#6 Chapter 29
Vittoria
I hold Roman close to my chest. He’s a few weeks old, and I’m absolutely in love. I look out the car window. “Are we nearly there?”
“Yes, love,” Ivan says, stroking Roman’s head.
“I’m going to be so sick of introducing him by the end of the day,” I laugh. “Hello, thanks for coming. Here is Roman Sonny Volkov, have a nice day.”
“You wanted a huge party,” Ivan says with a smirk.
“Who is bringing Anastasia?” I ask.
“Aleks is fetching her after her hair appointment,” Ivan says, settling back.
I look out the window. My own hair is down. Anastasia has been teaching me all the best ways to wear it, and I can apply proper makeup now after watching some video tutorials. I look down at Roman, asleep in my arms, and stroke his face. “Have you ever seen someone so perfect?”
“Yes,” Ivan says. “You!” He kisses my head as the car pulls to a stop.Content © NôvelDrama.Org.
Evgeni opens the door and helps me out. We walk up the stairs to the front of the venue. I peek inside, and it’s decorated beautifully in black and blue. The decorations are perfect, and the tables are set out nicely so the families can intermingle and get to know each other properly. I know Arina is excited about meeting my father at long last.
Ivan gets me a chair to sit near the door, so people can greet me as they pass. I’m thankful no one expects me to wear heels or stand all day in them. Ivan walks off with Evgeni to have a cigar and talk business, which I frown at but don’t say anything. He comes back when the guests start to arrive, and they form a rather long line as everyone stops to ooh and ahh at Roman. The only person who skips the line is, of course, my cousin Alessandro, along with his wife, twins, and my father. Everyone lets them in front.
Alessandro shakes Ivan’s hand and excuses them both so they can talk. I shake my head, but Katya brings the twins to me.
“They’ve gotten so big,” I gush. “Can you believe they’re walking already?”
“I know, more like running around being chased by nannies,” Katya smiles. “Roman is gorgeous, Tori. You’re going to do a great job raising him.”
“That means so much to me. Thank you, Katya.” She leans down and kisses my cheeks before shuffling inside so the rest of the line can proceed.
Anastasia also skips the queue, but she gets a chair and sits next to me.
I’m surprised when my brother comes up to me with a bombshell of a playboy girl on his arm. He smiles brightly. “I’m so happy for you, sis. This is my date, Kate. Kate, this is my sister and Anastasia.”
Anastasia gives Kate and Luigi a cold look I’ve seen her father give. “Excuse me, Tori, I need a drink.” She gets up and strides off, and Luigi gives an awkward smile.
Kira and Miguel come up with Raphael and their new little one, Bella. We chat for a little before they go inside as well.
Once everyone’s in, we settle down for Sunday lunch, something we will do together often, alternating between our family homes.
Ivan stands up and taps a knife against his glass to get everyone’s attention. I smile up at him as he speaks.
“Thank you, everyone, for coming to meet Roman Sonny Volkov and to celebrate the unity of our two great families. As time moves on, so too does humanity. We evolve, and we adapt. We make things better. Years ago, this would never have happened. We would have war and death and anger and hatred. Blood would flow down the streets with no side giving an inch. We are proving that families like ours can move past this and settle things amicably. I hope other families take note. If not, well… Alessandro will agree that we’re not above reminding everyone where their place is.
Everyone cheers and the celebration carries on.
By the time we’re back home, I’m exhausted, but I manage to get Roman to sleep. He’s an easy baby like I was, but he will not be ignored or treated like I was. He is a prince, and he will be king.
I go to the living room when I hear soft music drifting upstairs. I find Ivan standing by the sound system.
“There was something missing today,” he says quietly, walking to me and holding out his hand.
“What was that?” I ask curiously. I thought we had covered all bases.
“There was no dancing,” he says, pulling me close. I put my hands on his shoulders, and he dances in a circle with me. “I want to dance with you every day as though it’s our last. I want that to be our thing, something special just for us.”
“You couldn’t make me happier than I am, Ivan,” I say softly, stroking the back of his hair. “All I ever wanted was to feel like I was part of a family and that I mattered. Now I’m a Queen with two amazing families.”
We kiss softly, and he holds me. I could dance all night with him.
End of book six. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this book ? ?