Page 74 of My Ex’s Dad

“What? What’s wrong?”

“The second you hug me and I lean on you, I’m bound to fall asleep on your shoulder.”

I smile and pull her close anyway. “I have a couple of tricks to wake you up if need be.” I slide my hand down her back and cup her ass.

“We’re in a church,” she teases, her tone naughty and playful. Over this last year, I’ve had the adventure of a lifetime in guiding her sexually, helping her learn what I like and she loves.

“For now,” I whisper into her ear. “But the second we’re out of here⁠—”

She laughs lightly. “Then we’re at the reception.”

“Where Viktor and Jenni can be excellent godparents and give us a chance to slip aside for a quick moment to⁠—”

Luka cries, and I groan, dropping my head to rest it against hers. She’s still all smiles, patting my cheek.

“Sounded like a good plan, though,” she teases, winking before stepping away to get our son.

I hold on to her hand though, reeling her back to me so I can kiss her.

“Every plan is a good one so long as I know you’ll be a part of it.” I press my lips against hers once more, wondering if this love for my wife will ever cool or fade, long after the honeymoon phase is over.

EXTENDED EPILOGUE

LILIANA

Six months later…

Ipause at the mirror in the bathroom and check myself for any sign of a leak. Luka’s so much easier to calm now that he’s starting on solids, but there’s no end in sight to breastfeeding yet.

And soon enough…

I can’t fight the grin tugging at my mouth. Anton doesn’t know it yet, but our family is already growing. My doctor said it’s always possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding, though in theory it’s not supposed to be as likely. Theories don’t hold up against how fertile I am apparently. According to the test I took at the bakery this morning, our next baby is already on the way.

Two under two.

It sounds like a thrill, but I know it’ll be a challenge.

No matter how much we prioritize our time together, Anton and I have had our ups and downs. He’s expected to be the leader of the Bratva. And I’m committed to running and growing my parents’ bakery. My bakery.

We’re both devoted to our work, but that never stops us from being a family too.

Since my parents’ deaths, Jenni has been a godsend. She’s the main manager now, and with her at the helm through my pregnancy and maternity leave, I’ve never had to worry about a thing. We renovated the building and upgraded the appliances. We hired more staff and advertised so hard that we’re opening a second location just to keep up with our regulars. Rob and Margarita are still with us, and it fills me with so much joy to have kept my parents’ little dream alive well after they left this world.

Anton has had his share of issues to deal with too. Fortunately, since he firmly cut Elena and Roman out of his life, he hasn’t had to contend with either of them.

I shake my head, thinking back to the last time I heard of them. Elena relocated to Europe and is embroiled in an embezzlement case. Roman was last seen in a Russian prison.

Despite the freedom of having his ex-wife and firstborn out of his orbit, there’s no shortage of problems for him to handle and preside over. Rivals want his turf. The police and Feds hope to pin drug crimes on him. Traitors scheme to steal from him and keep his ventures from taking off.

“What are you thinking about?” He slides up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and holding me close.

I smile.

“That there is never a dull moment being the wife of a man like you.” I spin in his embrace and kiss him.

I grin up at him as he nuzzles my neck, kissing me softly while he draws me back toward the bed. “If you’re not careful, you’ll convince me to skip lunch and celebrate our first wedding anniversary in bed.”

“So it’s working?” he teases, tugging up my dress as he sits on the bed and brings me into his lap.