“Good.” I clap him on the shoulder. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need everyone’s attention.”
I move to the center of the room, tapping my crystal wine glass with a silver spoon. The clear ring cuts through the chatter, and all gazes turn to me.
“I’d like to thank everyone for being here tonight,” I say, meeting Jenny’s warm gaze across the room. “Two years ago, I never imagined I’d be standing here surrounded by family...”
The room falls silent as I trail off and then clear my throat. There’s a huge lump in my throat, and nerves threaten to paralyze me. I’ve waited for this moment, working tirelessly to extricate myself from theBratvaand build a legitimate life. Now, standing before our gathered family and friends, I’m ready to take the next step.
I turn to Jenny, catching her gaze. She looks radiant in a deep green dress that hugs her curves. The sight of her takes my breath away, as it has since the moment we met.
“Jenny.” My voice is steady despite the emotions swirling within me. “These past two years with you have been the happiest of my life. You’ve shown me what it means to love, to trust, and to build a future together. You’ve made me a father and given me a family.”
Her eyes widen slightly, a flicker of realization crossing her face as I reach into my pocket, withdrawing a small velvet box. Ilower myself to one knee, and a collective gasp ripples through the room.
“You’ve stood by me through the darkest times. You’ve seen the worst of me and loved me anyway.” I open the box, revealing a stunning diamond ring nestled inside. The stone catches the light, throwing rainbows across Jenny’s face. “I promise to spend the rest of my life making you as happy as you’ve made me. Jennifer Graham, will you marry me?”
Jenny’s eyes fill with tears, glistening in the soft light of the room. Her lips part, a trembling smile spreading across her face. She nods, the movement small at first, then more emphatic.
“Yes,” she whispers, looking like she might cry. “Yes, Ivan. Of course I’ll marry you.” She must know what the proposal represents. I’m finally free of the last vestiges of theBratvaempire, so I can keep my promise to ask her to marry me.
Relief and joy flood through me when I slip the ring onto her finger. It fits perfectly, as if it was always meant to be there. I rise to my feet, pulling her into my arms. Our lips meet in a kiss that’s both tender and passionate, a promise of the future we’ll build together.
Applause erupts around us, but I barely hear it. All I can focus on is Jenny, the warmth of her body against mine, and the softness of her lips. When we finally part, her eyes are shining with happiness.
“I love you,” she murmurs, tracing the line of my jaw. “I understand what this means, and I love you so very much.”
“I love you too. My love. My everything.”
As we turn to face our cheering friends and family, I’m struck by how far we’ve come. From the dangerous world of theBratvato this moment of pure joy, it’s been a long and often treacherous journey.
Mabel is the first to reach us. She envelops Jenny in a tight hug, tears streaming down her face. “Oh, sweetheart,” she says, her voice choked with emotion. “I’m so happy for you both.”
Jacob claps me on the shoulder. His eyes are suspiciously bright as he pulls me into a brief, but heartfelt embrace. “Welcome to the family, son,” he says gruffly. “About time,” he adds but winks to soften the slight criticism.
As more well-wishers surround us, offering congratulations and admiring the ring, I keep Jenny close to my side. “How long have you been planning this?” she asks in a low voice, leaning close to be heard over the excited chatter around us.
I smile, remembering the weeks of preparation, the secret meetings with the jeweler, and the nervous anticipation. “Two years to be able to propose. As for the actual proposal…longer than you might think. I wanted everything to be perfect.”
She laughs. “It is perfect. You’re perfect.”
I shake my head, thinking of the long road that led us here. “I’m far from perfect,lyubimaya, but with you and Luca, I want to be the best version of myself.”
Jenny’s eyes soften, understanding the weight behind my words. She knows the demons I’ve faced, and the darkness I’ve fought to leave behind. “You already are,” she says softly, squeezing my hand.
We move through the room, accepting congratulations and sharing our joy, and I’m struck by the contrast between this moment and my past life. The warmth of family and friends, the open displays of affection—it’s all so different from the cold, calculated world of theBratva. There were warm and happy times when I first joined, but when Lena died, that disappeared too. This is permanent. I know it on a deep, instinctive level.
Marcus approaches, a rare smile on his usually serious face. “Congratulations, boss,” he says, shaking my hand firmly. “It’s about time.”
“Not your boss any longer,” I say with a smile before clapping him on the shoulder. “Thanks, Marcus. I couldn’t have done it without your help.”
Jenny raises an eyebrow, looking between us. “Oh? And what help was that?”
He grins, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Someone had to keep him from spilling the beans every time he looked at you. The man’s been like a lovesick puppy for weeks.”
Heat rises to my cheeks, but I can’t deny it. Jenny’s laughter rings out, bright and joyous. “Is that so?” she teases, leaning into my side. “And here I thought you were just being extra attentive lately.”
“What can I say?” I shrug, pulling her closer. “You have that effect on me.”
As the celebration continues around us, the ring on her finger catches the light, a constant reminder of our love and our future. Looking into Jenny’s eyes, I see everything I’ve ever wanted reflected back at me. Love, trust, and the promise of a lifetime together.
“Thank you,” I murmur, pressing a kiss to her temple.
She looks up at me, her brow furrowing slightly in confusion. “For what?”
“For saying yes,” I reply simply. “For believing in us. For everything.”
Jenny’s smile is radiant as she rises on her toes to kiss me softly. “Always,” she whispers against my lips. As we turn back to our guests, ready to celebrate this new chapter in our lives, I’m filled with a sense of joy, peace, and purpose. This is home, family, and everything I’ve always needed and wanted.
