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"This is incredible, Damien!" she exclaims, her voice filled with awe. She darts from one flower to another, her fingers brushing gently against the petals as she names each one.
"Look, Damien, these are peonies," she says, her eyes dancing with delight. "In Victorian flower language, they represent bashfulness. And over here, these lavender roses symbolize enchantment and love at first sight."
I follow close behind, captivated not just by the flowers but by her. Her knowledge and passion for each plant are evident in her every word and gesture.
"And these," she continues, pointing to a cluster of daisies, "they're a symbol of innocence and purity. It’s amazing how each flower has its own story, its own meaning."
I can't help but smile, watching her in her element. She moves with such grace and joy as if the garden has unlocked a part of her soul.
"I wanted to create a place where you could feel free, where you could nurture life and beauty," I say, my voice soft with emotion. "A sanctuary for you, for us, for our family."
Mariya pauses and turns to me, her eyes shining. "You've done more than that, Damien. You've given me a dream, a piece of heaven right here on earth."
Her words stir something deep within me: a feeling of fulfillment, of wholeness. Watching her in the garden, surrounded by the beauty she loves so dearly, I realize this is what true happiness feels like.
"This garden," I say, stepping closer to her, "is a reflection of you. It is beautiful, vibrant, full of life and mystery."
She reaches for my hand, her touch as gentle as the petals around us. "And you've given me the best gift of all, Damien. You've given me a place to call home, a place where our love can grow and flourish."
At that moment, with the soft rustle of leaves and the gentle fragrance of the blooms surrounding us, I feel an overwhelming sense of peace. This garden, this home, is where our future begins. A future filled with love, laughter, and the sweet scent of flowers.
The evening air is filled with laughter and the comforting sounds of family as everyone gathers at our new home for Friday night, a tradition that has become my favorite part of the week. The house, once so quiet and almost lonely, is now bustling with the energy and warmth of the people I've come to love as my own.
As Mariya and I weave through the crowd, exchanging stories and sharing jokes, I feel a deep sense of belonging. The shaky beginnings with my brothers and their families seem like a distant memory now. There's an unspoken understanding, a bond that has grown stronger with time and the trials we've faced together.
Finally, as dinner winds down and everyone is relaxing with drinks and desserts, Mariya and I exchange a knowing glance. It's time for our special announcement. We've been waiting for this moment all week, planning the perfect way to share our exciting news.
"Can we please have everyone's attention?" I call out, and the room gradually falls silent, all eyes turning toward us. Mariya stands beside me, her hand gently resting on her slightly protruding belly, a radiant smile on her face.
"We have some exciting news to share with all of you," Mariya begins, her voice tinged with happiness. "In a few months, our family will be growing..."
"...by three!" I finish for her, and the room erupts in gasps and cheers.
"We're having triplets," Mariya announces, her eyes shining with joy, "and they're all boys!"
The news is met with a wave of excitement and congratulations. Andrei claps me on the back, his face beaming with pride, while Sandra rushes over to hug Mariya, whispering words of excitement and support.
As the evening progresses, the conversation inevitably turns to baby names, parenting advice, and playful bets on who the boys will take after. The atmosphere is one of pure joy and celebration, and I soak it all in.
"It looks like you'll have your hands full, brother," Leo jokes, raising his glass in a toast. Triple the trouble, triple the fun."
"Ah, he's got this," Samuil chimes in, grinning. "If he can handle the Bratva, he can handle three little boys."
As the night draws to a close and our home gradually empties, I find myself reflecting on the journey that brought us here. From the uncertainty and mistrust of being married as strangers to love and unbreakable bonds, our path has been nothing short of miraculous.
I look over at Mariya, who is chatting animatedly with Valentina and Anastasia, and my heart swells with love. She's not just my wife; she's my partner, my equal, the mother of my soon-to-be children. Together, we've overcome monumental obstacles and built a life filled with love and purpose.
As I join the conversation, laughing and sharing in the joy of our growing family, I realize that this is what true happiness feels like. This is where I belong, surrounded by the family I've gained, the love I've found, and the future we're building together.
Epilogue I
MARIYA
"Can you recommend something special?" the young woman asks, her voice bubbling with the excitement of someone planning a significant event. "It's my anniversary."
I smile, my heart swelling with pride. This is exactly why I opened this shop: to help others mark their special moments with the beauty of nature. "Absolutely," I respond, leading her toward an array of delicate blooms. "For an anniversary, I suggest blooms that signify enduring love and romance. How about these lilies here? They represent pure love and come in a variety of colors. We could introduce some gardenia and jasmine into the arrangement, along with a rose here and there, which is the ultimate flower expressing love and affection." I walk around the shop, plucking flowers here and there as she follows.
The woman nods, pleased. "They're beautiful. This place is wonderful. I heard it's your opening day?"
