Viktor clears his throat. "May I hold him?"
I nod. Roman lifts Nikolai carefully, like he's handling something made of glass, and passes him to Viktor. The big man takes him like he's afraid he'll break, cradles him against his broad chest. Nikolai blinks once, yawns big, then settles right in like he already knows who this is.
Viktor stares down at him for a long time, something softening in his hard face. "He's strong already. I can feel it in his grip."
Irina steps closer, looks over Viktor's arm. "He's got her temper too. Wait till he starts screaming at three a.m. because he wants to eat again."
Viktor glances at her, almost smiles. "I remember those nights. Anastasiya was loud. Demanded attention every two hours."
Irina laughs soft. "Roman was worse. Screamed like the world was ending if I didn't pick him up fast enough."
They both look down at Nikolai again. Something shifts in the air between them. Not soft exactly. Curious. Interested. Irina's shoulder brushes Viktor's arm when she reaches to adjust the blanket. Viktor doesn't move away.
Roman's hand tightens on my thigh again. I squeeze back, heart full and a little overwhelmed.
Viktor finally looks up. "You did good, Kovacs. Both of you."
Roman nods. "We're just getting started."
Viktor hands Nikolai back to me, careful, then looks at Irina again. "You're staying in Jackson long?"
"Long enough," she says, voice warm. "Got a grandbaby to spoil now. Baba's got plans."
Viktor nods once. "Maybe we'll cross paths again."
"Maybe we will." Irina's mouth curves, small but real.
Viktor turns to me, leans down, kisses my forehead gentle. "Rest, malyshka. I'll be back tomorrow. Bring your brothers. They're already arguing over who gets to hold him first."
"Tell them to wash their hands," I say, smiling tired.
He snorts. "They won't listen."
Then he's gone, door clicking shut behind him.
Irina watches him go for a second, then looks at Roman. "Interesting man."
Roman raises an eyebrow. "That's one way to put it."
She shrugs, pats my foot. "He's got good taste in daughters-in-law."
I laugh quiet so I don't wake Nikolai. Roman leans over, kisses me slow and deep.
Irina smiles at us both. "I'll give you two some time. I'll be in the waiting room if you need me."
She slips out.
Roman looks down at Nikolai, then at me. "We did that."
"Yeah," I whisper. "We did."
He kisses me again, softer this time. "Love you, wife."
"Love you, husband."
Nikolai stirs, makes a tiny grunt. Roman strokes his back with one finger.
Outside the window the sun's climbing higher. Inside the room it's just us. Our son. Our future. And all the time in the world to figure it out.
