Chapter 26
TAYLOR
We have sex all night. And after each round, Kon makes me take another pregnancy test. His smile is broader with every positive result.
We’re definitely having a baby.
But still, he insists that we make certain with more sex.
I’m sore and so happy when we finally fall asleep at dawn, with a row of pregnancy tests on the bedside table. A testament to our happiness.
I wake up to an insistent buzz.
“It’s the door intercom,” Kon says sleepily, rolling out of bed.
I push myself up onto my arms to see Kon padding out of the bedroom completely and unapologetically naked.
“Da.” He answers the intercom abruptly, then continues in rapid Russian, before calling out, “It’s your family. Do you want them to visit?”
“Uhhh…” I am not ready for what my sisters might say about this. They’ve been so concerned about me avoiding anything to do with what happened in the last five years.
“Your more murdery brother-in-law is threatening to send a drone up here to break in if you don’t agree,” Kon drawls.
“Is that Feliks?” That sounds like Payton’s husband.
“I think he’s the one threatening,” Kon says casually. “But it sounded like they’re both there.”
I give him a wobbly smile. “I guess we don’t have an option.”
Kon snorts. “Of course we do. If you think I won’t kill for you, Taylor, you haven’t been paying attention.”
My heart does a little leap. “No need. Can you ask them to give us a couple of minutes?”
Kon relays that message in English, then is back in the bedroom, intent in expression. “Enough time for…”
He drags his gaze over my body, and I blush.
“I should get some clothes, and brush my hair. Or they’ll know…”
“You don’t think they’ll get the hint if I answer the door like this?” Kon shrugs innocently.
If I had doubts about whether Kon was ready to tell everyone about our relationship, they dissolve with my giggle at the thought of him facing Feliks and Maxim nude.
“I know you said you’d kill for me, but I don’t think giving all four of my family heart attacks is the right strategy,” I say.
Kon’s eyes light with mirth as he leans in and grabs my chin, holding my face as he kisses me.
“I imagine it’s a very effective way to get people to leave, though,” he murmurs. “But I suppose if I’m going to demand you wear my clothes, I should too.”
We’re only half dressed—having found it almost impossible to locate anything of Kon’s that fits me—when the buzzer goes again.
“Just a sec!” I call as I find my ruined underwear in the lounge and put it on as best I can. Some modesty is a good thing.
Kon’s in a pair of trousers and a partially buttoned shirt, and waits at the door for my nod as there are loud thumps on it from the other side.
“Where is she?” growls Maxim as soon as Kon opens the door. He’s towering over Hayley.
“Oh my god.” Payton begins to laugh when she catches sight of me, and pushes forwards, past the men. “I knew it!” Payton throws her arms around me.
“You’re not annoyed?” I ask as I hug her back, a bit confused.
“Why would we be, silly?” Hayley replies for her. “We only want you to be happy.”
Payton nods.
“You will accept this.” I hear Kon’s voice behind us, hard and low. “Greenwich, you said I owed you for saving Taylor, this is what I’m claiming.”
Over Payton’s shoulder, I see Hayley’s and Payton’s husbands glaring at Kon, who has squared up to them, determination on his face. They both look over at their wives, and whatever my sisters’ expressions say persuades them to stand down.
“I’d find it easier to accept if you provided her with better-fitting clothes,” Maxim grumbles.
“Your man downstairs insisted I bring up your package for you, Harlesden. I’m not a fucking delivery service.” Feliks slams down a small parcel onto the console table as he barges in.
“Thank you,” Kon replies smoothly, closing the door behind my sisters and their husbands. He glances at it before picking it up and offering it to me. “For you, zhizn moya.”
“What is it?” I gently draw away from Payton’s embrace, glancing between the men. Kon is watching me intently, and the other two are exchanging looks with my sisters. I take the little packet.
“An idea,” Kon replies simply.
I blink at him, then everyone is watching us. “Should I open it?”
“You need breakfast, and I suppose we should offer our guests something, but yes. If you’d like to open it before you eat, that’s fine by me.” Kon has that stillness and unwavering attention on me, and it’s warming.
I’m a bit curious, I confess. It’s probably more pregnancy tests, but as I open the padded bag and reach inside, I realise I’m totally wrong.
A small square leather box falls into my hand and my heart lurches as Kon slides to one knee before me.
“Oh my god.” I’m light-headed.
“Are you sure we should be here?” grumbles Maxim. “I haven’t had breakfast yet either.”
“Shh!” Hayley nudges him. “I don’t want to miss this bit.”
“When…?” I can’t even fully form the question.
“I had it brought last night while you were otherwise occupied,” Kon replies calmly.
In the loo, he means. Those were the only moments we were apart.
“But I ordered it weeks ago,” he continues.
“Aww!!” Payton says, turning to Hayley. “See!? I told you!”
I stare at the box in my hands in shock. I’m so absurdly happy. As ever with Kon, he’s provided exactly what I didn’t know I wanted.
“You can reveal this one whenever you like, too.” Kon’s voice is untroubled. “As much time as you need.”
“What does he mean, ‘too’?” Hayley whispers to Payton.
Like the pregnancy tests. He’s so patient with me. I grip the little jewellery box like it could run away and think of how I delayed looking at the results of the test. How much joy I postponed.
Maybe, just maybe, I can believe in this dream come true?
“Though I would appreciate it if you took less time than last night,” Kon adds. “Because if you leave it too long my knees might never be the same again.”
I press my lips together and hold out the ring box. “Open it for me.”
Kon hesitates.
“I’m ready,” I say. I’ve never been more ready. I believe in this. I trust Kon. I have from the beginning.
The box makes a slight creaking sound as it splits and reveals a white gold band with a pale stone as big as my fingernail.
“Taylor Love,” Kon says in a deep, serious voice. “You’re my whole life. I love you. Please marry me.”
“Yes. Yes!” I throw myself on Kon, who catches me, laughing, and surges to his feet, holding me tight.
My sisters shriek, and they’re both bouncing with excitement as Kon kisses me. And I know, for sure, that this is where I’m meant to be. I’m home.