Inspired, my lips curled into a smile as I wiggled my brows at my husband, my body moving to the sound.

He squinted, his head tilting sideways as if he were warning me not to do what I had in mind.

I held his gaze, still dancing to the song, my expression beckoning on him.

“No,” he said, demonstrating with his head.

“Come on, it won't hurt.” I took his hand, pulling him to the makeshift dance floor with slow steps.

“No, this is a bad idea,” he objected, lowering his head. His fingers pinched the bridge of his nose.

I wouldn't stop smiling, nor would I stop shaking my body as we joined the ecstatic Sasha, lost in a frenzy.

“Dance, Daddy!” She giggled, tugging at his leg.

“Dance, dance, dance…” I began the chant, nodding as I shifted my gaze across the crowd, gesturing for them to join in.

“Oh, God, no,” he grumbled, lowering his head as the chants grew louder.

He raised his face, his lips twitching at the corners as if trying to suppress a smile. Gradually, he eased into it, his resistance crumbling as he tapped his feet rhythmically.

Soon, he gave in to the music, surrendering to the hypnotic beat, our bodies moving in sync.

Julia hopped onto the dance floor, Yelena did the same, and I beckoned Mary and Martha. At first, they were a little skeptical, their brows rising at my invitation, shock flickering in their gazes.

Upon my insistence, they struggled to glide over to the rest of us, their smiles broadening.

Yakov stood poised at his post, his stern expression hinting at his lack of interest in joining in on the fun.

Roman, just a few paces off the floor, took a sip from his glass and teased the serious-faced Alexei, “Aren’t you gonna dance?”

Alexei looked at him and deadpanned, “I'd rather fight the Irish Mob.”

Roman scoffed, patting him on the shoulder.

I didn't know much about Alexei; however, I knew that he was a tough guy who was cold and ruthless. But weren't they all until they found love?

As the song climaxed, the room transformed into a vibrant scene with a charged atmosphere filled with laughter and joy.

I paused, drinking in the merriment around me as the family was lost in bliss.

Perfect, I thought, taking a moment to appreciate this happy ending.

_______________

Later that night, I sat on the edge of Sasha's bed, watching her lay on her back, head resting on a comfy pillow.

“Mommy, I heavy,” she said, her voice barely audible as she adjusted in bed.

My lips curled into a smile, hands pulling the sheets over her body. “That's because you ate way too much.”

“Cake,” she said, her adorable green eyes sparkling with mirth. She rolled her eyes in delight, heaving a satisfactory sigh as if she could still taste it in her mouth.

I laughed, pushing her hair to the back of her ear. “That good, huh?”

She nodded, smiling.

“Not nearly as good as your dance moves, though,” I said, wiggling my brows.