Epilogue
Sitting on the couch in our shared home, I tap my foot nervously, waiting for Alexei to come home. After everything that we went through together, there is some trauma around him being away. Whenever Alexei would leave the house to go to the store or grab takeout, I would run through various worst-case scenarios in my head.
But that's not why I'm nervous today.
My eyes are practically glued to the door, waiting for him to come home. Living with him over the past six months has been incredible. Going from never even holding hands with a guy to living with my dream man within a week's time was a whirlwind that many people in my life didn't understand. But it was the right thing for us.
“I can protect you better if we're together,” Alexei said, arguing his case for moving in together.
My only reason for wanting to stay in my apartment was the fact that I liked my apartment. It was nice to have my own space where I could do whatever I wanted, plus I loved how cozy it was. But our compromise was a near re-creation of my apartment in a spare room of our house. Whenever I want to get away to have some time to myself, read a book, or do some of my schoolwork, I can retreat to my sacred space.
However, after the news I have for Alexei, we might have to repurpose that.
Finally, after what feels like hours, Alexei walks through the front door carrying a paper bag filled with our favorite Chinese takeout. I stand in the living room and smile excitedly at him.
“What's going on?” Alexei asks, walking over to me and giving me a kiss on the cheek before setting the food down on the coffee table. It's our Thursday night ritual to have Chinese food in the living room while watching an old noir film.
“I have some exciting news.” I take a seat beside him and grab his hand, looking at him with the biggest smile I've ever had. “I'm pregnant.”
Alexei is silent for a moment, staring at me in disbelief, but when the words register in his mind, he smiles and immediately wraps me up in a hug. He laughs in complete shock at the news, then pulls away from me, grabbing my cheeks and kissing me passionately.
“You're positive?” Alexei asks, wanting to make sure we're certain before getting too excited.
“I've taken eight tests. Every single one of them had two pink lines,” I reply, biting my lip excitedly. “Now, are we getting married before or after the baby comes?”
“Whoa, whoever said anything about marriage?” Alexei asks with a laugh. He talks about it nearly every night, so I know he's only joking. “It's funny you bring this up now because I'm sure you’re wondering why I was gone so long.”
Alexei reaches into his pocket and pulls out a red velvet box, flipping the lid open to reveal a brilliant diamond sparkling inside. I look up at him with a light, happy feeling in my chest. “Ever since the day I met you, you've made my life so much better. I don't ever want to spend a day without you. Amelia Stone, will you marry me?”
I can't hold back the tears streaming from my eyes as I nod my head, unable to say anything for a moment. “Yes, of course!” I barely managed to choke out.
Alexei slides the ring on my finger, and it fits perfectly. I don't even look at it before grabbing his face and pulling him in for a kiss. I hold him close as long as I can, savoring this moment. Six months ago, I never dreamed something like this would happen. Sitting here with Alexei in our living room, getting engaged, and finding out I'm pregnant all in one day.
But now, there's a whole new future ahead of us. One where Alexei doesn't have to do the things he was trained to do. One where the two of us can be together, happy, and in love for the rest of our lives.
Thank you for reading My Dark Valentine.