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Yevgeny finally understood why it had been so difficult for her to change her decision to give Holly up to a couple who could love her...to give her to him.
It had taken courage. She’d had to conquer her demons.
“You’re the bravest woman I’ve ever met,” he told her.
It was then that he realized how deeply he loved her. But now was not the time to convince her that marrying him would heal them all.
So all he said was, “Come, let me hold you.”
* * *
When the doorbell rang on Christmas morning, Ella had no idea who could be outside.
She pulled open the door to find Keira and Dmitri on the doorstep, luggage piled up beside them. “You’re back!”
Concern instantly settled over her. What had gone wrong? Then she gathered her scattered thoughts.
“Merry Christmas! Don’t stand out on the doorstep. Come in.”
Ushering the pair into her living room, while leaving the luggage stacked in the hall, Ella asked, “What happened? Why’ve you left Malawi?”
Keira came to a halt in the middle of the room and exchanged glances with Dmitri.
“Ella, we’ve changed our minds.”
Something in her sister’s tense tone caused adrenaline to surge through Ella’s veins. “You’ve changed your mind? About volunteering in Malawi?”
But she knew...
It was much, much more.
“No, about the baby.” Keira’s words confirmed what Ella had already sensed. Keira wore a mulish expression. “Dmitri and I have decided we’re going to keep Jessica.”
“Jessica?” Ella’s brain was spinning. “Her name isn’t Jessica, it’s Holly.”
“We’ve chosen to name her Jessica.” Dmitri placed an arm around Keira’s shoulders and drew her close.
This was what she’d wanted...wasn’t it? Taking in their unified pose, Ella swallowed. She’d hoped for Keira to change her mind and keep the baby. Yet now confronted by the pair who had just announced that’s what they wanted, Ella found the idea of losing Holly terrified her.
Then anger set in.
“But you gave her up—you told me to sort everything out.”
“We made a mistake.”
Her sister’s eyes filled with tears. For the first time ever, Keira’s tears failed to move Ella. The customary protectiveness failed to materialize. This time it was Holly she wanted to protect.
“You decided you weren’t ready for a baby yet.”
“That’s what we thought, but the time in Malawi made us decide we’re ready for parenthood.”
“It’s too late, Keira—”
“She’s already been adopted? You’ve signed the consent?” Keira must’ve seen the answer in her eyes. “You should’ve let me know—”
“You walked away—you made her my problem. Remember?”
“Because I knew you would be able to give her up for adoption—you’ve done it before. And you did it without any trouble.” Keira huddled closer to Dmitri. “I’m not as tough as you, Ella, I couldn’t face the pain. I could never have done it.”
Tough? A shaft of pain shot through Ella. Was that how her sister saw her? Did no one see how painful these decisions were for her? Ella swallowed. She’d lost one baby—she wasn’t losing this one. “I couldn’t give Holly up.”
“Then why did you imply she’s been adopted?”
“Wait, let me get a word in edgewise. I never said she’s been given up for adoption. I’m getting married—I’m going to keep her.”
“Married?” Keira gave a laugh of surprise. “To who?”
“Your sister is marrying me.”
The dark voice came from behind her. Yevgeny. Relief swarmed through Ella as he enfolded her in his arms. She shut her eyes and allowed herself to lean into his strength.
Strength. Comfort. Understanding. That was what he’d offered her through this period of turmoil. He’d been there for her—and Holly—every minute. He’d never failed her or walked away.
He was a man in a million.
A man worth loving. Forever.
It would be so easy to abdicate all responsibility, to let Yevgeny take over. But it wasn’t fair.
Ella forced herself to keep steady. And to think. Was this the best course for Holly? She loved Yevgeny but he didn’t love her. But he was reliable. He would never leave her.... She knew from what he’d told her about his mother walking out on him and Dmitri he would never do that to his own child. Could she marry him under such circumstances, knowing there was no way out?
“We came back for the baby.” Dmitri stood toe to toe with his older brother.
