Page 68 of Fatal Bonds

“Okay?” he presses when silence stretches between us.

“I’m pregnant,” I say, letting it out in a rush before I can change my mind. “So, if you want me to stay, our baby is going to need your protection as well.”

A stunned huff rushes from Maks, like he just fell waist-deep into ice-cold water, and the cool breath washes across my skin. “You’re—how do you know?” he asks, sounding like he’s trying to string his scattered disbelief together.

“I—took a test. The morning I snuck out and Lucian’s man saw me.”

“You’ve known for weeks? Why didn’t you tell me before?”

The pain in his voice chips away at my heart. “Well, you said you were just getting me out of your system. You didn’t want a family. I just—I didn’t know what else to do.”

Realization dawns on his face, then remorse. “I’ve made a real mess of things, haven’t I?” he asks. “I’m sorry, Lindsey. I shouldn’t have let you believe that for a second, because none of it’s true—not with you. I was trying to convince myself, because I thought it might protect you.” Cupping the back of my head to bring me close, Maks rests his forehead against mine. “Forgive me?” he murmurs.

God, I love this man.“I already have.”

My heart skips a beat as he pulls me onto his lap to cradle me against his wounded chest, and he brushes his lips across mine, gently, before peering deep into my eyes.

“I love you,zaya. I’m crazy about you,” he says passionately. “Letting you go would have been the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I can’t imagine parting with you now that I know you’re carrying our child. If I’d known, I never would have offered to send you to New York, and I hope you still want to stay, because I couldn’t let you leave now, even if you wanted to.”

I laugh tearfully, unable to hold back my smile. “I’m right where I belong, and I’m ready to face the world with you. I love you, too.”

Knowing that we’re in this together, that Maks wants me—wants the child we’re going to have together—means everything to me.

Nothing’s ever felt so right.

EPILOGUE: LINDSEY

ONE YEAR LATER

My heart slams against my ribs as I stand at the closed doors of the nave, my bouquet of light-blue delphinium, white roses, peach chrysanthemum, and blush astilbe fills my hands. It’s funny to think how nervous I was, standing in this same spot a year ago, how I needed Liam to walk me down the aisle just to keep me upright. Today, I’m too full of joy and excitement for any other emotions to creep in.

I hear the organ start the opening notes of the wedding march, and my stomach flutters as the doors swing open. Maks stands at the altar, waiting for me, the smile on his face stealing my breath away. It seemed only fitting to use the same church we got married in to renew our vows, and now, as I make my way slowly down the aisle, carrying my chin high as I walk to him by myself, it feels right. It’s me showing Maks that I choose him every step of the way, that my place is by his side and in his arms. I want to be there so desperately, it’s hard not to run to him, but after gathering all our family and friends, that seems like a poor way to start the ceremony.

Soft murmurs and gasps follow me up the aisle, and I catch sight of my work friends occupying several pews near the front on the left side of the aisle. Claire looks positively giddy for me, while Annie and Mirabelle radiate affection. But I only have eyes for the man waiting for me in his crisp black tux—until I catch sight of Kira in the front row, her arms wrapped around my precious baby girl. Natalia wears a heart-melting smile as she giggles happily to Kira bouncing her on one knee. A low rumble of amusement ahead of me draws my eyes back to Maks, and I know that he saw her, too, because the love in his eyes shakes me to my core. And when he looks at me, his gratitude nearly buckles my knees.

When I finally reach him, I set my bouquet aside so I can take his hands.

“You look beautiful,” he murmurs, the pad of his thumbs brushing across my knuckles and melting me into a puddle.

“Welcome, everyone!” the minister says, spreading his hands to greet the gathered congregation. It’s the same officiant Maks found for us last time, and the familiarity of his presence on this special day fills me with an almost nostalgic warmth. Maks and I have been through so much together this past year. What with forging a life together and building trust between us to learning how to raise our beautiful little girl, it feels like a lifetime ago since we stood at this altar, and I love that, even if we want to do it right this time, Maks still cherishes the day we got married enough to honor it by making it a part of this day.

“We’re gathered here today to celebrate the lives of Lindsey and Maksim Yashkov as they renew their wedding vows,” the minister says. “Today is a celebration of the love between them that has grown deeper and stronger over time. Whether you were there when they first said ‘I do’ or you’ve only just recently gotten to know them, your presence means the world. I believe they’ve chosen to write their own vows this time, so, Lindsey, why don’t you take it away?”

Taking a deep, steadying breath, I let all my emotions flood from me toward the man I love. “For much of my life, I wondered if there was such a thing as a perfect, lasting kind of love. Now, I know. True love is rare and difficult to find, but I have found it in you. My life has changed because of you. You’ve challenged me to do things that I didn’t think possible. You have a drive that inspires me and a loyalty that never falters. Because of this, I find myself falling more deeply in love with you each day. You are my best friend, my protector, and the only man I could ever trust with my heart. Today, I want to thank you for loving me unconditionally. I vow to support you and to stay by your side no matter what challenges we face. I vow to continue loving you now, always, and forever.”

My stomach quivers as Maks’s gaze darkens with desire, and excitement floods me as his hold on me tightens, pulling me a step closer until I can feel the warmth of his body washing across my skin.

“Lindsey, I took you as my wife—knowing in my heart that you were the only woman I could ever want by my side. I fell in love with you before I even believed in love. You’re my reason for breathing, the sunshine in my life, and you gave me the most precious gift any man could ever hope for the day you gave birth to our daughter. I never want to spend another day without you. I vow to love you without reservation, to honor and respect you. I will continue to support you and protect you from harm. With my whole heart, I promise to remain devoted to you, to continue to grow with you in mind and spirit, and to practice patience, kindness, and understanding. I vow to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.”

A knot forms in my throat, emotion thick enough to trap the air in my lungs, and it feels like my heart is going to burst from my chest. As I gaze deep into Maks’s molten blue eyes, the world around us falls away.

“Now, let’s reaffirm your commitment with the exchange of rings,” the minister says, dragging me back to reality.

Heat floods my cheeks as I release a shaky breath, consumed by my need for Maks, and as he unleashes a wolfish smile, I know he can see how much I want him.

“Let this moment take you back to your wedding day,” the officiant says, “when you exchanged rings for the first time. Lindsey, please take Maks’s hand, place the ring on his finger, and repeat after me: ‘With this ring, I renew my promise to love and cherish you. Let it be a reminder of my commitment and the love we share.’”

I repeat the words, my voice breathy enough I doubt anyone can hear, and my skin tingles as I slide the gold band back onto Maks’s ring finger—this time, without needing his hand to steady me.

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