“Is that so?”
“Don’t mess with that girl,” Belle says, raising her brows in mock fear.
My mother finishes mixing the mac and cheese into a big flat dish, then coats the top with layers and layers of grated cheese. When she’s done, she slides the entire thing into the oven to grill.
Then she pours us each a glass of white wine.
“Welcome to our family, Ulyana. We are so happy that Benedikt finally met someone special enough to settle down with. It makes my heart warm to see you two together.” My mother lifts her wine glass, and standing in the kitchen, with the scents of home cooking filling the air, we all raise our glasses. I pull Ulyana a little closer to my side, proud to call her my own.
As the night goes on and conversation flows easily, I find myself filled with a sense of longing that catches me by surprise.
It’s an odd feeling.
A sense of family, wholeness and belonging. A sense of completion watching her interact with my mother and sister. It feels right.
Even my mother doesn’t seem as exhausting to be around tonight.
I press my lips together, clenching my jaw.
It’s just the wine. It’s making me soft.I’m perfectly happy in my life. Even before she came along, I was perfectly happy.
I have no idea why I’m feeling like this—I must be a bit tipsy, that’s all.
Unconsciously, Ulyana reaches out under the dinner table to rest her hand on my leg. This isn’t the first time she’s done this tonight. I think she’s seeking the comfort of my presence. I thread my fingers through hers, but I want her closer.
So I pull the edge of her chair, dragging her right next to me so that I can wrap my arm around her.
Besides, in front of my mother, we are newlyweds. In love. Can’t get enough of each other.
It’s not all a lie. I honestly can’t get enough of her, this evening especially. Her sweetness, her cheerful laughter, I keep getting drawn to her side like a magnet.
Belle and my mother are arguing about a product, some kind of face cream, one thinking it’s already got UV protection and the other saying it doesn’t.
Ulyana stands up and starts gathering the dirty dishes, stacking them neatly.
“I’ll help you with that,” I say, standing too. My mother stops her argument and starts to help as well, and I stop her. “Sit. You cooked, we’ll sort this out.”
“Thank you.” She smiles, her eyes shining.
Ahead of me, Ulyana carries plates towards the kitchen. I follow with the leftover macaroni.
She sets the dishes down in the scullery and I cover the mac and put it back in on top a wooden board to cool down before it can go in the fridge.
When Ulyana walks past me, I grab her waist and pull her against my chest.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” I ask, my lips hovering inches from hers.
“I am, your family is wonderful.” She smiles, her eyes wide and bright as she looks up at me.
My heart slams into my ribs as I lean down, closer. My lips press over hers.
She slips her arms around my waist and hugs herself tighter against me. My body burns with need for her.
It’s just a kiss. But I can’t get enough.
I hear footsteps and my mother and sister chatting as they walk into the kitchen. I don’t pull from Ulyana right away.
My lips are still against hers as she starts to smile.
