Page 48 of Impregnated By the Bratva

I could hear Vadik breathing through the line. I imagined he was rubbing his head or chin. “Okay, no problem, we’ll be there in a bit,” he replied.

“Great, see you then,” I said before hanging up. I headed downstairs to find Pavel.

Pavel was in the kitchen, starting to prepare supper. “Pavel,” I exclaimed. “Vadik and Tasha are on their way to join us.”

“What?” he asked, looking up. His brows were raised, and his eyes were larger than usual.

“Yes, I asked them over. We have something to discuss,” I added.

He turned his head to the side, eyeing me as he spoke. “Okay, I guess.” He turned around, taking a bowl out of the cupboard. “Should I make double food then?”

“No, maybe put on a fresh pot of coffee,” I said, heading to the door. Stopping, I turned back as I continued. “No, never mind, just get glasses for us. I’ve got something else in mind.”

“Whatever,” I heard him calling out as I headed to the basement. We had a wine cooler in one corner. It was home to our finest wines and champagnes. These were kept under lock, saved for special occasions. This was such an occasion.

Next to the cooler was a deep freezer filled to the brim with ice. I grabbed an ice bucket from the shelf next to the cooler and filled it with ice.

Hearing the doorbell, I just grabbed a bottle before going upstairs. Pavel was already at the door. Passing him, I entered the lounge. The glasses were already there on a tray. I placed the ice bucket beside them and covered it with a cloth.

Turning to go get Grace, I was met by my brothers. “Come in,” I said, stepping to the side. “Have a seat. I’m just going to call Grace.” Once they were out of the way, I moved quickly.

Grace was sitting on the side of the bed. “Grace,” I said, entering the room. “Vadik and Tasha are here.”

“Okay,” she replied, getting up. We went back down and joined my brothers and Tasha in the lounge.

“Thank you for coming,” I said, walking to one of the double couches. I patted the seat next to me, showing Grace to sit down. Pavel appeared to have left as he wasn’t there anymore.

Vadik turned to face me as he spoke. “You made it sound important. Looking at your face, I would say it’s good news, though.”

“I think so,” I huffed, getting up. Peeking around the doorway, I called Pavel. “Pavel, where did you go? Please join us.”

“Yes, yes, I’m coming,” he replied in a teasing tone. He always tried to make light of any situation he felt uncomfortable.

As he entered, Vadik spoke up half impatiently. “Well, spit it out now. What’s the news? What was so important?”

Taking Grace’s hand, I squeezed it carefully. Glancing at her, I beamed. Looking at Vadik and Tasha on the edge of their seats, I finally broke the news. “We’re going to have a baby!”

“What?” Pavel huffed. He stepped back and leaned against the wall. The look on his face was almost comical. He lifted his hands into the air and bent forward as he breathed out heavily. Placing his hands on his knees, he looked up at us. “You’re having a baby? How did that happen?”

Laughing, I replied softly. “I’m sure you know how. But, yes, Grace is pregnant. We’re having a baby.”

“Well, well, well,” Vadik said as he and Tasha got up. “Congratulations to you both. We’re happy for you,” he added, holding out his hand. Tasha pulled Grace into a hug, and the two of them stood for a bit.

“I’m delighted for both of you,” Tasha finally said as they let go.

“Thank you,” Grace replied, smiling. “It’s a shock, but I think we have covered everything.”

Vadik leaned closer to me, whispering. “You know you will have to inform the Chernykh family. We have to be upfront about any changes now.”

“Yes, I know. I will definitely inform them. I was planning on going there first thing,” I replied. “Now then, how about a celebratory drink?” I added uncovering the ice bucket.

“So that’s why you wanted glasses,” Pavel huffed. “But I have the wrong ones, then.”

Vadik pulled him in under his arm and rubbed his head vigorously as he spoke. “I’m sure it won’t matter to anyone tonight.”

I opened the bottle and poured a glass for everyone. Grace only had a sip and then changed to fruit juice. Tasha and Nadia had pulled her to sit with them. The three discussed baby things.

Entranced by her glow, I almost missed hearing what Pavel was saying. “You are going to be a father. That’s so scary, bro. Are you nervous?”

---