Page 24 of My Russian Roommate

One Year Later

Leah and I are married in the small village of Kirilov and, after some much-needed renovation due to years of neglect, are moving into the cottage where I was born. It belonged to my grandparents and, later, my parents. Now, it’s mine along with the fifty acres of farmland I’ve been collecting lease payments on since I moved to the States.

Today, we’re picking out furniture for our new bedroom. Leah glides gracefully through the rows of mattresses stopping every now and then to bounce on one of them. The salesman has been watching her, and I’m doing my best to keep my temper as he looks her up and down.

“What do you think? I like this one. It’s not too soft,” she says calling my attention away from the gawking salesman.

“I don’t care what bed you pick as long as you’re in it. You’re the best part of any mattress, little girl,” I tell her.

“I think this is the one. Come on, lie down with me and tell me what you think,” she bats her eyes at me and I can’t tell her no.

I lie down beside her and wait for her to decide.

“Do you think this one will be big enough?” she asks.

“Big enough? It’s as big as they come. How many people are you planning to have sleep in it?”

“Well, there’s you and me and soon someone else will be joining us.”

“That’s kinky, little one, but I told you a long time ago that I don’t share. Now, what are you talking about?”

“Well, I was going to wait until we got moved in to tell you, but I can’t hold it back any longer,” she beams as she takes my hand and places it on her belly.

I bolt up from the bed and stare at her. “Are you kidding? We’re having a baby?”

She nods her head frantically, “Yes, I took a test this morning.”

“Oh, baby girl, that’s amazing. How are you? Do you feel okay?”

She places her hand on mine and says, “Yes, I feel great. A little nauseous at times, but really great. Are you excited? Is it okay? We never really talked about kids.”

“It’s fantastic, malyshka. I love kids. We could have a dozen if you want to. Besides, I sure like making them with you.” I put my arms around her and kiss her soundly, uncaring if it makes the salesman or anyone else uncomfortable.

The salesman clears his throat and says, “Excuse me, are you interested in buying this?”

“No, we thought we’d put on a sex show. Do you have a hat we can use to collect the money people throw at us?” I snarl.

Leah tries to get up but I put my arm in front of her and say, “Don’t get up for him. You take your time and decide if this is the one you want. He doesn’t get to rush you into anything.”

I stand up and look down at the tiny runt of a man who takes a step back and says, “I’m sorry. Please take your time. I’ll be over there if you need me.”

“You didn’t have to do that,” Leah smirks.

“Yes, I did. My wife is expecting and I need to make sure she gets just the right bed for herself. You’re all that matters, malyshka. You’re the only thing in the world that matters.”

She makes her decision and we complete the sale then head out to the country to check on the house. Surrounded by green fields and summer flowers, the stone cottage looks just like it did when I was a small boy. The contractors did an amazing job bringing it back from the brink. Now, my family can breathe new life into it.

“Can you imagine how amazing it’s going to be to raise a child here? All this space to roam and play. We’ll need to get a dog or two and maybe a pony,” Leah rattles on.

I take her hand as we walk along the cobblestone path to the patio at the rear of the house.

“Of course, you know what it will be like. As a little boy, you lived it. Was it nice growing up here?” she asks me.

“I had a good childhood and, yes, growing up in the countryside was fun, but it was my family that made my childhood special. That’s the most important thing. Our child is going to grow up in a home filled with love. That makes all the difference.”

“You’re right. I didn’t have that. Until I met you, I don’t think I had a clue what real love was. That’s not going to happen with our kids. We’re going to shower them with love and attention.”

“Yes, baby girl. We will.”

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