Page 48 of Treasured By 3

I shake my head. “Kon would never allow the two problems to get in.”

“Two?” Mr. Volkov asks.

Chase’s face darkens. “Valerie’s parents are unwelcome. I won’t have anyone insulting my wife.”

Hunter pats his back in agreement.

“Things can be done about that,” Mr. Volkov argues.

“It’s worse that they know she’s living away from them and they don’t get to have any part in her life,” Hunter says. “Is Vanya here?”

“Yes,” Mr. Volkov smiles. “She is. She’s not expecting anything, Hunter.”

“I hope she’s ready to dance,” he murmurs. “She deserves a dance on her sons’ wedding day.”

“At least one,” Chase says with a smile.

“Your parents, Lief?” Mr. Volkov asks.

“They’ve been helping with some last-minute tasks. They’ll be in the audience,” I report.

Mr. Volkov shakes all our hands. “If any woman was to be involved in our business at a high rank, it’s Valerie. She’s a good woman.”

None of us point out it’s the nicest thing he’s ever said about her. We take a few more photos, but I can tell we’re getting antsy.

My phone buzzes and the guys glare at me. They left their phones upstairs. I put it on speaker. “Hello, pet.”

“I’m dying for food. These snacks aren’t doing anything!” she complains. “Please tell me I’m not the only one that’s hungry. How are you? Chase? Hunter?”

“We’re good, Dorogaya,” Hunter assures her. “Are you stressed?”

“Not even a little.” I can hear the smile in her voice. “I’m impatient to get down the aisle with you three. We made it here and nothing can stop us now.”

“It could rain. What if things are missing? What if the D. J. messes up or-” Chase lists all the things that could go wrong.

“None of that is important,” she says with a sigh. “You three are. You’re here. You’re uninjured. We made it.”

“Get off the phone! You can’t order a pizza for your own wedding!” Sophia says in the background.

“She can do what she wants. She’s the bride!” Danny argues. “Oh, Gio, hi baby.”

I roll my eyes. “We love you, pet.”

“So much, baby doll,” Chase agrees.

“Can we start this wedding early so we can get to the fun?” Hunter asks.

She laughs. “Let the photographers do their job. Then we’ll have our photos together with the wedding party and the reception. I miss all three of you.”

We drag out the call until someone takes Valerie’s phone and hangs up. I can’t wait to have her in my arms again. Last night was the worst night of sleep I’ve had in months. I miss having her. I can see the guys feel the same.

Chase looks at his watch as we have another round of drinks. “Twenty minutes to go.”

“Twenty minutes is too long. We can just walk out early,” Hunter grumbles.

“It’s not just our day,” I remind them. “It’s for our family and friends, too. Let them get all the talking out so there aren’t any interruptions during the ceremony.”

Lev joins again and some of the other important people come in. They shake Chase’s hands, promise him wonderful presents, and do the same to Hunter. I’m ignored until Chase points at me. “We have a third man getting married. A devoted man. He deserves just as much happiness.”

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