Page 27 of My Russian Protector

“Yes, Daddy. We’re going to have a baby. Again,” she beams. “Are you happy?”

I stand up, cradling her in my arms. “Happy? I couldn’t be happier. Thank you, baby. You’re the best wife and mother that anyone could have.”

“And you’re the greatest father that anyone could hope for. The boys adore you. I don’t know how I got so lucky but I’m thankful every day for you, Daddy.”

“You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, princess.”

We finish our drinks and ascend the stairs to the bedroom. Anna stops to peek in on the boys and then joins me on the bed. I hold her tightly as we watch the nightly news then I get up to shower before calling it a night.

When I come out of the bathroom, I find Anna naked and sprawled out on the bed.

“That’s a lovely view,” I growl.

“I’m glad you like it. It’s all for you,” she smiles.

EXTENDED EPILOGUE

ANNA

Ten Years Later

Alex hasn’t taken more than three days off from work since we returned from Chekalin ten years ago. He takes his role as a provider very seriously, but now as the senior partner of the security company, he can take paid time off. I’ve convinced him to take two weeks so we can have a real family vacation, and it starts today.

“How are we going to survive a camping trip with five children?” he asks me.

“We’re not staying in the woods in a tent, Daddy. We have a cabin,” I grin.

“What are you and the girls going to be doing while I teach the boys to fish?”

“Playing in the water and scaring all of the fish away,” I chuckle.

We’re leaving for the campgrounds tomorrow so we decide to have a cookout in the yard today. Anya and Alina are playing with their dolls on the patio while Anton and Andrei kick a ball across the yard. I hold Alyana to my breast and feed her while Alex mans the grill. He watches as I nurse the baby and says, “Why is it that you’re still so damn sexy?”

“Thank you, but I’m a mess. Now that she’s sleeping through the night, maybe I won’t look like such an old hag,” I reply.

“Don’t say things like that, baby. No one can compete with you.”

I set Alyana in her swing and take the other four children inside to wash up for dinner. When we return, Alex has the patio table set and is preparing the children’s plates.

“Thank you, Daddy,” Anton says, taking his seat. He and his brother are growing like weeds and resemble their father more and more every day. The girls are more petite and will probably be small like me.

I watch my handsome husband interact with our kids and smile. He’s wearing a long pair of shorts and a T-shirt that shows his perfectly toned arms. His hair has gotten a little gray above his ears, but that’s the only place where he’s shown any signs of getting older. Maybe it’s his determination to stay physically fit, but there isn’t a single wrinkle on his gorgeous face.

Not only has this man made me feel safe and wanted for the first time in my life, but he’s given my children a better father than I knew existed. A man his size with his background could easily intimidate his children, but Alex is so gentle and kind that the kids wait by the window for him to come home each day. He’s perfect.

We finish dinner and put the kids to bed early. We have a long drive in the morning and need to pack the SUV tonight. I hand him the fishing poles, coolers, and backpacks, and he stows them all in the back, closes up the vehicle, and follows me back into the house.

“Should we try to sleep?” I ask him.

“Not yet,” he tells me. “I want to spend some time with you first.”

He selects a bottle of wine and takes it out to the patio. I join him and look up at the clear, star-filled sky.

“This is my favorite part of the day,” he smiles.

“Why?”

“Don’t get me wrong. I love being with the kids, but these few minutes that you and I get to spend alone together? They remind me of what my life is all about and how we got here. I love you, sweet girl.”

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