Page 74 of The Bratva's Hostage Bride

“Then that’s all that matters. Go on, I’ll see you later.” Kervyn stands, and I leave the room. Penny comes back in with Sam.

I go back to my house, and when I walk in, I notice it’s quiet. Hannah must have gone back to bed. I see Anica coming with a basket of clean laundry, and I stop her. “Did Hannah go straight back to bed?”

“No, sir. She’s just returned from the library.” She gives me a small smile, and I return it.

“Thanks, Anica. I’d be lost without you.” I take the stairs two at a time and knock on Hannah’s room door.

“Come in,” she calls.

I open the door. She’s sitting on her bed with a book propped up on her legs. She’s busy reading.

“Hey. So I figured out something we can do tonight for fun.”

She puts the book down and sits up cross-legged. I sit at the bottom of her bed and smile. “We’re going to have dinner at my mom’s and then watch Sammy for Kervyn and Penny for an hour.”

She looks at me, confused. “Why is that fun?”

“Because it’s a taste of what we’ll be like as parents. Have you ever babysat before?” I ask.

“Yeah, I did in Ohio. Not a small baby, but I reckon I can handle a toddler.” She folds her arms over her chest. “Are you trying to show me how we’re supposed to be together as parents?”

“Not at all. If that happens, it’s just a bonus.” I give her a smile, but she looks away. “I’m sorry, Hannah. You don’t know how sorry I am. I wish I could give you a normal life again, but I can give you whatever your heart desires, whether you stay with me or not.”

She sighs. “I don’t want money. I just want peace.”

I get up. “If I could, I’d give it to you right now. Dinner is at six. I’ll see you at half-five in the foyer.” I look back at the door, but Hannah has already picked up her book again.

The rest of the day drags by like the most painful thing ever. I just want it to be time to go so I can show Hannah what a good mom she’ll make. Maybe that will cheer her up. I’ll show her what a good dad I can be.

I change into more comfortable clothes, jeans and a shirt with a knitted jumper, and I slip on my trainers before I go to wait for Hannah in the foyer. She comes down dressed in her usual black tights, calf-length fur boots, and an off-the-shoulder sweater with a shirt underneath it.

It’s starting to get chilly in the evenings at thirty-nine degrees.

Monty and Jonah drive us to my mother's house, which is under heavy protection. I see Penny’s van parked there.

I lead Hannah inside, and my mother fawns over her, complimenting her on how beautiful she is. When my mother moves off, Hannah asks quietly, “Does she know about the baby?”

“I don’t think so. I haven’t said anything.” I squeeze her hand. “Hope you’re hungry. It looks like she cooked for a nation again.”

“I’m starving.”

I pull a chair out for her and push it in when she sits down. Dinner is the usual affair, albeit a little quieter than normal. Kervyn and Penny do most of the talking, with my mother asking them when her next grandbaby is coming. I’m glad the pressure is off us, and I feel that Kervyn did that on purpose.

Once dinner is done, Kervyn invites my mother for an hour to walk with him and Penny around the garden, and she agrees. I’m sure that Kervyn planned this with her already.

Penny hands Samuel to Hannah and runs through the diaper bag with her before she smiles and goes to Kervyn.

Kervyn looks at me. “Take care of my son, Luka.”

“You got it.” I salute him, and they leave.

I sit on the floor beside Hannah, who takes out some toys for Samuel. He gurgles at us while he bangs two blocks together.

“He’s cute, isn’t he?” I ask.

“He is. It’s weird to think I’m going to have a child. I feel like I’m too young.” She takes out a cloth from the bag and wipes his face.

“But look, you’re a natural.” I grin at her.

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