Page 49 of Tied to Hope
“On that note, I say we go to the dining room and enjoy the Ribollita.”
While they were eating, Marquis complimented the richness of the Tuscan stew before remarking, “As perfect as this all seems, there is something out of balance here that I cannot put my finger on.”
Sir sucked in his breath, then glanced at Brie. “Actually, it’s the reason we asked you to come tonight.”
“Would you rather finish the meal or speak of it now?” Marquis asked, putting down his spoon.
“Naturally, we should finish,” Sir said, looking across the table at Celestia. “We cooked this meal as a thank you for caring for both Hope and Shadow during our move.”
Celestia smiled gently. “It was our privilege to help, Sir Davis. Your daughter is a delight and, as you have already heard, Marquis made a connection with Shadow.”
Marquis looked at them both. “When I officiated your wedding, we vowed to support you as a couple. If you ever have need…” He took Celestia’s hand. “…we are always here for you.”
“It’s deeply appreciated.” Sir cleared his throat. “Especially at a time like this.”
“Why don’t you put your father’s music on while we finish the meal,” Marquis Gray suggested.
Brie had to keep back the tears when she heard the haunting notes of his violin fill the room. They finished the meal in reverent silence. It truly felt as if Alonzo was with them, infusing them with his presence.
After the meal, they retired to the great room. Brie immediately picked up Hope, holding her close, not looking forward to this painful conversation.
“Tell me what has you troubled,” Marquis began simply.
“Obviously, this stays between the four of us,” Sir began.
Marquis Gray nodded. “Naturally.”
Sir explained what had transpired with Rytsar after receiving the letter from Russia.
Brie spoke up. “We are concerned about Rytsar and want to support him, but we are also facing the possibility of…” She struggled to say the words, “…losing him.” Tears welled up in her eyes.
Marquis looked at them both and asked, “Do you have a formal ménage relationship?”
Sir shook his head. “Formal? No. But the three of us fully expected to continue what we had. It was part of our motivation for moving to this beach house.”
“We are feeling at a loss,” Brie told him.
“Brie and I are seeking the proper perspective going forward. We want to be supportive of our friend, even though we are emotionally bereft.”
“It’s a natural emotion. However, it can be tempered with a healthy mindset. I assume Durov feels the same?”
“He does, but he naturally feels a responsibility toward the child. I know him well and fully expect him to move to Russia once he returns.”
“But…we love him,” Brie whimpered.
“Sometimes the greatest expression of love is to sacrifice your own desires for the good of the other person.”
Brie shut her eyes, forcing back the tears.
“I do not believe the three of you would continue to be happy now that you know of the child’s existence.”
“Agreed. The child needs his father,” Sir replied somberly. “Although I know this, I am still struggling. Durov has been through hell his whole life, and I have always had his back. I’m afraid this has the potential to be a different kind of hell for him. Stuck in a loveless partnership for the sake of the child…but there is nothing I can do.”
“No,” Marquis agreed, “there is not. This is his decision to make.”
“But I know it has the potential to kill his soul,” Sir stated frankly.
“Only Durov can decide what he’s willing to sacrifice for the child.” Marquis Gray looked at the two of them in concern. “It seems all three of you will be asked to sacrifice for this child.”
