Page 54 of Twins for the Bratva

With her wanting a simple wedding, I decided to take control and surprise her. I knew that, traditionally, most women did all the planning. But Dahlia didn’t seem interested in doing so. When I offered to do it, she welcomed the suggestion.

I noticed more guests arriving while standing in the sand at the front. Next to me was Piotr, Leon, and the priest. They sat down at the back. I couldn’t make out who they were at first.

The music started playing, and everyone rose. Dahlia came towards me on Mila’s arm. I noticed their reactions to the latecomers as they reached the last row. Dahlia’s face lit up, and Mila’s was filled with confusion and surprise.

It could only mean that the Dubow’s had come even though they never replied to the invitation. This realization made me slightly uncomfortable. Yet, I was relieved that they showed for Dahlia’s sake. She was clearly delighted by the sight of them.

Watching her walk toward me, I froze. It felt like time and space had stopped. My heart started pounding so hard my chest felt like it was going to implode. I battled to catch my breath. I wanted to run to her and sweep her off her feet. I wanted to take her in my arms and disappear together.

She was an angel gliding towards me. A light brighter than any sun could ever be. Drooling like a puppy, my mind flooded with delight, knowing she was mine. Her hair was braided into a bun, but a couple of loose strands framed her sensational face. The make-up was natural-looking, clean, and professional.

The emerald-green eye shadow used made her hazel eyes glisten golden. Even without any jewelry, she was a vision. As she approached, the stunning pure white with a hint of pearl mermaid dress flared out, catching my attention. It fitted her like a glove, showing every sensational curve.

Her shoulders and neck were exposed. The diamond-shaped body of the dress framed her perfectly. The tail dragged about a meter behind her. In her hand, she held a bouquet of white roses with hints of ivory mixed in. I was so lost in her beauty that I didn’t realize she was standing right in front of me.

Feeling her touching my hand ripped me from my thoughts. I squeezed her hands as I smiled. “You are gorgeous,” I whispered.

“Konstantin, are you okay?” she asked, sounding faintly frightened.

“Oh, yes, sugar. Your beauty has entranced me.” I said, leaning in and kissing her cheek.

Clearing his throat, the priest drew our attention. I barely heard anything he said as I could not keep my eyes from Dahlia and my mind focused. Whenever Dahlia squeezed my hands, I replied, "I do.” The ceremony went quicker than I thought it would.

As the priest started saying, “I now pronounce,” I had wrapped my arms around her and was kissing her passionately. I never wanted to let her go again; I wanted to keep her in my embrace for eternity.

No matter how many times we had kissed before, it still felt like fireworks were going off between us. We melted into one, and everything around us vanished. As we pulled apart, gasping for air, the people rose and started clapping.

Glancing around, I realized the ceremony was done. Taking her hand, we turned to our family and friends. “We’re married!” I shouted.

Dahlia giggled beside me. Glancing at her, she smiled and shook her head. I winked and picked her up into my arms. Carrying her, I walked back through the people to the reception area.

The beach was decorated with palms and other plants to simulate an oasis of sorts. Instead of tables, picnic blankets, and baskets were placed around the area. Our spot had two loungerscovered in pillows and rose petals. Lowering her to one, I kissed her cheek. “I’ll be right back, sugar,” I said before heading to the bar.

I collected our drinks and headed back to my angel. As I moved, my eye caught the Dubow family heading her way. Putting a trot in my step, I hurried back. I made it just before they got there. After everything, I wasn’t going to allow them time alone with my bride.

Dahlia’s brother Aleksandr stepped forward and held out his hand. As I shook it, he spoke. “Congratulations on the marriage.” I was flabbergasted and struggled to find my words.

He stepped over to Dahlia and kissed her cheek. “I’m so glad you found happiness,” he said. The other siblings followed suit. As they congratulated us, I noticed Leon and Mila heading our way. All the activities surely caught their attention.

Standing beside her, I squeezed her shoulder. “Thank you for coming; I know it means a lot to Dahlia,” I said.

Aleksandr glanced at the family around him as he cleared his throat. “Well, seeing that we are now all family,” he started. “Why don’t we create an alliance for Dahlia’s sake? What do you say?”

Before I could even consider his words, I felt a hand on my shoulder. My mind was still trying to absorb what he was saying as he continued. “We can make this work for both families.”

I understood that he truly cared for her. But this wasn’t a decision I could make alone. It was indeed a family matter. Aleksandr pulled back as Mila and Leon moved to my sides. Looking past him, I saw Piotr was assessing our situation. Waving at him, I showed him to come closer.

“We’ll give you a second,” Aleksandr said. Holding out his hand to Dahlia, I nodded, and she took it. She walked with them to the bar.

I wanted to shake his hand and accept his offer. If not for Mila and Leon at my sides, I probably would have without thinking twice. But I knew it was not only my decision to make. Piotr joined us looking at me with wide eyes, expecting me to tell him something.

My mind was still wrapped around the fact that I hadn’t just accepted it there and then. Mila quickly filled Piot in on our conversation. He looked back at the family crowding the bar. “For Dahlia, I think we can make an exception,” he said.

“Agreed,” Mila chipped in. I was surprised at her quick response but appreciated the support.

Lunging forward, I embraced him in a manly hug. “Thank you, I will make sure things run smoothly,” I said, stepping back.

“We must be wary of what we share until we know more,” Piotr added.

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