Page 89 of The Pakhan’s Hidden Heir

Felix leads the pack at six years old today, his face flushed with excitement as his friends, all sons of Bastian’s trusted men, follow close behind him, terrorizing the adults with bursts of playful shouts and fake gunfire sounds.

Darting between the furniture and around the tables set with birthday decorations, they fill our home with an energetic chaos that brings a smile to my face.

The party has been as perfect as Felix deserves after everything we’ve been through together. He should be filled with love and joy and surrounded by family and friends who care for him. Which is just what today has been.

Bastian stands beside me, his arm wrapped around my waist as we watch the lively scene.

The adults gather in small groups throughout the room, chatting and laughing while keeping one eye on the children racing around and Ingrid floats between them, refilling drinks and straightening plates even though she’s insisted this is her last month with us.

Having mentioned her plans to retire several times lately weighs on me.

She’s become so much more than a maid or nanny to our family, and I know at some point everyone retires, but she carries it in her body. It’s like a sadness she knows is inevitable but refuses to give into yet.

“She’s tired today,” Bastian says as his arm tightens around me.

“She is. And sad.” I wish there was some way to keep her from growing older, making her feel useful still despite aging.

“We’ll need a replacement soon,” he hums, but I hear sadness in that too. She was his nanny when he was a child.

“We’ll miss her.” I say what he can’t, allowing him the confidence of not showing his vulnerability around anyone but me. I know he appreciates that.

Felix spots me and runs over, throwing his arms around my legs for a quick hug before darting away again to rejoin his friends.

Laughing softly, I shake my head at his growing independence, noting how he still seeks me out in these small moments.

Bastian pulls me closer, pressing a kiss to the side of my head.

“We have a smart and strong boy, don’t we?” He changes the subject.

I think about it as I lean into him, resting my head on his chest. Felix wouldn’t be half as smart or strong without Bastian for a father.

I won the gene pool lottery when Bastian accepted me to mother his child. I never expected it to turn into what this is now. I’m grateful for that.

“He has a smart strong father,” I say, and I mean it. I smile up at him as Ingrid drifts over toward us, tired of serving and ready for this party to be wrapped up.

Bastian nods at her as she sets plates in the sink and without asking me what I think, he speaks to her. “Ingrid, we’ve been thinking about your plans to retire,” he says. “I want you to know you have a permanent place here in our home if you choose to stay. Felix has no grandmother, and he can’t imagine losing you. We’ll hire a new maid to handle the daily tasks so you can simply be part of the family.”

“Oh, Mr. Dravenko,” she whispers. Her eyes widen as she presses a hand to her chest, tears gathering at the corners of her eyes while she blinks rapidly, looking from Bastian to Felix, who has paused his play to listen. “I have no children of my own,” she mutters. “Felix is already like a grandson to me, you know that. It means more than I can say.”

Felix runs over and wraps his arms around her waist. “You can’t leave us, Ingrid. You have to stay. Please.”

She hugs him back tightly, the tears spilling over now. “Of course, I’d be honored,” she whispers. “Thank you both for this. I have no words…”

Ingrid swipes at her tears but keeps her arm around Felix. “I should get the rest of this cleaned up. I’m not retired yet.” She chuckles but I grab her wrist.

“I have something to tell you all, an announcement, since you’re all family.”

Bastian turns to me with a confused expression, his brow furrowing slightly. “What announcement?” He glances between me and Ingrid.

I reach into the bag I kept hidden behind the counter and pull out the small wrapped package. “This is one of Felix’s birthday presents,” I explain as I hand it to him. “Why don’t you open it now?”

Felix takes the package eagerly, ripping away the paper before holding up the t-shirt and unfolding it to read the words printed across the front. “I’m a big brother.” He stares at the shirt for a long moment as his face scrunches up. Then he looks up at me with wide eyes. “Mama, what does that mean? I’m not a brother.”

I nod as I place my hand on my stomach again. “Yes, you are, Felix, or you will be.” I grin, at Bastian as the news washes over his face in a smile. “I’m pregnant. You’re going to have a baby brother or sister.”

Felix lets out a whoop of joy and launches himself at me, hugging me around the middle. “I’m going to be a big brother. This is the best birthday ever.” Turning to Bastian next, he shows him the shirt. “Batya, we’re having a baby.”

Bastian pulls me into his arms and holds me close, not even caring about his show of affection in front of his men who have started wandering closer. “Raina,” he murmurs against my hair, “I can’t believe this. We’re going to have another baby? I’m so happy.”