses,” I heard Sophia calling back. Her words were barely cold when my angel appeared at the top of the stairs. She was shining like the sun. I’ve never seen her glow so fabulously.
The tight-fitting, long white dress she wore framed her pregnant body perfectly. She was growing daily, her pregnancy becoming more apparent with every passing minute. Every time I saw her, I couldn’t help but fall in love with her all over again.
She would have been the most beautiful bride if she had had the chance to walk down the aisle willingly. My heart melted at the sight of her. I felt a silent tear rolling down my cheek. Wiping it away briskly, I smiled at her, not wanting her to see how she was affecting me.
Her hair was neatly tied into a beaded bun. She made me think of the first time she came down these stairs all dressed up. Things could have gone better under different circumstances. But I wouldn’t change a thing.
If I had only known from the start that she was the one, I would not have waited or wasted so much time before telling her how I felt. “You are more beautiful than the sun, moon, and stars. No other creation on earth can compare to your radiance.” I exclaimed as I extended my hand to her.
Watching her smile light up her face, I knew she would never need make-up to enhance her beauty as she was perfect without it. She had a natural glow that complemented her unique beauty.
“Well,” She huffed. “I feel a little big at this stage. I am also sure that I still must grow quite a bit.” Holding her belly and smiling at me as she took the last steps, she spoke more softly. “This is all your fault.”
“You might feel a little bit big at this stage. But I can assure you, you are glowing and shining with perfection, adding to your beauty.” I complimented her.
As she reached me, I took both her hands in mine. Taking turns, I tenderly kissed each. “You are spectacular,” I whispered.
A blush spread across her face faster than a jet plane. She turned her head slightly to the side, smiling widely. I could hear the eagerness in her tone as she spoke. “Thank you, my dear. Now tell me where we’re going?”
“It’s a secret,” I teased. It’s a surprise. If I told you, it wouldn’t be. Close your eyes and trust me.”
“You know I’m not good with surprises,” she huffed.
Moving in behind her, I placed my hands over her eyes. “You are going to love this one, I promise,” I added while guiding her to the glass doors.
The guards were standing in a row waiting for us. As we stepped outside, I lowered my hands. The guards raised theirs, filled with bouquets of roses. I did this to block the view behind them. However, there were so many that even the guards' faces were covered.
Sophia laughed as she turned in my arms and kissed my cheek. “Now this is interesting. I’m eager to find out what you’ve done,” she whispered.
“Me? I’ve done nothing. What makes you ask such a thing?” I replied.
“Oh, okay, if you say so,” she contradicted.
The guards started walking backwards as she moved forward. The idea was to conceal the family gathered on the lawn under the tent. Once we were close enough to the open yard where they were, I lifted my hand. They stopped, and so did we.
“And now?” Sophia questioned, glancing at me.
“Close your eyes,” I replied, covering them with my hands.
Nodding, the guards moved to the sides and lifted the bouquets to form an archway. “You ready?” I whispered.
Sophia nodded eagerly. I removed my hands and waited for her reaction. Her hands instantly shot up to her mouth as she exclaimed. “Wow! All the family’s here.”
“Yes, dear,” I replied, moving to her side. Taking her hand, I squeezed gently. “I thought it was about time for another family gathering.”
“Oh, Kolya, this is fabulous, thank you,” she huffed, pulling me as she started moving towards them.
“Wait a minute,” I said, pulling her back. Turning to face me, she lifted her hands to my face. Raising to her toes, she kissed one cheek and then the other. “Okay,” I added, letting go. “You can now go mingle.”
Spinning around, she moved quickly to join them. I stood watching, waiting for the actual surprise to hit her. Sophia was almost on top of Clara when the family moved to the sides, making a hole. Behind them sat her brother, his wife, and daughter.
Sophia stopped in her tracks. For a second, she looked like a statue. She looked back at me, her eyes as wide as saucers. They were filled with tears. The smile decorating her lips was as spectacular as she was.
“What?” she shouted. The next moment, it looked like she was having some kind of hysterical fit. Sophai was screaming, jumping up and down, and waving her hands in all directions. It was an amazing sight to see as her brother got up and walked to her.
Sophia flung her arms around him and smothered his neck and cheek in kisses. “I’ve missed you sooooo much,” she managed to get out between kisses.
“We’ve also missed you, little sis,” he replied, hugging her tightly. His wife and daughter joined them, and more hugs and kisses went around. This was going to be a day to remember.
Sophia glanced at me. I could see the joy on her face, which made me happy. Even from this distance, I could see the tears of joy building up in her eyes. Nodding her head, she signaled for me to join them. Slowly, I made my way towards them.
As I got closer, Sophia turned to me, taking both my hands in hers. “Thank you so much for bringing them here. I have not seen them in forever; this is a delightful surprise.” She spoke. “So,” she added. “Have you already met?”
“No, we have not. We were notified that our flight was booked, and we were invited to come to stay with you for the weekend. Her brother replied.
Grinning, I extended my hand and spoke as I shook his. “Sorry for the short notice. Things just happened too quickly.”
Her brother glanced at his wife, then back at me as he spoke. “No problem. I am glad we could eventually see what was happening in Sophia’s life. We are grateful that she has found someone who makes her happy.”
“Thank you, I’m glad you see it that way,” I replied.
Her brother smiled at me as he spoke again. “I noticed Sophia is pregnant. Congratulations! May I ask how the two of you met?”
I was about to answer when Sophia grabbed my arm and gave an awkward laugh. “That is a long story; maybe leave it for another time. Please go around and get to know everybody. They are truly great people.” She spoke.
Her brother nodded at her. I felt sure he had received the message as he took his wife, moved around us, and went to mingle with the family.
“I do not think we should inform them that my family and I, and now you as well, are bratva,” I whispered into her ear.
Sophia looked at me with wide eyes as she replied. “No, not yet.” She glanced over my shoulder, looking in the direction of her brother as she continued. “I do not think they will understand.”
“I shouldn’t let them wander alone. Your family can’t tell them about Bratva,” she proclaimed. Her tone was wavering.
Grabbing her arm, I pulled her close. “My family knows who they are. They will not speak of things that do not concern them,” I assured her.
Sophia looked at me, her eyes wide. “Please relax. Enjoy the party. I promise everyone will behave.” I added kissing her forehead
She breathed in deeply as she nodded. We joined the family, moving between them, chatting here and there. Most of the discussions were on pregnancy and babies. Everyone seemed to enjoy each other's company.
The day went smoothly without a hitch. It warmed my heart to see Sophia so happy. She was in her element. Sophia had a good heart. She was so loving that everyone enjoyed her company. Throughout the day, we kept eye contact. Now and then, she’d wink at me and smile.
Passing each other, we made sure to touch, even if it was only our fingertips. At some point, she grabbed my ass in passing, which was a nice change. I also had fun visiting with everyone and getting to know her brother.
As the day moved along and the sun started its descent, I knew there was still business to be done. Mikhel had called me yesterday asking if we would have some time. Some things couldn’t wait. They had to be done, he said.
I knew now wasn’t ideal. But it sounded urgent. So, we had to make time. I waited until Sophia was playing with her brother’s daughter on the grass. Walking up to Mikhel and Yogu, I nodded lightly. “Thank you, guys, for coming, for being here. Sophia really enjoys it,” I said.
“I must admit, this day has been the most fun I’ve seen in a while. It was past due,” Yogu added.
“Yeah, no problem, it was fun,” Mikhel commented. “But things are looming.”
Looking at how happy Sophia was, it filled my heart with peace. “Yes, I know,” I replied. “Spit it out then.”
“Melody got out of jail! She found another loophole.” Yogu said.
Staring at him in disbelief with wide eyes, I couldn’t believe my ears. Glancing over at Sophia, I spoke softly. “That is not good; she will be coming for Sophia.” Sighing deeply, I looked back at Yogu and Mikhel. “We cannot allow this.”
“Keep calm and let us handle it. Listen before you make any decisions.” Yogu added.