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“Considering their past, this is a miracle,” I admit, watching as my father shares a hearty laugh with Sorokin. Zhanna dances impressively with Christian Genovesi, leaning in every once in a while to speak, no doubt offering him advice.
“Love does strange things to people,” Mercy muses. “Working together made everyone see what’s truly important. I hope everyone is thanking you and Nikolai for this miracle.”
“Speaking of love,” I nudge her playfully. “I think someone’s looking for a dance.”
Pavel, dressed in a navy tux, walks up to Mercy, and bows. She gawks for a second and then smiles as she extends her hand, and he escorts her onto the dance floor for a fast song. They get into the moves, showing off as they spin on the floor. I smile as they laugh like old friends, forgetting a painful past.
58
NIKOLAI
I leavemy wedding guests to enjoy the evening and enter the dining room. The pakhans are assembled once again, not to judge, but to honor. Everyone falls silent as Zakhar stands at the head of the table. I glance over at Sorokin, who stands by Eden’s father’s side. It is best for all of us to forget our hard feelings. I motion to Rurik to join us and tell him to bring Larissa.
Zakhar clears his throat, and I can tell he’s keeping his emotions in check. “Before we return to the festivities,” he says, “I am announcing my retirement as Avtoritet of the Starukhin Bratva.” There’s a murmur, but I doubt it is a surprise.
I step forward. “I thank Zakhar Sergeyevich for his loyalty to the Bratva. Without him, I would not be the happiest man alive today.” I smile at my former nemesis, now father-in-law. “I have chosen my next Avtoritet, my brother-in-law, Rurik Karazin.”
Thunderous applause fills the room as Rurik shakes my hand and then Zakhar’s. He offers a rare smile to the men present as he accepts a hard-earned promotion.
“Thank you, Nikolai Gennadyevich,” Rurik replies. We embrace tightly as well-wishers swarm around Rurik, clapping him on the back and offering their congratulations. I glance outside the dining room and my eyes find Larissa, who still holds Ally in her arms.
I leave the men congratulating my new Avtoritet and approach my sister.
“I will watch over him, Lara. The promotion means a lot of things. He will command, and not take orders.”
“I know I should be delighted, Kolya.” She speaks softly as she looks at Rurik hugging Pavel. “But when you love, you risk losing someone.”
“I know, Lara.”
“And you know as well as I do,” she says, “that the way I feel now is the way Eden will also feel every day.”
“I asked her if she wanted me to retire,” I pause. “But she said to be true to myself.”
Larissa scoff. “Ask her in a year, Kolya, on your anniversary. And see if her answer changes. Now take your daughter. I have a husband to congratulate.”
I take a deep breath and accept Ally from Larissa. Quietly, I leave the room and look for Eden among the guests. She smiles when she sees me holding Ally and takes our baby from my arms. With every twist and turn our lives take, I hold tight to the knowledge that love is powerful enough to protect the ones I love. I have to believe it as the evening comes to an end and our new life together begins.
THE END
