Page 49 of Impregnated By the Bratva

Grinning at him, I shook my head as I replied. “Only a little. But I’m overjoyed and excited as well.”

Pavel nodded. Reaching out, he placed a hand on my shoulder as he spoke. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out.’

Vadik smiled. In his usual calm tone, he interrupted. “Have the two of you decided on names yet?” I could hear a hint of happiness in his tone. “I’m just curious if you’re considering family names?”

Grace laughed softly as she rose from her place between the other two. She apparently decided she would answer that question as she walked closer. “No, don’t you think it’s a bit early for such things? We have lots of time to consider our options and make a selection.”

Stepping past Vadik, I took her hand and squeezed it tenderly. “Yes, we are going to wait with names for now,” I added.

Sitting back down with her, I sipped from my glass. It felt like I was shining as the love and joy in the room filled me up. I was glad everyone took the news with such graciousness.

Vadik tapped Pavel on the shoulder so he would move from his seat so he could sit down. He leaned closer, whispering to me. “Have you told the family?”

Turning in my seat, I shook my head lightly. “Not yet,” I replied softly. “I will make an appointment with them. I feel it is something I should do face-to-face.”

Vadik shrugged, but I could see he felt the same way. Sitting back, we listened as the women discussed shopping trips. Soon they were on selecting a baby room, color charts, paints, and animals.

We all had our own opinions and something to add. We got so caught up in the topics that we lost all track of time. Tasha glanced at her watch and tapped Vadik on the arm as she spoke. “We have to go. Or we’ll be late for our dinner with my family.”

Vadik let out a sigh but got up. “Yes, you are right,” he said, nodding.

We all rose and walked with them to the door. “Thank you for coming,” I said, shaking Vadik’s hand.

“We’ll continue this discussion later, don’t think it’s over,” Vadik teased as he walked with Tasha and Nadia to the cars waiting.

We stood in the door watching as they left, waving goodbye. Pulling Grace into my arms, I kissed her forehead. “I have a meeting to schedule,” I said, closing the door.

“No problem, I’ll assist with supper,” she responded as she headed for the kitchen.

“Pavel,” I called after him before he disappeared into the kitchen. He stopped and looked back at me.

Before I could ask if he was staying in, he beat me by answering with me asking. “Oh, yeah, I forgot to tell you I’m going out tonight, so don’t wait up.”

I watched as she disappeared into the kitchen before heading to my office. Sitting down, I breathed in deeply. I knew this had to be done. Yet, I dreaded it. Picking up the phone, I dialed Iosif.

“Evening, Iosif,” I said as he answered. “I’m sorry to bother you so late. I just wanted to know if we could have a meeting first thing in the morning. Or whenever it suits you.”

The line was silent, and for a moment, I thought we had disconnected. “Iosif?” I asked.

“Yes, I’m here. We can schedule for the morning,” he replied.

Letting go of the breath I was holding, I replied in a light tone. “Thank you. I’ll be there around seven.”

“Sure,” he added before the line went dead.

My mind mulled over it the entire evening. We had a quick supper and then went to bed. Grace fell asleep almost instantly. She had been complaining constantly that she was tired. Now I could see it.

I woke up before her again. Slipping out of bed, I got ready for my meeting. With news like this, I dared not be late. I left without even having coffee first.

As I arrived at the Chernykh residence, the door opened. Once again, Avgust stood there waiting. Sighing, I got out and walked over. I had to swallow the lump suddenly pushing up in my throat before speaking. Morning, Avgust.”

He stepped back into the house, allowing me to enter as he replied. “Morning, not sure it’s good, though. Iosif is waiting in the office.”

Nodding, I walked towards the back office, which they now seemed to use for meetings. Avgust was on my heels all the way. The house oddly felt empty and was overly quiet. I wondered where the sister had gone.

The office door was open. Entering, I saw Iosif standing behind the desk. “Morning,” he huffed, waving his hand at the chair opposite him. “Have a seat, and then tell me what was so important you had to come here?”

“Morning, Iosif,” I replied, glancing at Avgust.

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