Page 54 of Dimitri
"We've never discussed it, and everything is happening so quickly." His fingers were a bit unsteady and his breathing shallow. "I never dreamed I would find someone I love so completely." He inhaled sharply. "When I decided to come to the states, I told my brother that I might discover my salvation here or it might be a mistake. Nothing ever prepared me for this. I never expected to find my life here, the center of my gravity, a woman who means more to me than my own life." He lowered his forehead to hers and closed his eyes. "I never expected to find you. The heart and soul of me. And now..." Lifting his head, he stared at her with eyes so intense, it sent tremors throughout her body. "You're carrying my seed. You've given me so much, that I cannot adequately know how to tell you what you've done."
For a minute, she could not speak. Words failed her and she could only stare at him.
Finally, she managed a whisper, her voice barely audible. "You make me feel safe. Like I belong somewhere real." She reached up, tracing the curve of his jaw with gentle fingers, grounding herself in the warmth of his embrace. For the first time in a long while, she let herself hope for the future, one filled with laughter, love, and the promise of something extraordinary.
"It's not one-sided you know." Her voice was raw, and emotion-filled. Whether it was hormones or simply love, she had no idea. But ever since she met him, she was vulnerable. And it was not a terrible thing. She wanted to be held by him. She didn't feel weakness where he was concerned, but grounded and strong. It was natural for her to want to lean on him and allow him to take charge and take care of her. She felt needed and loved. And it created a warmth inside her that was unimaginable. "I want this, our baby. I keep holding my breath and praying that for the next seven months and two weeks, everything will be fine. I also told myself that I will gladly endure the symptoms, the morning sickness, the swollen ankles, and the fact that I am forty years old and going through my first pregnancy."
"We'll get you the best doctors money can buy."
"I'm counting on it. We should tell your grandparents."
"And wait until my family comes for the wedding to share the news." His fingers stroked her cheeks gently. "How's my baby mama?"
She burst out laughing. "How on earth did you come up with that term?"
He grinned charmingly. "There's an African-American guy, his name is Tyler on the farm, and he delights in telling me about hisvarious 'baby mamas'. At first I had no idea what that meant and he explained it to me."
"So, Tyler is a stud."
"Or so he wants us to think." He cupped her face. "I love you. I never dreamed I would find someone like you and for the rest of my life, I will cherish you."
"You'd better. Even when I'm swollen and out of shape, I'd better not see you looking at another woman." She warned.
"I will certainly make sure to look when you're not present." He grunted when she landed an elbow in his ribs.
She snorted, unable to hide her smile. The gentle banter between them felt like a secret language, woven from shared glances and tender touches. He always found a way to lighten even the most serious moments, and she marveled at how effortlessly he could make her laugh or forget her worries. In that quiet kitchen, with afternoon light spilling across the room, it was easy to imagine a lifetime built on these small, beautiful exchanges.
"How about something to eat?"
She wrinkled her nose. "I'm not certain my stomach can stand the pot pie."
"Some soup then?"
"There's soup?"
"I was thinking ahead." He kissed her on the lips. "Three different kinds. Tomato, chicken and mushroom."
"Now I remember why I love you."
"Because I feed you."
"Precisely." She told him with a laugh.
Chapter 15
Allison found she was getting used to the varying emotions since becoming involved with Dimitri. They stopped off at the farmhouse on her way to work to share the news with his grandparents and Elizabeth wept openly. Alvin tried valiantly to control his response, but the tears were glittering in his eyes.
"My dear." Elizabeth rushed over to hug them both, overcome and unable to articulate.
"You've made us both so happy," Alvin told them. "Is there time for you to stay a little bit?"
"I'm afraid not," Allison apologized. "I have to be in court first thing and am already running late." She glanced over at Dimitri who lifted a brow at her.
"This one here is insisting on transporting me to and from work. I've been trying to tell him that I'm perfectly capable of driving myself. I'm not the first pregnant woman and certainly won't be the last. He's not listening." She ended on a note of exasperation.
"I explained to her that the roads are icy, and I know she has a tendency to speed."
"Dimitri—"
