Chapter Fifty-Five
Mind y
We stumble into the bedroom.
Both of us are drunk on joy and exhaustion after the whirlwind reception. The celebratory sounds from downstairs fade as I close the door, sealing us in our private sanctuary.
I slip off my heels with a blissful sigh. Maron loosens his tie, his blue eyes never leaving mine. That familiar warmth in them still makes my heart flutter, even after all this time.
We collapse onto the bed. Maron pulls me close, and I melt into his embrace, finding my place against his chest where I can feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
"I can’t believe how blessed I am," Maron murmurs, his voice raw with emotion. "To have you, our three beautiful children... after everything we’ve been through."
I lift my head to meet his loving gaze. "If I didn’t know better, I’d think our story was lifted straight from a romance novel," I tease, thinking of our wild journey.
Maron’s rich laugh fills the room as his fingers play with my hair. "A novel that started with those accidental nudes you sent me."
I groan at the memory, hiding my face against his chest. "God, don’t remind me. Though I have to admit - from misdelivered photos to a perfect family of five? Not a bad story arc."
His kiss starts gentle but quickly deepens with years of stored passion. His hands trace familiar paths across my body as he whispers, "This is our first night as husband and wife, lisichka . I plan to make it unforgettable."
"How?" I ask with feigned innocence, though my racing pulse betrays me.
He draws closer, his warm breath ghosting across my lips. His voice drops low, sending shivers down my spine. "First, I'm going to unwrap you slowly, like it's our first night together." His fingers trace whisper-light patterns along my curves. He takes his time, treating each revealed inch of skin like a precious discovery as he helps me out of my dress.
"Why?" I breathe, playing along.
"Because I want to memorize every part of you, lisichka . Every curve, every scar, every beautiful mark that motherhood has painted on your body."
His words make me tremble as I lay bare before him. He studies me with an intensity that sets my skin ablaze, his blue eyes drinking in every detail as if he’s seeing me for the first time. The room is bathed in soft shadows, with only the dancing flame of a single candle on the nightstand to illuminate us. The flickering light plays across Maron's face, turning him into something almost mythical.
"You are fucking breathtaking, lisichka ," he whispers, his voice rough with desire.
He draws me closer, claiming my lips with a kiss that makes me melt further into his embrace. There's a fresh intensity to his touch, a passion that feels both familiar and thrillingly new.
As his gentle exploration grows more urgent, more demanding, I know with absolute certainty that this night - our first as husband and wife - will be seared into our memories forever.
***
We lie tangled in each other's arms in a blissful post-sex haze, our wedding clothes scattered like breadcrumbs across the floor. The dying candle bathes the room in a soft, golden glow, casting long shadows across our intertwined bodies.
My cheek rests against Maron’s chest, rising and falling with each steady breath. His fingers weave through my hair, occasionally massaging my scalp in ways that turn me boneless against him. The air is thick with the scent of us - a heady mixture of sweat, sex, and the lingering notes of my perfume.
"Who the fuck would have thought I’d have this," Maron murmurs. "Perfect wife, beautiful children, a real family. Doesn’t feel like I deserve it."
I prop myself up on an elbow to look at him, my heart overflowing. "Maybe you don’t, but you’re stuck with us anyway, Mister."
He smiles at me, his blue eyes shining with something rare and precious - pure, unguarded joy. "You, Sharon, the twins... You’re my entire world, lisichka . Can’t imagine my life any other way."
I dip down to kiss him softly, savoring the sweetness of this moment. "Neither can I," I whisper against his lips. "Especially after everything life hurled at us. Love triangles, my infertility struggles, selective mutism, and all the other bullets we dodged... but we made it." I pause, smiling. "And now it’s Maurice and Alexis’ turn."
"Another fucking wedding." Maron’s chest rumbles with a soft chuckle. "Who would’ve thought? Let’s just hope they stay clean - no booze, no pills."
"Hey!" I land a solid punch on his shoulder. "That’s not nice, Maron. They’ve both fought their way back and they fought hard. Show some respect."
"Christ, lisichka ! You punch harder than a wrecking ball!" He grumbles, rubbing his shoulder. "I’m happy for them, alright? I’m just worried how Sharon’s going to handle being a flower girl twice in under a month."
I stifle a laugh against his chest. "Are you kidding? Another chance to be the center of attention? She’ll be over the moon."
Maron nods, drawing me closer. "Maybe you’re right. Maybe the worst of her trauma is behind her."
As he says it, I find myself truly believing it’s possible; it doesn’t feel like false hope anymore. My little girl has transformed since that terrible day. She has everything she dreamed - a safe home, parents who adore her, and two little brothers on the way.
As sleep begins to claim us, I burrow deeper into Maron’s embrace. Up here in our mountain sanctuary, the world’s dangers feel distant, and for once, I let myself believe that everything will be perfect. Better than perfect, even.
Just before I drift off, I hear him whisper, "I love you, Mrs. Korolev."
I smile, my eyes already closed. "I love you too, Mr. Korolev."
And as I slip into dreams, I feel complete. Whole. At peace.
The world couldn’t possibly get any better than this.