“This calls for a celebration,” Sandy declared after I had finished my story. “You have to spend the day with me. We’ll do whatever you want—spa day, shopping, anything. Just you and me, celebrating your engagement!”
The idea was tempting, and I could already imagine the fun we’d have. But I didn’t want to lose the magical feelingof the moment just yet. “How about we keep it simple?” I suggested. “Lunch in the city tomorrow? Just us, catching up and celebrating.”
“Perfect,” Sandy agreed. “I’ll make the reservations. There’s this new place I’ve been dying to try. You’ll love it.”
We made our plans, the excitement in her voice matching the flutter in my chest. As we said our goodbyes, I felt a sense of contentment settle over me. It was real—I was engaged to Aleksandr, and my sister, who knew me better than anyone, was thrilled.
With Sandy taken care of, it was time to tell the children.
When Aleksandr and I found them, Sasha and Maxim were playing in the living room with Olga. Sasha sat on the floor, her long blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail as she focused on a jigsaw puzzle. Maxim was sprawled on the couch, his attention divided between a handheld video game and whatever his sister was working on. And Olga was knitting a blanket.
They all looked up when we entered, and the children’s faces lit up. I could see their love and admiration, and they looked at Aleksandr like he was their hero. And in many ways, he was.
Aleksandr gave me a subtle nod, encouraging me to share the news. I took a deep breath, my heart fluttering with excitement and nerves.
“We have some news,” I began, approaching them.
Sasha’s eyes went round with curiosity, and she put down the puzzle piece she held. Maxim sat up straighter, his gameforgotten for the moment. Olga placed her knitting on her lap, giving us her full attention.
“What is it?” Sasha asked, her voice full of anticipation.
I smiled, glancing at Aleksandr before continuing. “Yesterday, Uncle Aleksandr asked me to marry him…and I said yes.”
For a brief moment, there was silence as the words sank in. Then, like a dam breaking, the room was filled with excited chatter.
“Congratulations!” Olga gushed. “She’s a fine woman, Mr. Avilov!” Olga wrapped her arms around me, giving me a big bear hug.
“Are you serious?” Sasha exclaimed, jumping to her feet. “You’re going to be our mom?”
Maxim’s reaction was more subdued, but I could see the happiness in his eyes. He stood up and walked over to Aleksandr, giving him a hug before turning to me. “That’s great news, Talia. I’m happy for you both.”
Sasha practically threw herself at me, wrapping her arms around my waist and hugging me tightly. “This is the best news ever!” she squealed. “We have to celebrate!”
“We will,” Aleksandr said, his deep voice laced with warmth as he looked at the children. “How about we have a special dinner tonight?”
Maxim nodded enthusiastically. “We’ll make dinner. Right, Sasha?”
Sasha pulled away from me, her eyes shining. “Yes! We’ll cook! And we can make that cake you love, Talia!”
The idea of the children taking over the kitchen was both endearing and a little concerning. Still, the joy on their faces was undeniable. I glanced at Aleksandr, who was smiling at the children, pride evident in his expression.
“Alright,” I agreed, laughing softly. “But Abram should help you, okay? I don’t want you two burning down the kitchen.”
They nodded eagerly, and I felt a wave of affection for these two wonderful children who were becoming such an important part of my life.
That evening, the kitchen was a flurry of activity. Sasha and Maxim were hard at work, with Abram overseeing the operation. The smell of roasted chicken and freshly baked bread filled the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation. I was thankful the morning sickness subsided a few weeks ago.
I stood at the doorway, watching them all with a smile. Abram was a calm presence, guiding the children with patience and care, and over the past few months, I had come to appreciate his quiet strength and dedication.
Sasha was in charge of the cake, her face scrunched up in concentration as she carefully measured the ingredients. Maxim was handling the salad, tossing the greens with a seriousness that made me chuckle.
Aleksandr joined me, slipping an arm around my waist. “They’re really trying hard,” he murmured, his voice full of affection.
“I know,” I replied, leaning into him. “They’re wonderful kids, Aleksandr. You’ve done such a great job with them.”
He didn’t say anything, but the way his arm tightened around me spoke volumes. In these quiet moments, I saw the real Aleksandr—the man who loved these children fiercely and would do anything to protect his family.
Dinner was a joyful affair. The table was filled with laughter and chatter, and the children proudly presented each dish they had prepared. The chicken was perfectly roasted, the salad fresh and crisp, and the slightly lopsided cake delicious. Olga and Dimitri asked for seconds.