Page 97 of Ruthless Daddies

“You’ll always have us,” Dmitri says firmly, his hand brushing over her cheek. “You’re ours, Alice. And we’re yours.”

She smiles through her tears, leaning into his touch, and then turns to me, her eyes searching mine. “Promise me,” she says, her voice breaking. “Promise me this is real.”

I cup her face, my thumb brushing over her cheek. “It’s real,” I say. “We’re real. And we’re never letting you go.”

EPILOGUE

ALICE

The sun is shining, its golden rays casting a soft glow over the garden. Flowers are in full bloom, their fragrance wafting through the air, blending with the soft rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. It’s the perfect summer day. We’ve been postponing our marriage for a day like this, and it’s finally here.

I stand in front of the mirror in my room, my reflection staring back at me. My dress is simple yet elegant, the white silk flowing gracefully around me, hugging my figure in all the right places. I feel like a princess, and even though my postpartum weight isn’t gone completely, Ivan made sure to get me a designer who knew exactly what I would want.

I glance over at the bassinet where my daughter, Rose, sleeps peacefully. She’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen—chubby cheeks, tiny fingers curled into fists, and a soft head of dark hair.

“She’s gorgeous, isn’t she?” Marta’s voice pulls me from my thoughts, and I turn to see her standing in the doorway, a rare smile softening her usually stern face.

“She is,” I say, unable to tear my eyes away from Rose. “I still can’t believe she’s mine. Ours.”

Marta steps into the room, adjusting the small bouquet of peonies in my hands. “You’ve grown so much, Alice,” she says quietly. “You’ve brought something to this family I didn’t think was possible—peace.”

I blink back the sudden sting of tears. “Thank you, Marta. That means more than you know.”

She nods, then straightens. “It’s time. They’re waiting for you.”

My breath hitches.They’re waiting for me.My heart races, not with fear, but with anticipation.

I scoop Rose into my arms, kissing her forehead as she stirs. Her tiny yawn makes me smile. Marta takes Rose from me as we make our way outside. The garden is transformed into something from my dreams—rows of white chairs adorned with soft pink ribbons, a simple wooden arch decorated with wildflowers framing the altar.

The guest list is small, intimate. Just family and a few trusted friends. Sergei is standing near the altar, his sharp suit a stark contrast to his usual rugged demeanor. Despite everything, he’s here, and I’m grateful for the tentative truce we’ve found. Vadim, too, is present, sitting quietly in the back. The truce we brokered wasn’t easy, but with Alexei’s lies exposed, there was no longer a reason for war. For now, there’s peace.

Luka and Mila sit in the front, their tiny faces alight with excitement. Luka looks dashing in his little suit, though he keeps tugging at the collar like it’s choking him. Mila, on the other hand, is all smiles in her pale pink dress, the tulle puffing aroundher like a little cloud. She’s holding onto Marta’s hand tightly as if the excitement might carry her away.

And then there’s me, standing at the end of the aisle. My heart races as I adjust the bouquet in my trembling hands. My dress feels like a second skin, its silk soft against me.

Jenna leans close and whispers, “Breathe, Alice.”

I laugh softly, nodding. “I’m trying.”

Marta gives me an encouraging smile as she urges Mila and Luka to their feet, Rose still cradled in her other arm. Luka takes his sister’s hand, leading her proudly down the aisle as the flower girl and ring bearer. Mila throws petals with wild abandon, her giggles filling the air, while Luka keeps his serious face, determined to play his role perfectly. My heart swells as I watch them, these children who have come to mean everything to me.

When it’s finally my turn, I take a deep breath and step forward.

I step onto the stone path leading to the altar, and my breath catches as I see them—my men. Ivan, Dmitri, and Nikolai stand side by side, each wearing tailored black suits that fit them perfectly.

As I walk toward them, my heart feels like it’s going to leap out of my chest.

When I reach the altar, Jenna takes my bouquet and steps aside, giving us the space we need. Ivan steps forward first, taking my hands in his. His fingers are rough, calloused, but his touch is so gentle it makes my chest ache.

“You saved me, Alice,” he says. “You saved all of us. I never thought I could love like this, but you proved me wrong. And I promise to protect you, to love you, for the rest of my life.”

Tears spill over my cheeks, and I nod, unable to speak.

Dmitri steps up next, his hands warm as they cup my face. “You’re everything I never thought I deserved,” he says. “You’re strength, compassion, and fire. I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure you know how much you mean to me.”

I laugh through my tears, leaning into his touch. “You already do,” I whisper.

Nikolai is the last to step up.

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