Chapter 29
Chapter twenty-nine
“You’re still the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen, Katyusha. Although Margot certainly went all out tonight, didn’t she?”
“I can’t imagine going through a wedding this huge again, but more power to her.
She’s always been a bit extra in that way.
Nobody could have pulled this off except for her and Blanche.
They’re a bit scary when they put their minds together.
My birth plan would be eighteen pages long if I had let them have their way. ”
We slowly sway back and forth, Katarina’s bump between us preventing me from holding my daughter as closely as I’d like.
Any day now, I’ll be a grandfather. The fullness of my life would have seemed impossible to me a few years ago.
The Sinclairs have welcomed us with open arms, Katarina marrying Henry, and then Sasha working for Blanche while falling in love with his Lucy.
My daughter yawns as the song ends, and immediately, her husband appears to pull her away. He and Blanche were enjoying a mother-son dance, and he suavely deposits her into my arms in exchange for Katarina.
“Come on, Kitten. Time for bed, it seems.”
There’s no protest from her as I kiss her cheek good night before Henry hoists her up in a bridal carry to make their way out of the ballroom. Blanche and I sway to the new song as we watch our children leave.
“He’s incredibly protective of her. I don’t think I could have handpicked a better man. Certainly not one who I would trust more than Henry to keep her safe.”
She hums her agreement. “It’s a trait of Sinclair men, certainly.
Although Kat is the only woman to ever spark joy in Henry.
It’s been a privilege to watch them. Henry has been so calm and helpful to her this entire pregnancy.
I would have thought he might be at least a bit nervous, but no.
He’s taken every new father class available and read what must be hundreds of books at this point, though, so I’m sure he feels as prepared as he can.
I still can’t believe they’re finally giving me another grandbaby. ”
“And my first.” I lower my hand to the small of Blanche’s back, and she stiffens before relaxing into my arms. Usually, I wouldn’t dare be so forward in a crowd, but this is a romantic occasion. “Although I must say, the more time I spend with your brood, the more I enjoy them.”
“I heard that LJ had a new nickname for you last week?” She pulls back to reveal a twinkle in her eye.
Blushing, I realize she’s caught me. I’ve been teaching the children to call me dedushka, though only the oldest has caught on. The younger three mostly babble deda, which I’ll take for now.
“He’s a very smart boy.”
We continue to sway through the next two songs, and I soak up every moment of Blanche in my arms. It’s moments like this that I crave above all others.
I’ll never rush her, but the joy of the wedding and the immense love that’s permeated every inch of the Sinclair home tonight are heady.
More than anything, I wish I could hold her hand in public and claim her as mine.
But Blanche Sinclair is a complex woman with a full life all her own.
Not to mention the…special circumstances of my own family and business.
I’ll take whatever she gives me, forever.
But I can’t help but think that tonight might not be the worst time in the world to plead my case.
It’s been a few months since I’ve tried, and although none of the children have overtly given their blessing, I swear I’ve seen winks and nods of encouragement throughout the evening.
“Will you walk with me?”
She pulls back to meet my gaze, snapping out of the reverie we had both been enjoying while dancing.
Whatever she finds, she agrees, uncharacteristically quiet as we make our way outside to the courtyard.
Coming to the bench facing Katarina’s favorite fountain, we sit in silence for a few minutes, and I gently take her hand.
“This has been a lovely evening, Blanche. You and Margot have impeccable taste. I don’t think a single detail was missed tonight.”
“Thank you, darling. I can’t take much of the credit. It really was mostly Margot. I only provided a little suggestion here and there.”
We enjoy the crisp night air before I finally get the nerve to speak. Of all the times in my life when I should have been nervous and never was, it seems that they’ve been saved up for this moment.
“I would never presume to replace him, you know,” I say softly, knowing that she might balk like a skittish kitten at any time.
“He’s irreplaceable to you and to this family.
From everything you’ve ever told me, the love you shared was singular.
It’s rare to have experienced that, and I hope you feel comfort that you had as much time with him as you did.
I know eternity wouldn’t have been enough, though, and I’m sorry he wasn’t here to walk Margot down the aisle and to dance with you tonight. ”
She squeezes my hand instead of pulling away and leans her head on my shoulder. “I’m glad you had that, too. With Katarina’s mother. And I’m sorry it was for such a short time.”
I place a soft kiss on the back of her hand before continuing.
“With everything that I’ve heard of him, from you and the rest of the family, he seems as if he were quite formidable. I have wondered what would happen if we were to meet.”
This pulls a watery laugh from the stunning woman at my side. “I’m not sure the universe wouldn’t implode.”
“Or maybe we’d get along like old friends, and you wouldn’t even have to choose.”
At this, she throws her head back and fully dissolves into laughter, drawing the attention of a few other couples who have snuck outside to find nooks and crannies to canoodle in.
“Our time together has been incredibly meaningful to me, Blanche. Merging our families has gone more smoothly than I could have ever hoped, and sharing holidays and special occasions has been joyful in ways I didn’t think I ever deserved.”
She turns to smile softly at me. “It’s been wonderful, Ivan. I don’t know how I would deal with these crazy kids without you.”
Alright, this is your chance. Are you a goddamn Bratva boss or not?
“Blanche, I think tonight is the perfect time to—”
“Alright, everyone, it’s time to cut the cake! Let’s get all the family up here for photos! Where’s the mother of the bride and all the siblings?”
The moment is broken by the booming voice of the DJ cutting into the still night, and Blanche pulls back, giving me a chaste kiss on the cheek before heeding her summons and going back inside.
Rather than being discouraged from my quest, if anything, tonight has proven what I’ve come to know recently, whether she does or not. Blanche Sinclair is meant to be mine, and I’m willing to wait as long as I need to prove it to her.