Chapter 28 - Arseny

I've never been so nervous in my life. Introducing my mother to Elena's father feels like it's going to cause a huge problem. My father hated Elena's father. I sit in the car and fidget.

"You stress too much," Mama says, putting her hands over mine. "I'll behave as long as he does."

"Behave even if he doesn't, please." I implore her.

"I know this means a lot to you, don't worry." She pats my hands gently and then sits back as we pull into the driveway.

Elena is waiting outside for us, with her brother Ethan beside her.

I've never been one to get nervous about things like this, but this is important to me. Elena is important to me.

Once the car stops, I climb out, go around to the other side, and open the passenger door to help Mama out.

Elena comes down to greet us and kisses both of my mom's cheeks, "Mama Milov, welcome. This is my brother, Ethan."

Ethan takes her hand and kisses it. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Milov."

"Charming," she says before hooking arms with me. "I'm sure you're all excited to get this over with. Let's go discuss the wedding."

I follow them into the house, a knot forming in my stomach. I've been here a few times before, but normally, I ensure Elena's father is out. Ethan usually escorts us, because her father doesn't want us to be improper. If only he knew what I've done to his daughter already. The thought tightens the knot in my stomach, and I try to distract myself by looking at Elena.

Elena glances at me and I falter, giving her a crooked grin. It's like she can see right through me. She knows how nervous I am about this meeting.

We walk into the house and Elena and Ethan lead us into a large dining room with gorgeous chandeliers. My mother looks around, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who hears her click her tongue in disapproval. I sidle up next to her and squeeze her hand. She chuckles and smiles at me.

Elena's father stands up. "Mrs. Milov, welcome to our home."

"Thank you, Sokolov. It is a pleasure to know our families are finally uniting." Mama offers her hand and he shakes it.

The two parents lock eyes for a moment, and my heart skips a beat, my mind conjouring up all sorts of terrible scenarios. When Don Sokolov finally speaks, I sigh in relief.

"Sit, we are having a hearty stew tonight, served with homemade sourdough bread." He motions to the chairs around the large table.

I pull my mother"s chair out for her and help her sit. I want to do the same for Elena, but Ethan has already done it. I smile at Elena, then I sit beside my mother, opposite Elena.

Elena gives me a reassuring smile as their butlers come in, carrying bowls of soup and plates of bread.

"It smells delicious," Mama says. "Do you have a cook?"

Elena smiles at Mama. "We do. She's amazing. She knows all the old Russian recipes, and her food is to die for."

Mama grunts. Although we also have helpers, I know Mama prides herself with her cooking.

An awkward silence befalls us as we start to eat and everyone attends to their food and only their food. I don't dare to look up at Elena because I think I might crack.

I want her.

I always want her.

And she looks delicious today.

There isn't a moment that passes that I don't think about Elena and how much I crave her.

Mama clears her throat and I glance at her as she turns to Sokolov. "The meal is lovely, but we should probably get on with discussing why we're here. The wedding."

Sokolov clears his throat and puts his spoon down. "Yes, I know. Arseny has asked Elena to marry him and she has accepted. I will, of course, pay for a large venue and the church where the ceremony is to be held. I would prefer to use our church."

"I will accept your church but with our priest," Mama says, narrowing her eyes. "To keep things fair."

Sokolov looks a little put out and I want to nudge my mother. She's always been the defiant type, but I've never seen her negotiate.

"Fine," Sokolov growls.

Mama lifts her chin. "Also, I think we can both contribute toward the wedding. I will cover whatever food and cake they want, but I will set a limit on the bar bill. Russian families can get rather out of hand at weddings." Mama smiles as she speaks.

"Agreed." Sokolov nods, a hint of respect in his eyes. "I will cover the music and decorations then, and I will also gift them a beautiful honeymoon. It's settled then."

Sokolov looks chuffed with himself that they've so easily reached a conclusion. He picks up his spoon, and continues to eat. It's almost funny, this whole situation, everyone is aware that I can cover all the expenses without any help, but it's a tradition they are clinging to and currently taking advantage of, in order to establish their dominance. Just then, Mama takes it to another level.

"Elena," my mother says, making us all look up again. "We should discuss children soon."

Sokolov splutters, and nearly chokes on his spoonful of stew. I think if Elena's father could, he'd kill me right there. I could kill my mother. I don't know how she knows Elena is pregnant, but I know she knows. She's jabbing at things I don't want her to jab at.

"There'll be plenty of children, Mama Milov. My father would also like to be a doting grandfather, I'm sure." Elena smiles brightly. "We intend to try for children as soon as we're married."

I nudge my mother with my foot and she doesn't say anything further that's incriminating.

Don Sokolov stares at us all in turn, but as we remain silent, he returns to his meal. The dark look stays on his face.

We finish our food in silence until dessert comes out. The butler sets down a plate of Pastila, and we all help ourselves. It's delicious—not even Mama makes them this well. After dessert, we drink coffee.

Sokolov watches Mama and finally says. "I have forgiven your family, Mrs. Milov. It is time you forgive me."

"My husband hated you with a passion," Mama says. I open my mouth, but she holds her hand up. "But I know it was him that betrayed you. I'm not saying we're going to be best friends, Sokolov, but we can set aside our differences for our children's and grandchildren's sake."

She stands up slowly. "With that, I am taking my leave. Thank you for lunch, Sokolov. It was very nice. Arseny, I assume you want to stay."

"Yes, Mama. Unless you need me to drive you home," I say, tilting my head toward her.

She nods. "I can drive myself. See me out."

I get up and take her arm to walk her out of the house. I lead her to the car and we stand there for a moment.

"Thank you, Mama." My voice is soft as I talk to her.

"You are most welcome. Did you think I wouldn't notice?" she asks. "The glow is there on her face. Every pregnant woman has it. You would see it too if you were paying attention."

"We just don't want her father to know before we're married," I say. "Please."

"I won't say anything, but then you better put a rush on this wedding, because soon enough, she'll be showing." Mama pats my hand.

"I have no doubt he'll figure it out afterward, but we're going to act like we didn't know. We might also announce it at the wedding. We're still discussing it." I smile, feeling a little awkward talking to my mother about having babies. "Thanks, Mama. Enjoy your drive home."

"Bye, Arseny," Mama calls from the car and waves.

I watch as the car pulls away before someone comes behind me and covers my eyes. "Boo."

"Hello, Elena," I say with a smile. I use her name in case Ethan is with her.

"He's not here,' she says as she lets me go. "It's just us."

"Just us," I say with a smile as I turn and kiss her deeply. "Just us."

I stand at the doors to the chapel, my chest tight in my dress as I breathe hard. I don't know why I'm so nervous when I'm doing the right thing. This is how it should be. I feel it with every fiber of my body. Arseny and I together forever as a family.

It seems crazy that he kidnapped me, and now I'm marrying him, but that's the life of a mafia princess. Crazy is somewhere in our middle name.

The wedding march starts and I take my father's arm. "Ready."

"Ready," he says gruffly, a stray tear in his eye. "You look beautiful, darling."

"Thank you, Father," I lean over and kiss his cheek. He's handsome in a tailored, three-piece suit. The dark blue compliments his skin tone, and I'm so proud to call him my father.

The doors open and we slowly walk out in time with the song. Arseny is standing at the end of the aisle, watching me. He's also wearing a three-piece suit, but his is black, with a deep-red vest underneath. He's the most gorgeous man present.

I can see the hunger in his eyes as he watches me come up the aisle, and I know we're not going to sleep tonight. I doubt we will sleep much on our honeymoon.

I reach the front of the church, and my father hands me off to Arseny, who takes my hand. We face the priest, standing shoulder to shoulder, as he begins the service.

It's a boring service. I wanted to skip it, but Arseny said his mother would have a heart attack. I suggested we elope, and he said he'd get murdered if his mother didn't get a wedding.

All this fancy show for what? All that matters is Arseny and me.

Bored, I look around at the decorations my sister-in-laws had helped pick out for me. Gorgeous wreaths of white roses, lilies, and baby's breath adorn every available space. They are the same flowers that make up my bouquet. It does look stunning, and I'm thankful for their help.

Arseny turns to face me, and I quickly do the same. I can see he's trying not to laugh at me and I bite my tongue. Now is not the time to giggle.

"Mr. Milov, your vows," the priest says.

"Elena," Arseny says, taking my hands. "I promise to love you beyond death. Nothing will part us. I will follow you into the next life, and the life after that. I'm certain that in every past life we were together, too."

It's so sweet, I get a little teary-eyed. Damn, these hormones.

Arseny continues, "I want you to know that there is no one who could stand in the way of our love. I intend to spend the rest of my days making sure you're the happiest woman alive."

He smiles and mouths. "Your turn."

I blush and nod. "Arseny, I never thought I was made for marriage. I always thought I would be all business and no pleasure. You've shown me that I can have the best of both worlds: a life of business and a family. I promise to spend my days making you happy and ensuring that you never long for anything because of me."

We stare into each other's eyes and it seems like it takes forever for the priest to announce us as man and wife.

Arseny pulls me to him and kisses me deeply, dipping me down. I lace my hands together behind his neck and hold on for dear life. I know he won't drop me, though. He's seriously strong. He's shown me many times… in the shower, on the counter, over the couch. My mind wanders, and I have to pull myself together.

Arseny pulls us back up and breaks the kiss with a huge smile. Everyone erupts in happy applause and he takes my hand, leading me back down the aisle as husband and wife. People throw rice and flower petals as we exit the church, and my giggles finally bubble out of me. Arseny laughs with me.

Everyone cheers us on as we get into the limo to go to the reception. Arseny kisses me deeply again as we settle into the back seat of the fancy car. "I wish there were time."

"I wish so too," I murmur as I kiss him hungrily.

"Later. You're mine all night. You better not get too tired."

"That better be a promise," I murmur.

We continue to kiss and lightly touch each other, tease each other, as we make our way to the reception. Once there, we stand at the entrance to the hall to greet all the guests as they arrive.

It's going to be weird to have all our family together under one roof, but everyone has been told to behave by my father and by Kervyn, so hopefully, there won't be any fights. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if there were. This is how families go. Especially Russian Mafia families. I giggle again, and Arseny squeezes my hand.

I don't care about a perfect wedding day. All I care about is being with Arseny and our little announcement tonight.

It feels like it takes forever for the guests to come in and congratulate us. There's already a mountain of gifts at the gift table next to us, and everyone finds their seating slowly as they fill the hall. I look over the hall and see most people glancing around, obviously checking out who is in the hall with them.

Kervyn stops in front of us. "Congratulations, you two," he says.

"Who is watching Natasha and Samuel?" I ask curiously.

"They're with Asher's sister. She and a friend have all the kids today. Hopefully, they don't destroy my house." Kervyn looks at Penny. "Though no one is making me any promises."

"It'll be fine," Penny says, chiding him. "Congratulations, you two. You make a stunning couple." She hugs me and then hugs Arseny.

They move on into the hall to make space for the next couple to congratulate us. It's like an endless stream of well-wishes. I didn't think I could get tired of congratulations and gifts.

The last few stragglers finally arrive, and we thank them as they enter the hall before we wait by the door.

Luka, our MC, takes the microphone, and stands in the front. "Ladies and gentlemen, entering the hall for the first time are Mr. and Mrs. Milov."

The guests clap, and someone whistles, as Arseny escorts me to the main table. It's also decorated with a grand wreath of white flowers. Kervyn, Penny, and Mama Milov sit on his side. My father and brothers sit on mine.

I give my most charming smile before sitting down in the rather overdecorated throne of a chair.

We work our way through Luka's terrible jokes, and then some speeches before the food comes out. While we eat, Arseny and I don't speak. We're content just to be in each other's company, and I think that unsettles people. We don't always have to talk. It's something we learned about each other in that cabin. I'm content just to be near him, and he feels the same way.

My father turns to me. "When your honeymoon is complete, there are some files you're going to have to go over for the family business. There's some real estate I'm interested in buying from Kervyn that he says he's willing to part with."

"Do we have to talk about work now?" Ethan murmurs.

I smile. "It's okay. We're going to have plenty to talk about soon."

"What's that mean?" Ethan asks.

I just smile knowingly.

Once the dessert is cleared away, Arseny sweeps me onto the dance floor, and a quiet song begins to play. It's an intstrumental version of a popular love song.

No words.

Like us.

Arseny kisses me softly, careful not to over do it in front of the guests. He twirls me around and brings me back. We dance until the song is done, then I move to dance with my father and he moves to dance with his mother.

Another instrumental song. We selected them with care. Just for us.

It's calm in the room, just what I wanted. The only thing I actually wanted.

Calm.

That's what I asked for, for my wedding. And I got it.

Once that song ends, Luka is about to invite everyone onto the dance floor, when Arseny motions for the microphone.

I go to stand beside him, holding his hand.

"Ladies and gentlemen, before we invite everyone onto the dance floor to celebrate with us, there's just a small announcement we'd like to make."

People mumble and look around. Mama Milov smirks and nudges Penny. My father frowns, and stands beside his chair, gripping the backrest hard. My heart beats like a drum in my chest.

Arseny squeezes my hand. "Firstly, thank you all for joining us on what is the happiest day of our lives. We couldn't ask for a better way to celebrate our love than with the people who stand beside us today."

I watch everyone's faces. Most are smiling, some are laughing, but my father is still frowning. Oh, God. I grind my jaw. Arseny squeezes my hand again.

"Unfortunately, Elena cannot join me with a champagne toast, because if you've been paying attention, my wife is pregnant with our first child."

The room erupts into complete chaos. Our guest rise to their feet to clap and shout. Mama Milov hugs Penny. And my father sits down hard on his chair, a soft smile on his face. Phew!

I laugh as Arseny tries to calm everyone down again.