Page 217 of Bride By Coronation

My heart soars. Even in uncertainty, she has an effect on me.

She squeezes my hand. She's glowing, and I've never seen her so happy. It's been an awesome week. The doctor confirmed she's pregnant, and it's been a joyful time.

We step into the sitting room, and Dante rises.

My stomach flips again.

He narrows his dark gaze on me. "Kirill. Fiona."

I don't move. "Dante."

Fiona lets go of my hand and steps forward, meeting him halfway. They embrace.

He retreats and glances at me.

Unsure how to react, and not wanting to disrespect him in his house, I remain where I am.

He steps beside Fiona and holds out his hand, greeting, "Welcome. Good to see you again."

Surprised and relieved, I shake his hand, replying, "It's good to see you too."

He declares, "I filled those holes in the security."

"That's good."

He nods. "I appreciate you pointing them out."

"Anytime," I respond, shocked over his genuine gratitude.

Bridget steps in front of the bar and pours a glass of red wine. She asks, "Kirill, what can I get you to drink?"

"Vodka, please," I state.

"Should have guessed," she teases, then asks, "Fiona?"

"I'll have a cranberry juice," she replies.

Bridget's lips twitch, and she arches her eyebrows.

Fiona practically bounces up and down. "Okay, fine! You caught me! We're having a baby! You're going to be a grandma again!"

Bridget sets down the wine, claps her hands, then rushes over to Fiona. They hug again.

"Congratulations," Dante offers, his face lighting up.

"Thank you. It's a bit scary, though," I admit.

He chuckles. "I can only imagine." He hugs Fiona and kisses her on the cheek. "Congratulations, sweetheart."

"Thanks, Grandpa," she teases with a wink.

He chuckles. "I've got enough gray hairs these days, huh?"

I glance at the silver weaving through his black locks, taunting, "You do have a few."

"Yeah, I know," he replies gruffly. Then he adds, "It's not fun getting older."

"I hear you on that," I agree.

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