Page 84 of Sexting the Silverfox

Since Vitaly took over the family business.

Since my father was forced out of the Bratva altogether, having to step into his retirement with a chip on his shoulder and a sour look on his face.

Since Jason and I moved in together. Our son is a year old, and as expected, he is practically an atomic yet adorable little demon. My brothers weren’t too far off with their theories. But Lily and Rita make a formidable team in helping Jason and me with raising Edward. He’s not a true handful, though he’s not the easiest kid, either. I guess that’s his appeal because I love every day that I get to be in his life, good or bad.

There’s so much that I’m still learning, but Jason has been true to his word. He looks after us. He juggles his businesses and his family with exceptional tenacity, setting a brilliant example for me to follow, as well. I love him more and more with each passing day. I can no longer imagine a life without him, and that can be scary at times—especially on the eve of our wedding.

We agreed to keep the ceremony small. Only our closest friends and family have gathered at the Wayside Chapel. Rita and Lily are my beautiful bridesmaids in matching pink dresses. Vitaly and Anton will walk me down the aisle. They kept arguing over who would give me away, so I ultimately gave up and asked them both to do it.

My heart is stuck in my throat, the wedding jitters doing quite a number on me. I’m standing outside the chapel’s ornate wooden doors. Inside, my future husband awaits, along with the officiant, the wedding party, and the guests. Among them are former Army buddies of Jason’s. Their presence makes my brothers more nervous than the bride.

“Feds, so many Feds in there,” Anton sighs, running a hand through his hair.

“You look dashing,” I say, trying to soothe his frayed nerves.

“What if it’s a trap? What if they plan to arrest us as soon as you say, ‘I do,’ huh?” he replies, giving me a panicked look.

Vitaly jokingly smacks him over the shoulder. “Cool your heels, Capone. It’s a wedding. Our sister’s wedding. What the hell?”

I would laugh if I weren’t so anxious myself. It’s a beautiful place, quiet and simple, yet elegant and welcoming, surrounded by lush gardens and blessed with all the spring sunshine that Mother Nature has to offer.

I picked out the perfect dress for this. The Regency-style corset hugs my full figure without suffocating me, adorned with fine pearls and silver thread, while the skirt and the sleeves flow freely in pure white silk, the hems lined with floral-themed lace. I opted for flats since no one can see my feet anyway. Besides, I plan to do plenty of dancing at the reception tonight, so the last thing I wanted was to wear myself out before we even got to the venue.

My brothers look particularly handsome in their Armani suits—elegant, dark blue jackets and pants in stark contrast with their white shirts and black bowties. They would’ve had a fine career in modeling on New York’s most prestigious fashion runways had they not been born into the Bratva.

“Cut him some slack,” I tell Vitaly. “He’s nervous, too.”

“We are not under investigation,” he reminds Anton. “They’re just Jason’s friends.”

Anton shrugs and gives me a childlike pout. “You know, you can still marry Piotr, if you want. I could hook you up. At least then we’d keep it all in the Bratva.”

“I will end you,” I shoot back.

“I’m kidding,” Anton laughs. “Gosh, you are gorgeous…”

He takes a moment to admire me while Vitaly hands me my bouquet of white roses. This is it. The threshold we’ve all been trying to get to for quite some time. The ceremony marking my passage into a new and better life. I’m leaving the Fedorov name behind for good and becoming a Winchester.

“I still think you should hyphenate,” Vitaly sighs deeply. “Audrey Fedorova-Winchester… it has a nice ring to it.”

“Except I’m trying to keep a low profile regarding my Bratva ties, remember? We agreed on this months ago,” I say. “Granted, I am sorry to bid the name farewell … sort of.”

Anton chuckles dryly. “Shut up, you couldn’t wait to sign the marriage certificate.”

“So, I can marry Jason, obviously!”

“Yeah, right…”

“Now, now, don’t be sour,” Vitaly tells Anton. “She will always be a Fedorova to us, brother. We all know that.”

“Through and through, huh?” Anton smiles softly, brotherly love beaming from his big, blue eyes. “Mom would be so happy for you, Audrey, so happy.”

I nod slowly, wishing she could be here with us. In a way, she is, though. She is present through me, through my brothers. She never truly left us, and she never will. And it’s the best that I can hope for, at least in this lifetime. Vitaly glances at the door just as the sound of the organ playing announces that they’re ready to receive the bride for the ceremony.

“Come on, sis. We’ve got this,” Anton says as he and Vitaly flank me and offer me their strong arms. “Time to give you away.”

“Just don’t tell Jason we like him too much,” Vitaly adds. “We want to keep him on his toes in case he ever steps out of line with you.”

I’m close to bursting out of this corset with sheer laughter when our father’s voice startles all three of us. “I’m interrupting, little zaika.”

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