“Well,” She huffed. “I feel a little big at this stage. I am also sure that I still must grow quite a bit.” Holding her belly and smiling at me as she took the last steps, she spoke more softly. “This is all your fault.”
“You might feel a little bit big at this stage. But I can assure you, you are glowing and shining with perfection, adding to your beauty.” I complimented her.
As she reached me, I took both her hands in mine. Taking turns, I tenderly kissed each. “You are spectacular,” I whispered.
A blush spread across her face faster than a jet plane. She turned her head slightly to the side, smiling widely. I could hear the eagerness in her tone as she spoke. “Thank you, my dear. Now tell me where we’re going?”
“It’s a secret,” I teased. It’s a surprise. If I told you, it wouldn’t be. Close your eyes and trust me.”
“You know I’m not good with surprises,” she huffed.
Moving in behind her, I placed my hands over her eyes. “You are going to love this one, I promise,” I added while guiding her to the glass doors.
The guards were standing in a row waiting for us. As we stepped outside, I lowered my hands. The guards raised theirs, filled with bouquets of roses. I did this to block the view behindthem. However, there were so many that even the guards' faces were covered.
Sophia laughed as she turned in my arms and kissed my cheek. “Now this is interesting. I’m eager to find out what you’ve done,” she whispered.
“Me? I’ve done nothing. What makes you ask such a thing?” I replied.
“Oh, okay, if you say so,” she contradicted.
The guards started walking backwards as she moved forward. The idea was to conceal the family gathered on the lawn under the tent. Once we were close enough to the open yard where they were, I lifted my hand. They stopped, and so did we.
“And now?” Sophia questioned, glancing at me.
“Close your eyes,” I replied, covering them with my hands.
Nodding, the guards moved to the sides and lifted the bouquets to form an archway. “You ready?” I whispered.
Sophia nodded eagerly. I removed my hands and waited for her reaction. Her hands instantly shot up to her mouth as she exclaimed. “Wow! All the family’s here.”
“Yes, dear,” I replied, moving to her side. Taking her hand, I squeezed gently. “I thought it was about time for another family gathering.”
“Oh, Kolya, this is fabulous, thank you,” she huffed, pulling me as she started moving towards them.
“Wait a minute,” I said, pulling her back. Turning to face me, she lifted her hands to my face. Raising to her toes, she kissed one cheek and then the other. “Okay,” I added, letting go. “You can now go mingle.”
Spinning around, she moved quickly to join them. I stood watching, waiting for the actual surprise to hit her. Sophia was almost on top of Clara when the family moved to the sides, making a hole. Behind them sat her brother, his wife, and daughter.
Sophia stopped in her tracks. For a second, she looked like a statue. She looked back at me, her eyes as wide as saucers. They were filled with tears. The smile decorating her lips was as spectacular as she was.
“What?” she shouted. The next moment, it looked like she was having some kind of hysterical fit. Sophai was screaming, jumping up and down, and waving her hands in all directions. It was an amazing sight to see as her brother got up and walked to her.
Sophia flung her arms around him and smothered his neck and cheek in kisses. “I’ve missed you sooooo much,” she managed to get out between kisses.
“We’ve also missed you, little sis,” he replied, hugging her tightly. His wife and daughter joined them, and more hugs and kisses went around. This was going to be a day to remember.
Sophia glanced at me. I could see the joy on her face, which made me happy. Even from this distance, I could see the tears of joy building up in her eyes. Nodding her head, she signaled for me to join them. Slowly, I made my way towards them.
As I got closer, Sophia turned to me, taking both my hands in hers. “Thank you so much for bringing them here. I have not seen them in forever; this is a delightful surprise.” She spoke. “So,” she added. “Have you already met?”
“No, we have not. We were notified that our flight was booked, and we were invited to come to stay with you for the weekend. Her brother replied.
Grinning, I extended my hand and spoke as I shook his. “Sorry for the short notice. Things just happened too quickly.”
Her brother glanced at his wife, then back at me as he spoke. “No problem. I am glad we could eventually see what was happening in Sophia’s life. We are grateful that she has found someone who makes her happy.”
“Thank you, I’m glad you see it that way,” I replied.
