For the first time in my life, I’m content.
I’m happy.
I’m loved.
I’m home.
Truly home.
EPILOGUE
Alina
The tiny churchis full of people I love. People who mean something to me.
But my nerves are rocketing wildly. Baby Katerina coos and looks so adorable with her big violet eyes and dark curls in her white dress. Albert stands beside the stroller with my baby in it. He’s got his tux on, which makes him look like the best dog ever.
Nadya, Maize, and Sasha keep her occupied as Erin and Isla and Erin’s friend Kara fuss over me. Sasha has the ring, and the other two girls are my flower girls.
“I don’t want this big wedding,” I say, secretly thrilled that Ilya went out of his way to find a gorgeous stone church in the country.
It’s romantic, idyllic, and something that makes me beyond happy.
Isla fusses with the veil. “Nonsense.”
Then she squeezes my cheek.
“You look stunning,” Isla whispers.
The music starts, and I think of somehow getting a message to Ilya to elope, but of course, I don’t want to elope. I want everyone here to witness our love. To be here for our wedding.
“I’m getting a good seat,” Kara says as she peers out. “Here comes that long, cool drink of hotness, Isaak.”
She slides out the door, and Isla casts her a dirty look, which I ignore.
Isaak comes in.
“Ready?” he says to me as he scoops up the baby and takes Albert’s diamond encrusted leash. “This thing’s got a diaper, right?”
“The baby or the dog?” I ask, trying to keep a straight face.
He frowns. “Both.”
The door opens again, and my brother comes in, handsome in his tux. He looks almost as nervous as he did when he married Erin.
As the real music starts up, Isaak disappears out the door with the dog and my daughter. The “ohhs” and “awws” from the people rise up throughout the church.
Isaak’s one of Ilya’s best men, as is Albert, and we wanted our daughter to be a part of it, so we decided she should stand with her daddy in one of her godfather’s arms.
Next, the children leave, Sasha holding his little sister’s and Maize’s hands.
Then Erin and Isla go.
Finally, as the wedding march begins, my brother holds out his arm.
“I’m happy for you,” he says. “And Ilya. I was a stubborn ass. But I guess part of me was scared I’d lose both of you, not form a stronger bond.”
“And?” I say, determined not to cry and ruin my makeup.
