Zach chuckled. Noah draped his arm protectively around Tess—which was something that Piper was seriously going to take some time to get used to.
Midway through the fourth dance of the night, Zach pulled her close. His breath brushed her ear when he whispered, "You like it?"
And Piper, already head-over-heels for the perfect wedding day, tilted her face up to him and whispered back, "It's the best plan ever."
EPILOGUE
459 DAYS AFTER ANNA & DRAKE'S WEDDING
BABUSHKA
There was nothing quite like a wedding in the backyard.
It smelled of grass and flowers smashed together in the heat, and people pretending to be surprised when everyone already knew a wedding had been brewing with those two idiots.
Honestly, I had money on it six months ago. Not with real bookies.
No, no. I am not an idiot.
But little psychic bets, I make with myself. One learned to do that in nine decades of being five steps ahead of people who think they are clever.
The vodka in champagne was a delicious decision.
The champagne dry, not sweet because I am not a child. I hide my smirk behind the glass.
It is a good smirk, too.
Had minor legendary status back in Saint Petersburg.
If the younger ones had seen it, they'd have known I was up to something. But I have mastered the old-lady look. That serene, possibly-senile sparkle that made people say, "Oh, she doesn't know what's going on."
I always know what is going on.
Across the yard, Zach and Piper are exchanging stupid and sweet vows. They hold back tears like it is a war effort.
Victory or nothing.
Someone blew their nose loud behind me. Maybe Cousin Irina?
Dramatic, that one. I taught her that when she was seven.
Still have it.
With the wedding finished, thank God, we can finally eat.
"Nadzieja," Morty said my name and sat in the chair next to me like we were on speaking terms.
"I am not talking to you." I gave him a proper huff, nose in the air.
"I know." He folded his hands on his lap like a little schoolboy. "But we had a deal. And it's time for you to stop threatening me and start talking to me."
I shook my head. "No. I don't vant to talk. Deals change."
"You're telling me that you don't love me?"
I pursed my lips together. Old lips do not lie about love.
"That's what I thought." His eyes sparkled and his bald head glimmered. "Our deal is not dead, my darling. And I am tired of running from you."
