Page 78 of Bound by Love
“I’m so happy for you and Aunt Judy, and I can’t wait to meet your little boy.”
“It’s a dream come true for Judy to become a mother after all these years.”
Brie felt a little teary when she said, “He needed you as much as you needed him.”
“Very true, Brie.”
“So, have you decided on a name yet?”
“We are partial to the name Jonathan.”
“Oh, that is a good name. I can’t wait until Saturday when I can hug you two and meet your son, Jonathan.”
“We’re looking forward to seeing how much Hope has grown since our last visit. Amazing, how life plays out. You came to the tobacco shop looking for a temporary job, and now we are family and raising children together.”
Brie laughed. “Such a crazy, beautiful life.”
Brie was anxious to escape to the ocean with Sir and Hope. It had been a while since they’d been to Rytsar’s beach house, so they left a couple of hours early to spend time alone with him before the party began.
They knocked on the door, but no one came to answer it. Little Sparrow came loping around from the back and gave them a playful yip as she approached.
“Where’s your Master?” Brie asked as Sir gave the dog a pat on the head.
Little Sparrow walked over to Brie, sniffing the air as she looked up at the baby.
Brie knelt down slowly and let the pup smell Hope so she would become familiar with their baby’s scent and know she was a part of the family.
The dog wagged her tail vigorously, her hindquarters dancing with excitement. She licked Brie’s hand, smiling at her with a big doggy grin. She then walked back to the corner of the house and gave another playful yip.
“I guess that means we follow,” Sir stated.
As they rounded the corner, heading toward the beach, Brie let out a happy squeal. Rytsar had set up the beach in grand Durov style.
“Welcome!” he stated, his arms outstretched to them.
“Oh my goodness! You have outdone yourself, Rytsar,” Brie cried happily.
Rytsar grinned at Brie as he caressed the baby’s head and gave Hope a light peck on the cheek. “Welcome to you as well,moye solntse.”
Gesturing to the setup, he told Sir proudly, “All in honor of your aunt and uncle.”
Brie marveled at the rows and rows of beach chairs with umbrellas and the netted canopies with linen-covered tables waiting for Boa’s catered food. There was even an area strewn with beach toys for children of all ages.
“You’ve thought of everything,” Brie gushed.
“I want your guests to enjoy themselves, despite the lack of drink.” He held out his arms for Hope, and Brie dutifully handed her over.
Rytsar lifted the baby up, twirled her slowly in the air as he smiled at her. “Hope is here…”
Brie took Sir’s arm and leaned her head against his shoulder, bursting with happiness as she watched Rytsar with their child.
“It’s good to see you fully healed, old friend,” Sir stated, noting the effortless way he moved now.
Rytsar answered proudly, the babe cradled against him, “I am, brother!” He winked at Brie. “And, as you know, I can swing my nines again.”
She blushed, inadvertently shuddering.
He grinned, enjoying her reaction. “Did you know we will be spending time together soon?” He gave Sir a wink.
