Page 26 of My Russian Roommate

Stunned, I reply, “To your health as well, sweet girl.”

Leah smiles and tells me, “She’s been practicing for this moment all day.”

After a delicious dinner, Leah brings out the Russian honey cake that she and Leona expertly prepared.

“I don’t remember my mother baking any honey cakes. Did she have a recipe?”

“Google, Daddy. A little modern technology still comes in handy,” Leah quips.

“I made you a present, too.” Leona climbs onto my lap. She hands me a folded paper and I open it. It’s a handmade card adorned with little pieces of ribbons and dried flowers from her bouquet. It reads, “To Daddy, Love Leona.”

“It’s beautiful, honey. Thank you so much,” I smile and kiss her forehead.

“What was your best birthday ever, Daddy?” she asks between bites of cake.

“Well, the year that I met Mommy and she agreed to marry me was my best birthday. But then, a year later, we had you and that was my best birthday ever. Every year with you and Mommy is my best year so now, this is my best birthday ever.”

“I love you, Daddy. You make all my birthdays the best, too.”

“I love you, too, baby. Now, finish that cake so you can go to bed and I can read you your story.”

* * *

“She went down fast,”I tell Leah as I return from the nursery.

“She had a busy day. She wanted to make sure that everything was perfect for her Daddy’s birthday.”

“It was,” I wrap my arm around her and pull her in tight. “It is, love.”

“Let’s sit outside and relax for a while. I have one more thing to give you for your birthday.”

“More? I have you, little girl. That’s all that I need.”

“That’s sweet, but, I think you’re going to like this.”

We adjourn to the back deck and sit together on the porch swing. Leah hands me the small gift bag she’s been clutching. I rifle through the paper and pull out a gold-rimmed collage photo frame. In it are our wedding photo, Leona’s first baby picture, and a third open space.

“This is beautiful, malyshka. I can keep it on my desk at work. But, why the empty slot? Did you want me to decide what to put there?”

“Look under the photos. See the date plates?” She points to the tiny silver plaques beneath the photo windows.

“Okay, that’s the year we were married, and that’s the year Leona was born. This last one is next year…” I ponder for a moment then look at Leah who is about to burst at the seams with excitement, “You’re pregnant?”

“Yes, Daddy. We’re having another baby. Are you happy?” she beams.

I leap to my feet and pull her into my arms, her feet dangling in the air. “Happy? I couldn’t be happier. I love you, little girl. You make me the happiest man alive.”

I set her back down on her feet and run my hands down her body, starting at her neck, across her firm breasts, and rest them on her tight belly.

She places her hands on mine, and we sway back and forth together in the moonlight. Motherhood has changed her in some ways, but it hasn’t changed my overwhelming desire for her.

“I love you. You’re the best and sexiest Daddy in the world.”

EXTENDED EPILOGUE

LEV

“Here’s to ten years,” my Captain raises his glass to me and everyone cheers.

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