Page 50 of Dimitri
"It looks like you were expecting this kind of news," Dimitri commented, looking over at his grandmother.
"I predicted that there was going to be an announcement very soon." Elizabeth looked lovely and regal in a shimmering emerald green dress and was wearing pearls around her throat. It touched Allison to note that the woman had dressed for the occasion. And it made her simple black wool dress appear inappropriate.
The tiny frisson of uncertainty that they would not accept her had melted away. The couple had enfolded her like a long-lost granddaughter. "And she was hoping for a spring wedding," Alvin added, eyes sparkling. He turned to look at Allison. "Youhave made us the happiest old people in the world, my dear. We could not have chosen better for our boy."
Tears flooded her eyes at the compliment. "Thank you." She sniffed and chided herself for being so emotional.
They were in the middle of devouring the delicious Napoleon cake and champagne when Dimitri received the call.
Seeing the expression on his face, she put down her glass slowly and met his gaze.
"It's my father," he told them in a slightly tense tone of voice. "I told Alexei the news and asked him to call me." Taking a deep breath, he reached for Allison's hand before pushing the button. "He's FaceTiming me."
"No doubt, he wants to check out the woman who will be keeping his son here." Her fingers tightened in his.
Ivanov Petrov's face loomed on the screen, his resemblance to his son startling.
"Dimitri." His voice was slightly more accented and had a deeper pitch. His face was stern. "You have some news for me."
"I do. I tried to contact you..."
"There was a crisis at one of the petroleum companies that needed my immediate attention. Who is this woman?"
"Her name is Allison Trent, and I'm in love with her." It was said in a matter-of-fact tone that had the man looking at him in silence. "We're celebrating our engagement with my grandparents."
"I would like to see her." The command was peremptory. Squeezing her hand, Dimitri turned the phone toward Allison.
Allison mustered a gentle, nervous smile as she faced the phone's camera. For a split second, she wondered what impression she was making on this imposing man halfway across the world. "Good evening, Mr. Petrov. It's a pleasure to meet you," she said, trying to keep her voice steady while her heart pounded with anticipation. She felt Dimitri's reassuring squeeze and drew strength from it, hoping her sincerity would come through.
Her response was met with silence as the man aimed his intense gaze on her face. "You're not my son's usual type." The blunt remark gave her a start, and she had no idea how to respond.
She shook her head when Dimitri reached for the phone. "I'm not, no. I'm better than the empty-headed bimbos he's used to being with."
There was a stunned silence around the table at her unexpected remark. It took all of her skills as a lawyer for her to return the man's gaze.
"Do you know who he is?" Ivanov demanded. "He is Russian royalty. He's expected to marry someone from our own circle. His money..."
"I don't give a damn about his resources," she interrupted coolly. "And yes, I did my research. The last thing I wanted to do was fall in love with someone like him. But here we are. I'm in love with the man. Completely and utterly in love with the man. If he lost everything today, I would still be in love with him, because that's who I am. I am loyal and committed and will stand by him no matter what. I'm willing to sign a damn prenup if that's what's bothering you. I have money of my own. My grandparents saw to it. No one is going to love him the way I do, no one." She turned her head to glance at him and saw the naked adoration on his handsome face. "And no one has ever loved me the way he does." Her voice softened as she tightened her fingers on his. Tearing her gaze away, she faced the screen. "He's wonderful, but I suspect he inherited his character traits from his mother."
For a moment, Ivanov stared at her, expression inscrutable. Then, to their utter amazement, he burst out laughing. "I likeyou, girl. You remind me of another American who did not mince words." His expression softened. "My wife. She would have loved you. I'm convinced. Let me speak to my son. And Allison?"
"Yes?"
"Welcome to the family."
She smiled at him, her smile further dazzling him. "Thank you. I'm looking forward to meeting you in person." She turned the phone over to Dimitri, who beamed at her proudly. Looking across the table, she caught the McKenzies' approving gaze and their proud smiles.
She caught the tail end of the conversation with Dimitri telling his father firmly that the wedding would be in April.
"Doesn't give me a damn time to rearrange my schedule," he grumbled. "I suppose you want to get married in the states."
"We do, yes."
"Damned inconvenient. Let me speak to my in-laws."
Dimitri rose and handed the phone to his grandfather before coming back to draw Allison out of her chair.
Keeping her hand in his, he guided her up the stairs and into his suite.
