Epilogue
Shanice
One Year Later…
Istood on the back patio of our house, watching Zara and Mila, Olek’s daughter, chase each other around the yard.
Zara had grown close to Mila and it was good to see.
They’re friendship was unique with Zara’s Autism and Mila understood Zara’s special needs better than anybody else.
She stood up for Zara when things became overwhelming.
It was good to see that Zara had even more support, especially from someone her age.
"Shanice, can we have popsicles?" Zara called out.
"After you finish your game," I called back.
"Deal!"
I smiled and settled back into my chair, letting the warm summer sun wash over me. Finals were done. My first year of college was officially complete. It almost felt weird that I had nothing urgent to do. But incredible at the same time.
"You look relaxed," Katrina said from beside me. She was holding Daniil, her five month old son, who was dozing against her shoulder.
"I earned it." I stretched my arms above my head. "Four exams in five days. I thought my brain was going to melt."
"But you passed everything."
"With flying colors." I couldn't keep the pride out of my voice. "Three more years to go."
Katrina shifted Daniil to her other shoulder. "You're amazing, you know that?"
“Thank you.” I watched the girls play, my hand unconsciously moving to my stomach. "Things are really good."
Better than good, actually. Two months ago, I sat Mikhail down and told him I was ready to start our family. I wanted to see what our future could look like. And last week, I took a test that changed everything.
I was pregnant.
We hadn't told anyone yet. We're keeping it to ourselves for just a little while longer, and savoring the secret. But I could feel the knowledge of it humming beneath my skin, warm and perfect and terrifying all at once.
"You're glowing," Katrina said, studying me. "What's going on?"
"Nothing. I’m just happy."
"Uh-huh." She smiled knowingly but didn't push. "Well, whatever it is, it looks good on you."
The back door opened, and Mikhail stepped out. He'd been inside with Olek, talking business, but his eyes found me immediately. They always did. He crossed the patio and came up behind my chair, his hands settling on my shoulders. Then he leaned down and pressed a kiss to the top of my head.
"How is my baby?" he asked.
"I’m fine," I said, tilting my head back to look at him. "Done with your meeting?"
"For now." His hands moved to massage my shoulders, and I practically melted. "Thought I'd come check on you."
"I'm good. Just watching the kids play."
Mikhail's eyes moved to Zara and Mila, and something soft crossed his expression. "They’re getting so big."
"I know." I watched Zara laugh as she tagged Mila, both of them shrieking with joy. "I can't believe how much Zara’s grown in just a year." Not just in height, she’s learned so much too.
"That's what happens." Katrina adjusted Daniil, who was starting to stir. "They grow up when you're not looking."
Mikhail's hands stilled on my shoulders, and I felt him tense slightly. I knew what he was thinking about, our baby and what it would be like to watch our child grow. About the family we were building.
"You okay?" I asked quietly.
"I am." He leaned down again, his lips brushing against my ear.
I reached up and covered one of his hands with mine, squeezing gently.
Katrina stood, cradling Daniil. "I'm going to put him down for his nap. You two want anything from inside?"
"We're good," I said. "Thanks, Kat."
She disappeared into the house, and Mikhail came around to sit in the chair beside me. He pulled it closer until our knees were touching, then took my hand.
"Are you happy?" he asked.
"Ridiculously happy." I squeezed his hand. "Are you?"
"More than I ever thought possible." His thumb brushed over my knuckles. "You gave me everything, Shanice. A family. A future I didn't know I wanted until I had you."
"You gave me the same thing." I looked out at the yard and I thought about everything that’s happened over the last year. "A year ago, I was terrified that I was making a mistake. That I wasn’t being rational about what I wanted with you. I didn't know if I was making the right choice. But now?"
"Now?"
"Now I know saying yes to you was the best decision I ever made."
His eyes darkened with emotion. "I love you."
"I love you too."
He stood and pulled me to my feet, wrapping his arms around me. I settled against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.
His hand moved to my stomach, resting there gently. "You're going to be an incredible mom."
"You think so?"
"I know so." He kissed me softly. "And I can't wait to see it."
"Me neither."
We stood there for a long time, wrapped up in each other, watching Zara and Mila play. The afternoon sun was warm, the sound of children's laughter filling the air. This was what happiness looked like for us And I wouldn't trade it for anything.
"Mikhail?" I said quietly.
"Yeah, baby?"
"Thank you. For everything. For fighting for us. For giving me time to heal. For making me feel safe enough to love you."
"You don't have to thank me for that."
"I know. But I want to anyway."
He held me tighter, and I closed my eyes, letting myself just feel the warmth of the sun, the strength of his arms, and the promise of the future growing inside me.
A year ago, I married a man I barely knew. Now, I couldn't imagine my life without him. And as Mikhail's hand settled more firmly on my stomach, as he whispered promises against my hair, I knew with absolute certainty that this was exactly where I was meant to be.
"I love you, baby," he murmured.
"I love you too."
Our future was just beginning.
And it was going to be absolutely beautiful.
The End
Thank you for spending time with Mikhail and Shanice.