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“You don’t have to make the decision now,” Declan says, looking at Dmitri, who nods. “We aren’t going anywhere soon, and they still have twenty-one years before they would need to take over.” Dmitri and Ansleigh look at each other, an unspoken exchange passes between them. They flicker between one another’s eyes, expressions changing quickly.
“We’ll do it,” Ansleigh states confidently, glancing back at me. “As long as you two can promise me that they will get the best training, without as much… emotional damage?” She winces as she finishes her sentence, and Dmitri chuckles. I nod my head, a smirk covering my mouth as I try to reassure her.
“I’d like to think we aren’t that fucked up,” I wink before clearing my throat. “In all seriousness, we will ensure the girls are properly trained, but not like we were. We all know the full extent of what happened to me, and I don’t want the girls to go through the same loss that I’ve experienced in this world. We will be there to guide them through the hard times. I can’t promise it will always be easy, because it won’t be. There are times that can’t be avoided, but that’s something that comes with the job description. Icanpromise that Declan and I will be there, giving one-hundred and ten percent to ensure they know how to keep themselves safe. I’d never throw them into a situation that I didn’t think they were ready for. Those girls are Belov’s, they’re tough little nuggets.” The two parents gaze back at one another, yet again having a silent conversation. They both look towards myself and Declan, determination covering their expressions.
“Then it seems we have a deal. We’ve been able to get everything we need thus far, and we will be closing on our house next month hopefully,” Dmitri says, placing his arm around his wife. “So, that gives you plenty of time to wrap up things on your end. I’ll need the basic walk-through on everything since I’ve been gone. Oh, were you able to locate those missing shipments?”
“Yeah, it looked like Rian was using his account offshore to relocate the weapons and bid them for higher prices than what we were getting. We killed most of his men and the rest fled, so we shouldn’t have any issues or fallout from it.”
“Other than that, I think everything else is covered.”
“Perfect,” I stand and clap my hands together. “Maxine has made an amazing dinner, if you’d like to stay? There’s enough food for Finn and Skylar to join us as well with the girls.”
“That sounds lovely,” Ansleigh says with a smile, standing. She follows me into the kitchen while the men stay behind in the living room. I can faintly hear Declan offering Dmitri a glass of whiskey as they chat quietly.
Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I dial Skylar. She picks up after a few rings, a smile instantly covering my face.
“Hey, Nat,” she answers over the squeals of the children in the background.
“Grab the girls and Finn, and come on over for dinner. Dmitri and Ans are going to stay, so I figured we’d make it an event.” I reach up into the cabinet, pulling enough plates for the six of us and the three children.
“Of course! We will be right over,” replying happily, she ends the call, and I place the stack of plates on the table, slipping my phone back into my pocket.
I grab the chicken casserole out of the refrigerator and preheat the oven per the directions on the note Maxine left. Once it’s ready, I slide the food into the oven and set the timer. It should be finished right when Skylar and Finn arrive, which is perfect.
Just as I predicted, our friends arrive ten minutes after the timer goes off. The sound of giggles fill the room as Harlow, Sutton, and Ava come running in. Skylar trails behind them carrying a cheesecake. I assume Finn has already been recruited by the men, leaving us girls alone.
“You’re right on time,” I smile at her, taking the dessert from her and sitting it on the counter. Turning back to the lady who has become a good friend, I pull her into a tight hug, thanking her for coming over.
Between the three of us, we get the table set and make plates for the girls. Placing them at their own toddler size table I convinced Declan was a good idea to buy. I watch as the girls dig into their chicken, dancing with delight. They chatter happily with one another, even though Ava is a few years older than them, she doesn’t seem fazed. She’s their cousin, sure, but she takes on the role of a caregiver naturally, helping them cut their pieces and cool it off for them.
When everyone is seated, I take the seat beside Declan. He reaches over and squeezes my thigh, giving me a beaming smile. Leaning over, he kisses my cheek.
“I love you,mo ghrá,” he whispers into my ear, causing my own smile to grow.
“I love you too,” I reply, placing my hand over his in my lap and picking up my fork.
Laughter echoes down the halls of our home throughout the meal. We talk about everything that’s happened since childhood, reminiscing on old memories and making plans for the future. Looking around the table at our friends, I feel all of the love that is present, my heart feels like it could burst with gratitude. These individuals are my home. Soon, there will be new additions as Dmitri and Ansleigh announce that they’re pregnant again, only 12 weeks along. Although I feel sad that I can’t have my own, I relish the ability to not lose sleep at night from an infant screaming its little head off. I can spread enormous amounts of love to my wonderful nieces and potentially soon-to-be nephews, then send them home when they’re cranky.
Smiling at the thought, I catch everyone's gazes as I raise my glass.
This is my family.
“Thank you for each and every one of you.” They all raise their glasses with me, flitters of laughter come from the kids table as they girls smack their plastic cups together.
Everyone at this table has lost something this year, but no matter the circumstances, I know we will always have one another.
