Even Lev and Dima look pleased. Boris nods once. Approving.
“I can’t believe you planned this,” I say against Anton’s chest. “You evil genius.”
“I told you. I always have a plan.”
“When did you even—”
“Yesterday. While you were sleeping.” He pulls back to look at me. “Jasper helped. So did Dima.”
“We threatened to kill him if he messed it up,” Lev offers helpfully.
“Very romantic,” I mutter.
“It worked,” Lev says.
Jasper crashes into us. Arms around both of us. “I’m so happy I could die. This is the best day of my life, and it’s not even my wedding.”
“Jas—”
“Look at this ring! Look at this proposal! Look at how perfect you are together!” He’s ugly-crying now. Mascara running. “I’ve designed your wedding dress in my head already. It’s going to be stunning. You’re going to look like a goddess. A pregnant goddess—”
“Breathe, Jasper,” Mateo says, pulling him back.
Grandma moves to us next. Hugs me tight. Then Anton.
“Welcome to the family,” she tells him. “Officially.”
“Thank you,” Anton says. His voice is rough. “For trusting me with her.”
“Don’t make me regret it.”
“I won’t.”
Ruth hugs me next. Then Lev. Then Dima… who looks deeply uncomfortable, but pats my head awkwardly.
“Boss made a good choice,” he says.
“Thanks, Dima.”
Boris is last. He shakes Anton’s hand. Nods at me.
“Congratulations. Baby is lucky to have parents like you.”
And that’s what breaks me. What makes me start crying all over again.
Because this. This right here.
This found family. This collection of impossible people who shouldn’t fit together but do.
This is what I’m marrying into. What I’m building. What our daughter will grow up knowing.
Not just Anton. Not just love.
But family. Real, messy, beautiful family.
“Thank you,” I say to the room. To all of them. “For being here. For being—” My voice breaks. “For being our family.”
“Always,” Jasper says immediately.
