Page 32 of Beneath the Flames
It has been a blessing and a curse to be near you today. I am whole again but my heart aches even more.
I know the sacrifices I make now will provide you with a secure future. That is what I continue to strive and fight for. Remembering the joy on your face during our time together will warm me on the cold Russian nights ahead, and I am grateful.
I leave you with these words from the Russian poet, Innokenty Annensky.
And when oppressive doubt I must fight,
Her answer only have I sought and heeded.
It’s not that she is emanating light:
It’s that with her around no light is needed.
You will forever have my fidelity, protection, and comradeship,
Anton
Marquis
It only took an hour to drive down to the port of Ensenada to meet up with the ship. Because of Rytsar’s thoughtfulness, the children were quiet the entire drive down as they made their way to the Baja coast.
Hope was entranced by the colorfully painted Russian toy Rytsar had left for her. It was a wooden paddle with little chickens on top. Whenever she moved the paddle, the ball underneath would pull on different strings, making the chickens “peck” the ground.
As for Antony, he was thoroughly entertained by chewing on one of the Russian alphabet blocks made out of cloth. Nadia, the lovely old woman who’d taught Brie how to makeMamulya’shoney cake, had sewn the blocks by hand for their son.
Brie was grateful Rytsar’s gifts had distracted the children from the abruptness of his departure. As for her, Rosita had handed her a manila envelope that morning before they left with the driver, telling her itwas a gift from Rytsar.
Brie had chosen not to open it then because she was afraid that she might break down in tears in front of the children. She was still struggling with the fact he was gone but held on tightly to the hope that Rytsar would be successful in his mission to capture Lilly, and this latest separation would not be for long.
Staring down at the manila envelope on her lap, Brie told Sir, “More than ever, I understand what Shakespeare meant when he wrote, ‘parting is such sweet sorrow.’”
Sir reached over and patted her knee. “Durov certainly made good memories to carry in your heart.”
She nodded, then looked down at the envelope again. “I think I’ll keep this as a pick-me-up for when I need one in the future.”
“That is an excellent idea, babygirl.” Raising an eyebrow, he praised her, “It seems you are learning patience after all.”
Brie giggled. “Who knew such a thing was even possible?”
Once they arrived at the port, Brie, Sir, and the children boarded the ship to enjoy the last day of their vacation before returning home.
Lea and Hunter met them at their stateroom, and Lea immediately peppered Brie with questions. Keeping it light, Brie shared about the unique ranch and the incredible horseback ride.
“I can’t believe Rytsar didn’t stay longer,” Lea confessed. “But I’m not about to complain because I’ve got my Stinky Cheese back,” she squealed, giving Brie a squeeze.
Brie smiled, although her heart was silently aching.
Lea must have sensed her melancholy because she gave her another tight squeeze.
Hunter said, “People on the cruise have been buzzing nonstop about the modern-day ‘pirate ship encounter’, Mr. Davis.”
Sir laughed. “I can only imagine the buzz that created.”
Brie noticed Lea smirking at her, looking as if she was about to burst. “What?”
“I have the perfect pirate joke. Please, please let me tell it…”
Although Sir looked less than enthused, Brie played along, knowing Lea simply wanted to cheer her up. “Give it to me, girlfriend,” she said encouragingly.
