Page 197 of Blood & Snow
And while I'm not one for sentiment, I do believe in giving her the full opportunity to consent.
"Nadya," I say, my voice steady despite nerves I haven't felt since my first kill.
"You've turned my life upside down in the best possible way. You've given me hope for a future I never imagined wanting. You're carrying my child and tolerating my ridiculous displays of affection. And you're going to be my wife…"
I hold the ring out and she just gawks at me.
The silence that follows feels endless. Nadya stares at the ring, then at me, her expression cycling through emotions I can't quite identify.
"I don't know," she says finally.
"That's a fairly substantial commitment."
My heart drops into my stomach.
Has she changed her mind about us?
About the future we've been planning?
About—
"Nadya," Irina interrupts and snickers for a moment.
"What, he didn't ask!" Nadya snips, then raises her eyes at me as Irina continues.
"That's the best proposal you're going to get. Don't be foolish."
I get the sense that Irina gets her good mothering from theirmamochkabecause it makes Nadya hide a grin.
"I'm considering my options," Nadya protests, but the smile tugging at her lips betrays her teasing nature.
"What options?" her sister demands.
"You're pregnant with his child, living in his apartment half the week, and clearly head over heels in love with the man. Say yes before he realizes he could do better."
"Could I do better?" I ask, playing along with the game.
I start to pull the ring back, but Irina grabs my forearm and halts it.
"Absolutely not," Irina confirms.
"My sister is a treasure you don't deserve but somehow managed to win anyway."
"Mamochka'sright," Anya pipes up.
"Uncle Xander gives the best presents. We should keep him."
"That's mercenary reasoning," Nadya scolds, but she's laughing now.
"No, she's right," Mikhail corrects with the seriousness of youth.
"Rich uncles are useful for birthdays and holidays."
The children's enthusiasm breaks whatever tension remained.
Nadya reaches for the ring, holding it up to catch the light from the chandelier overhead.
The diamond sparkles brilliantly, sending rainbow reflections across her face.
