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Dimitri's thumb brushes my cheek. "I'll spend every day trying to make you this happy. You deserve that and so much more."
"Oh Dimitri..." Overcome with emotion, I pull his head down to me for a long, slow kiss. We lose ourselves in each other under the twinkling lights.
Right now, nothing else exists but Dimitri's lips claiming mine, his strong hands splayed across my back, holding me flush against him. I pour all my love and desire into returning his kiss. Dimitri makes a low sound of pleasure that thrills me to my core.
We're both breathing harder when we finally break apart. Dimitri's eyes smolder down at me now, dark with want. It takes all my willpower not to lead him upstairs to one of the guest suites right this instant.
"We should get back to the party," I manage weakly.
Dimitri sighs, resting his forehead against mine. "You're right. But later..." His hands flex suggestively on my hips and I flush. Laughing softly, he kisses my cheek then takes my hand to lead us back inside.
The boisterous reception welcomes us back. I blink, adjusting again to the bright lights and lively atmosphere. Martha dances over to us, face flushed from exertion and champagne.
"There you two are! Come on, you're missing out on all the fun!" She tugs at Dimitri's arm eagerly.
He chuckles, allowing himself to be pulled along. "Alright but try to keep up!"
I trail behind, watching Dimitri joking and dancing animatedly with our friends. My heart fills seeing this lighthearted side of him that he shows so rarely to anyone but me.
Despite his ruthlessness towards enemies, I know Dimitri's actions stem from past wounds and a fierce desire to protect those he loves. He would move heaven and earth for me. And our baby, I think with an inner thrill, hand drifting once more to my still-flat stomach.
The DJ announces it's time for the bride to toss her bouquet. I'm surrounded by a gaggle of enthusiastic single women, jostling playfully for position.
"Ready ladies?" I call over my shoulder. Their cheers nearly drown out the music. I glance at Dimitri, who winks at me from across the room. Facing forward again, I close my eyes, say a wish for our future, and toss the flowers high over my head.
EPILOGUE
DIMITRI
Nine Months Later
I walk into the grand hotel ballroom hand-in-hand with my beautiful wife, Sara. The hall is lavishly decorated for her college graduation party, with balloons floating up to the high ceiling and soft string lights casting a warm glow over the tables. A large banner congratulating the graduates hangs on the wall behind the stage. Waiters in crisp white shirts weave through the crowd carrying trays of champagne flutes and hors d'oeuvres.
I lean in close to Sara and whisper, "This is all for you, my love. You deserve this celebration after working so hard."
She gives me a small smile but seems distracted, her eyes darting around the room. I know she's been anxious about leaving our newborn baby with the sitter for the first time tonight.
Gently grasping her arm, I turn Sara to face me. "Hey, don't worry. Our little one is just fine. I made sure we have the best sitter available. Now it's time for you to enjoy your party."
Sara nods, taking a deep breath. "You're right. I'll try to relax. It's just hard being away from the baby, even for one night."
"I know, but it's good for us to have some time alone too. In fact, I booked us a suite upstairs so we can properly celebrate later," I say with a wink.
Sara blushes beautifully at my suggestion. Before she can respond, our friend Martha swoops in and links arms with Sara.
"There you two are! Come mingle, you can't be attached at the hip all night." Martha gives me a pointed look.
I chuckle as Sara allows herself to be led away by Martha. My eyes follow her admiringly as she laughs with her friends. Her strapless champagne gown hugs her post-baby curves perfectly. She's absolutely stunning.
I spot my cousin Ivan across the room and make my way over. He claps me on the back.
"Congratulations on graduating, even if it was just a formality for you," Ivan says.
"Thanks, but tonight's really about celebrating Sara and her accomplishments. I'm proud of her for finishing school."
Ivan nods. "Well, you two seem really happy together. I'm glad it worked out after everything that happened."
"How have you been holding up though?"
