Epilogue II
LEAH
Three years later
I’m not even drinking champagne, but it feels like the bubbles are still getting to my head, because I can’t tell the difference between being buzzed and the effervescent joy humming through my veins.
Three years.
Three years of grinding, of late nights fueled by cup after cup of cold coffee, studying in between nursing sessions and midnight wakings, and diaper changes.
I was luckier than most because I had a ton of help, but I wasn’t going to hand off my son’s life to someone else entirely—that’s not who I am as a mother.
But all of it led to this moment, to a full table in a private, elegant room at an exclusive restaurant on the top floor of a skyscraper.
The city sprawls beneath us, a glittering tapestry.
All around me is the hum of the most important people in our world, glasses clinking, laughter, and a proud smile on Suzie’s face as she stands at the head of the table and taps a spoon against her glass to draw attention.
“Four years ago,” she starts as the room falls into a respectful silence, “Leah was a single mother, dreaming of law school, taking care of her daughter—and occasionally my giant Great Dane—” a smattering of chuckles echo through the room because most present know the story of how Viktor and I met “—and working for me as a paralegal. Of course, she was the best damn paralegal I’ve ever had. ”
“Here, here!” one of our coworkers cheers to more laughter and agreement.
“But she made it through law school with two kiddos in tow, and she’s shown just how sharp and tenacious she is, because Leah believes that justice isn’t just a concept, but something to fight for every single day.
I know she feels like she’s been in her mother’s shadow, but I believe she’s made her own name.
And knowing Savannah Walters, she would absolutely agree. ”
Suzie’s last words wobble, and we give each other misty-eyed smiles, because we both wish my mom could be here with us. We both know she would be glowing with pride because I’ve followed in her footsteps.
My best friend clears her throat. “Therefore, it is my distinct honor to introduce to you all the newest partner at Stone & Asher! Please join me in congratulating our wonderful Leah!”
The applause is a tidal wave of sound, my heart a frantic drumbeat in my chest that sends a wave of emotion over me. Everyone is clapping, their faces a blur, as happy tears well in my eyes. I sniff them back and replace them with a smile so large, it hurts my cheeks.
Viktor’s hand finds mine, and his thumb strokes my knuckles in a reassuring rhythm.
When I look at him, his expression is one of pure, unwavering admiration and love.
He doesn’t even try to hide it, even though many of his hardened vor sit around the table, and that makes it even harder to push back the tears.
My husband chuckles, that deep, resonant sound I love so much, and pulls me closer so he can kiss the top of my hair. “I’m so proud of you. I hope you recognize how incredible you are.”
I pull back, my gaze meeting his eyes, those eyes drawing me into their blue depths. There’s a bit more salt to the pepper in his hair, a few more lines at the corners of his eyes, though he’s still my silver fox who makes my heart beat wildly and the rest of me melt.
There have been other changes, too, in our time together—the sharp, restless energy is still there, but he’s more open, more relaxed.
The monster is still in there for him to release when it’s needed, but I see less of it now.
Instead, I see more laughter and much more love for me, for Eliza, and for our son, Roman.
And the dogs, of course. Yes, dogs plural.
We couldn’t have just one, as wonderful as Athos is.
“Thank you,” I whisper, my voice still watery. “For everything.”
“Thank you for everything,” he murmurs, kisses me again, then stands, unfolding to his full height.
A small, mysterious smile plays on his lips, and a ripple of curiosity goes through the room.
Suzie is eyeing Iliya, who, as always, maintains a straight face, though he does put an arm around her shoulders and pulls her closer.
I swear I see a ghost of a smile cross his face too.
“As you know, my empire is built of many global subsidiaries, and our legal needs are extensive. Until now, we’ve relied on different firms throughout the world to handle our legal matters.
But I’ve decided to make a change.” My husband rests a hand on my shoulder, his large hand warm and firm and comforting.
“Effective immediately, I am consolidating our legal business, and the law firm of Stone & Asher, and Suzie James and Leah Walters-Antonova specifically, will be our exclusive legal counsel going forward.”
My breath hitches in my throat, and Suzie and I exchange expressions of wide-eyed shock.
“Did you know?” she mouths, and I shake my head, just as shocked.
My husband just handed us the keys to the kingdom—not just a few businesses, but a legitimate global network of real estate, tech, and investments. The sheer volume of work, the prestige, and the revenue are enough to launch our firm into the stratosphere.
“Are you serious?” I ask Viktor as he sits back down to loud cheers and applause, a smile of disbelief spreading across my face.
“My choices are always correct. You’re the best in the business, solnyshko. And you’re just getting started. You will do great things, you and Suzie. Maybe even start your own law firm.”
It’s always been a dream of mine, and of Suzie’s, but it’s never seemed possible before.
Nothing about where I find myself now seems possible, and tears sting my eyes and nose again.
But this time, I let them fall. They’re not just tears of joy for myself, but for the man beside me, overwhelming gratitude for his love, for his relentless support, for seeing my worth and believing in me, for making his world a place we could both share with our children.
The party continues, a triumphant blur of congratulations and handshakes, English, Russian, and several other languages, laughter, stories, and more champagne.
Viktor and I finally slip away for a few moments, escaping the noise and crowd for the quiet of a balcony, where the rush and roar of the city are distant, an undertone to the cool night air that washes over my skin.
Viktor takes my hand as we look at the shimmering jewel that is New York City, and when he finally turns to me, his expression is soft, his eyes glowing with the city lights and his love for me. “Tonight was for you, Leah. All for you. I wanted to show the world what I’ve known all along.”
I feel a wave of warmth and lean into the man beside me, feeling the strength of his arms, the steady beat of his heart, and for a second, the world melts away, until only the two of us exist. I shake my head, a happy laugh escaping my lips.
Taking his hand in both of mine, my wedding band and his touching, I bring it to my stomach—I have a private announcement to make.
Viktor looks from my face to my hand, confusion and surprise etching his features, but I can tell he quickly understands my message when he says, “Leah?”
I nod, my eyes filling with tears again. “Yes. I’m due next spring.”
Viktor laughs, a rich, deep sound, his entire face lighting up with his joy. He pulls me into his arms, kissing me deeply, his kiss full of his promise to me and love.
Our family is expanding again, and so is our life together.
Another beginning, another joy, another start, we will meet hand in hand, together.
The End