Page 68 of Plus-Size Bratva Bride

Tears welled up in Pippa's eyes as she gazed back at me, her expression filled with love and understanding. She reached up, cupping my cheek with her hand, her touch grounding me in a way I never thought possible.

"There's nothing to forgive, Abe," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. "You found the words when it truly mattered. And right now… right now is all that matters."

Her words washed over me like a soothing balm, easing the turmoil in my heart. I leaned forward and pressed my forehead against hers, watching those beautiful lashes flutter against her cute, sweet cheeks. She sighed and took my hand, placing it on her stomach.

And in that moment, my entire life felt as though this was what it was always meant to lead up to.

Chapter 25 - Pippa

My hands trembled as I folded my favorite red blouse, tucking it carefully into my suitcase. The butterflies in my stomach were doing somersaults, and I couldn't help but smile at my reflection in the mirror. Me, Pippa Burrows, moving in with Abrahim Ustinovpermanently. If someone had told me this would happen six months ago, I'd have laughed in their face.

I lose myself in that moment for a while.He took me out for dinner after the twelve-week scan yesterday to celebrate that the pregnancy was coming along wonderfully well. To my surprise, dinner was on a gorgeous boat out in the Hudson! It was as we were gazing up at the stars that he put his hand around my waist and told me he didn’t want to waste a single second away from me. How could I have said anything but yes when he asked me to move in? When I felt the exact same way?

I ran my fingers through my curled hair, adjusting a stray strand. "Get it together, girl," I muttered, applying a fresh coat of red lipstick. Every cell was buzzing with excitement and a hint of nervousness.

As I zipped up my suitcase, my mind raced with questions. Would Abe and I redecorate his room? Would there be room for my extensive collection of clothes? And most importantly, how would it feel to wake up next to him every morning?

The doorbell rang, jolting me from my thoughts. I smoothed down my blouse and took a deep breath before opening the door.

Abe stood there, looking devastatingly handsome in a crisp white shirt and dark jeans. His blue-gray eyes twinkled with amusement as he took in my flushed appearance.

"Ready to go, Sweetheart?" he asked, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine.

I nodded, trying to appear calm and collected. "As ready as I'll ever be."

He chuckled, heading in past me and returning with my suitcase in hand. "Let's get you home then."

The car ride was a blur of anticipation and curiosity. I couldn't stop myself from firing questions at Abe, my excitement bubbling over.

"Do you think we can create some room for my books? Oh, and please tell me we can arrange for a decent-sized closet! Also, I hope everyone back home knows this is permanent."

While I loved Abe’s family, I was also nervous about cramping their style. Back when I lived there, I was a guest. Now, I'd be a forever addition. I wanted things to start off on the right foot.

“Wait,” I said, nearly jumping in my seat to face him as a worried thought crossed my mind. “Do you have a spare room we can convert into a nursery for the baby?”

Abe's lips quirked into a smirk as he kept his eyes on the road. "Slow down, firecracker. You'll have all the answers soon enough.”

I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest. "Come on, Abe. Give me something to work with here!"

He glanced at me, his expression softening. "Let's just say it's a place where we can build our future together. That's all you need to know for now."

His words made my heart skip a beat, and I found myself falling silent, lost in the warmth of his promise. As we drove on, Iknewthis was the beginning of something truly special.

The car slowed to a stop, and I blinked in confusion. Wait. I was so engrossed in my thoughts, I hadn’t noticed we were nowhere close to the compound.

We were parked in front of a large empty lot with nothing but a small shed in the middle, overgrown with weeds and surrounded by a chain-link fence. My heart skipped a beat as I tried to make sense of our surroundings.

"Abe?" I turned to him, my brow furrowed. "Where are we?"

He met my gaze, excitement and nervousness dancing in his misty eyes. "Trust me, Pippa."

As he helped me out of the car, my mind raced. What was he up to?

"I don't understand," I said, unable to keep the edge from my voice. "Is this… are we in the right place?"

Abe's large hand found the small of my back, guiding me forward. "Patience, Sweetheart. I've got something to show you."

I could feel the tension in his body as he and I ducked under the chain fence and he led me toward the center of the lot. His usual confident stride had a hint of hesitancy, and I noticed his free hand clenching and unclenching at his side.

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