Page 102 of Bound by Love
Rytsar’s boyish half-grin melted Brie’s heart.
Sir’s grandmother wrapped her tiny arms around his waist, saying nothing. Rytsar glanced at Sir, clearly touched by their kind gestures, and it looked like he might cry. “I have a gift for you both,” he suddenly announced, handing his wrapped present to the tiny woman.
“For us?” she asked.
Nonno shook his head. “Not necessary.”
“Da, it is,” Rytsar insisted.
Nonna pulled at the paper, and her smiled widened when she saw what was revealed. She touched it lightly with her fingers, a look of wonder on her face.
Brie leaned forward to see a wall clock. However, instead of the numbers, it had pictures of Hope for every hour, each one with a different expression on her face. The gift was so remarkably sweet.
Rytsar explained. “I know the distance is hard. This way, you will see your granddaughter every hour of every day.”
Sir translated his words for them.
Nonna nodded, handing the clock over to her husband so she could give Rytsar another hug.
Sir’s grandfather was also clearly affected by the gift since it took him a few moments before he was able to speak. Grabbing Rytsar, he slapped his back hard several times as he embraced him. “Grazie, Anton.”
Brie’s heart swelled with the knowledge that Rytsar had secured his rightful place in this family. All the pain from the past, the wrongs done to him by his own kin, could be forgotten in the loving embrace of Sir’s family.
The day of the christening arrived, and everyone gathered at the old church by the sea. Instead of the outfit Brie had purchased online, Hope was dressed in a traditional christening gown covered in white Italian lace, lovingly crafted by Aunt Fortuna. The baby looked like a fairy princess to Brie.
In the very same church that Sir’s father and Sir himself were christened, Rytsar presented Hope Antonia Davis to the priest. The ceremony took place in front of Nonno and Nonna, all of Sir’s family, and Brie’s own parents.
Brie stood next to Sir and watched proudly as the priest anointed Hope’s head with holy water.
Before the assembly and God, Rytsar made a personal vow to his goddaughter. “As Hope’s godfather, I will help her parents, Thane and Brie Davis, to bring this child up knowing God, and I vow to support her in times of crisis and sickness until my dying breath.”
When he placed Hope back in Brie’s arms, he said, “We are now officially family in the eyes of God,radost moya.”
He looked to Sir and nodded.
Sir’s tone was solemn. “Thank you, brother.”
The Isle 2.0
As she was packing to head back home, Rytsar walked into the room and nodded to Sir. The sexual tension in the room suddenly increased.
Brie took one look at Sir and felt weak in the knees, knowing she was finally going to find out what all their planning had been about.
“Téa, we are not headed back to the States.”
“Where are we going, Master?”
“Someplace Hope will not be joining us. However, your parents have kindly agreed to take her with them. We will be returning to get her in a couple of days.”
“Why the separation, Sir?”
Rytsar smirked. “I am finally going to visit the Isle with you,radost moya.”
Warm jolts of electricity coursed through her body thinking about being on their private island alone with Sir and Rytsar for days…
Luckily, her parents were so thrilled to have Hope all to themselves for a couple of days, that it made it easier for Brie when the time came to say goodbye.
As they were preparing to leave, her mother told Brie excitedly, “Thane has taken care of everything, sweetheart. Supplies have even been sent to the house,” she leaned in and whispered, “including your reserves of milk.”
