Page 120 of Notes About Vodka

I Skype my mom, knowing my dad is on a fishing trip with some friends.

I stare at the screen, my heart pounding with every ring of the Skype call. The dim room is filled with the faint hum of my laptop, and the warmth of the desk lamp pools around me. The screen flickers—and there she is. My mother. Her dark brown eyes that are just like mine glisten with tears, and my breath catches, the years apart crash down on me every time I talk to my parents on Skype.

"????..." I whisper, my voice trembling under the weight of the moment.

"Valerey," she replies, her voice cracking, hand covering her mouth. "??, ??? ????? ???????... ? ???? ????. ???????-??."Oh, my sweet boy... I see you. Finally.

A wave of emotion swells, tightening my throat. "Mama, it’sreally happening. You’re coming. Fifteen years... I’ve waited so long to say those words."

Her tears fall freely, mirrored by mine. "?????????? ???..." she repeats, her voice shaking. "?????? ???? ? ??????? ?? ????. ? ??????... ?????... ? ?????? ???? ?????. ??? ?????."Fifteen years... Every day, I missed you. And now...soon...I will hold you again. My baby.

My laugh is soft, broken by tears. "I’m not a boy anymore, Mama."

Her voice, warm and proud, reaches through the distance. "?? ?????? ?????? ???? ?????????. ?? ???????? ?? ????—?? ???? ????????. ? ????? ????? ???????? ???????. ? ??? ??????? ?????, Valerey."You will always be my boy. But look at you, you are a man. And you have found such a beautiful girl. I am so proud of you, Valerey.

I wipe my eyes, my chest aching with joy. "Mama, Laura... ??? — ??? ????. ??? ????? ???? ???, ??? ? ??????? ?? ?????, ??? ????????."She is my soul. She loves me more than I thought possible.

Her hand presses to her heart. "? ??? ????? ??—?????? ??? ??? ????? ????."I already love her—because she loves you.

My voice cracks, raw with longing. "Mama, ????? ? ???? ??????... ??????????? ???... ??? ??????? ?????. ?? ?????, ? ???? ???? ???????, ?? ?????? ?????."Mama, when I hug you... Elevan years... It’s too long. But soon, on my wedding day, you’ll be here.

The call dissolves into tears and laughter, our hearts speaking more than words. The soft hum of the Skype disconnect chimes, but the warmth of our connection lingers in my chest—a glowing ache of joy, hope, and love.I am not only gaining a wife. I am regaining my mother. And soon, my world will be whole.

The rest of spring unfolds in a whirlwind, each day packed with wedding preparations. Cake tastings become sweet adventures, laughter spilling over as we debate flavors between bites of rich buttercream and fresh berries. Our evenings are spent scrolling through venue photos and envisioning the perfect day.

After careful thought, we chose Torreya State Park in Florida for the ceremony. It’s a place where towering trees and winding trails create a natural cathedral—intimate, serene, and full of life. The lush greenery feels like a world touched by magic, as if nature itself will bless our vows at the foot of the mansion there that rests on a cliff.

The real reason thought, it’s close to her grandparents, making it even more meaningful. We can already imagine the sun filtering through the trees, the soft rustle of leaves, and the warmth of loved ones surrounding us.

We begin planning the small details—a floral arch, rustic lanterns, and a good friend to DJ.Thanks, Skipper.

Laura even orders her cake from one of the ladies she went to church with back home.

"Why make it crazy and expensive when it's really about us bringing our families together. I just want to enjoy being at the beach with you," Laura says one evening.

I smile softly, "And maybe a little dancing under the stars?"

Laura grins. "Only if you promise not to step on my toes."

"Agree, as long as we are together, it doesn't matter. Now, just to get you graduated."

"Don't worry, Valerie, you will have your degree soon, too. It's okay that you took this semester off to work."

She's right, but with Laura being at NYU all the time and me taking over as bar manager at the City Tavern, I needed a moment to breathe. I'll finish next year, then maybe continue my dream of having a Russian restaurant. I just need to make sure Laura and I are side by side the entire time.

Chapter Thirty-Six

LAURA

"To the graduate:

May your future be bright and your vodka always be cold."

Before I know it, graduation day arrives. The sun is shining brightly, and the air buzzes with the energy of possibility. The excitement is almost tangible, vibrating through the campus as people shuffle around in their caps and gowns. I can hardly believe that this day has finally come. All those sleepless nights, endless study sessions, and moments of self-doubt led to this one, beautiful moment.

I cross the stage, surrounded by classmates, each of us wearing our caps and gowns, the culmination of years of hard work and determination. As they call my name, I step forward, my heart pounding in my chest. The dean hands me my diploma, and I feel a surge of pride and relief.

I did it. I really did it.

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