Page 57 of Knocked Up by the Bratva

He chuckles, taking a sip from his glass. “Fair enough.”

Jennifer catches my eye, smiling that soft smile she reserves just for me. I beckon her over, and she excuses herself from Katya’s side, making her way across the deck.

When she reaches me, I wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her close. “You doing okay?”

“I’m perfect,” she says, resting her head on my shoulder for a moment. “I still can’t believe we’re out here on a yacht. Sometimes it feels like a dream.”

I chuckle. “You deserve it.”

She raises an eyebrow, grinning. “Yeah, I do.”

“Is that what you think?” I ask, my tone teasing.

She shrugs playfully, swirling her glass. “Well, you said it first.”

I turn her to face me fully, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I want you to be happy, Jennifer. Whatever that looks like. I know you love your work, so I’m making you head of marketing at the company.”

She blinks, surprise crossing her face. “Wait, what?”

I smirk, enjoying the reaction. “You heard me. It’s yours, if you want it. The position’s open, and there’s no one I trust more.”

She shakes her head, laughing. “Head of marketing? Timur, are you serious?”

“As serious as I’ve ever been.”

Jennifer’s smile widens, and she leans into me, her arms slipping around my waist. “I didn’t expect that.”

“I didn’t expect you to want to work after everything,” I admit, running a hand over her belly. “But you’re good at it, and I want you to be able to do what you love.”

“I’m really not the housewife type, am I?” she teases, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

I laugh, shaking my head. “Not even close. You’re too damn smart to be sitting around all day.”

She kisses me, soft and lingering, her lips pressing against mine in a way that makes everything else disappear. When she pulls back, her expression is full of warmth, her eyes soft. “Thank you,” she whispers.

“Just doing what’s right,” I say, though her gratitude makes something stir in me. Seeing her happy, seeing her with that spark of life in her eyes, it means more than I’d ever admit.

We’re interrupted by the sound of Tyler’s laughter. I glance over and see him on deck, playing with one of his cousins. Jennifer watches him, her expression softening even more. “He’s growing up so fast.”

“Too fast,” I agree, pulling her closer again. “He’s got everything he needs.”

She looks up at me, her eyes searching mine. “So do I.”

I smile at that, something real and deep settling in my chest. “Yeah, you do.”

Jennifer turns in my arms, leaning back against me as we watch Tyler play, the sun setting on the horizon, casting everything in a warm, golden glow. It’s a good life we’ve built, and standing here with her in my arms, I know it’s just the beginning.

“I love you,” I murmur into her ear, the words surprising even me.

She looks up at me, a soft smile playing on her lips. “I love you too, Timur.”

A little later, the evening breeze from the water is warm, making the lights from the boat shimmer across the surface. Theparty continues, everyone having a great time, but my thoughts are on Jennifer, as always. She’s standing next to Oleg and Serge, smiling and talking excitedly about the fireworks that are about to start for the big reveal. I can’t stop watching her, my heart swelling at how happy she looks. How different this all feels compared to how our lives used to be. There’s peace now. Happiness.

Tyler is waddling around, trying to keep up with the bigger kids, and occasionally, he looks back to check if we’re still watching him. He’s growing so fast, and part of me still feels guilty for missing the early months of his life. Now, I’m here. Fully here. I get to be a part of this with Jennifer.

Oleg gives me a nod, signaling it’s time, and I see Serge motioning to the crew to begin. Serge has taken on a lot more responsibility lately, and this party—this whole gender reveal—is his idea. Oleg helps make sure everything goes perfectly.

“Everyone ready?” Oleg calls out, drawing attention to the sky as the music fades.

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