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“Maybe lay off a little on the baby-making, though, yeah?” he suggested as he took his seat next to the triplets and Mamachka.
“Just when I think he’s going to actually behave himself,” Sadie said with a sigh.
The minister began the ceremony, but I only had eyes for the woman I loved. Her makeup was minimal and delicate, and she blushed throughout the minister’s speech. All it took was a single raising of my eyebrow whenever anything suggestive was said. It didn’t even have to be all that suggestive. All it took was “to have and to hold” for her to think of the ways I’d had and held her in the nights leading up to the big day.
“You may now kiss the bride,” the minister said, and I blinked, surprised.
Just like that? The ceremony was over?
She was mine. All mine. For now and for always.
I took Sadie in my arms and kissed her deeply, ignoring the cheering and applause. She was the only one for me. It was such a silly thing. I knew marriage was important to her, but I didn’t think it would change much between us. But having the rings on our fingers and the official declaration that we belonged together was really special. I hadn’t expected it.
“Mr. Turgenev,” Sadie said quietly, just for me to hear.
“Mrs. Turgenev,” I replied, unable to hide my grin.
* * *
The estate featured an old ballroom that we were eventually going to transform into a sunroom with lots of plants and space for the kids to play. For now, though, it was hosting our reception and dinner.
There were so many speeches they ran in to one another. Sadie and I barely had time to eat between all the well-wishers and insistent taps of knives on the edge of glasses to make us kiss. I frankly didn’t need the extra encouragement.
Before the dancing and real party began — one I was hoping we could sneak away from and spend a little private time together — Mamachka approached our table.
“The kids want to make a toast before we head back to the house for bedtime,” she said, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “What do you think?”
Sadie hesitated. “What do you think they’re going to say?”
“They’re probably just more excited about the opportunity to be even more in the spotlight than anything else,” Mamachka said. “What’s the worst they could do? They’re four.”
“You know exactly the worst of what they could do,” Sadie said.
“Let them have the microphone,” I said, leaning over and looping my arm around her waist. “Everyone else and their brother has had a chance to speak. They deserve to be heard too.”
“I absolve myself of any and all responsibility for what might happen next,” Sadie said, pantomiming washing her hands as Mamachka corralled the kids and the DJ.
“You can’t do that,” I said, laughing. “You’re their mother.”
“And you’re their father,” my wife reminded me.
“Ebat,” I said, more in agreement than consternation. “Still, I’m interested in what they have to say.”
“If I could please have everyone’s attention,” the DJ said from the dance floor, the spotlight finding him, Mamachka, and the kids. “I’m told we have a very special presentation to enjoy. You might’ve seen these adorable kids scampering around. They’re actually triplets — and their beautiful mother and handsome father got married today!” Everyone applauded. “These kids would like to let everyone know how they feel about this special day with speeches.”
There were surprised murmurings and laughter, but most of all more applause. Mamachka bent down andwhispered to the trio.
Tristan got the first turn with the microphone. “Hello,” he said loudly, pausing for several long moments to listen to his own echo in the ballroom. “My name is Tristan. We’re happy today because we like parties. If we’re good, we get to eat cake for breakfast.”
He passed the microphone to Fern as the confused but amused guests clapped politely.
“I am going to die of embarrassment,” Sadie whispered to me, her shoulders shaking with laughter.
“Precious moments here, malysh.”
“We are very thankful for the food,” Fern intoned gravely. “The food is very good. I am so happy there was no mustard. I love you, Mommy.”
“The way to that girl’s heart is through her stomach,” I observed as Sadie covered her mouth, tears of mirth streaming down her face.
