Page 27 of My Russian Roommate

I can’t believe that it’s been ten years since Leah and I moved back to my hometown, but I wouldn’t trade a second of it. The park is lit up with a hundred strings of yellow light. The stage holds a podium where we’re standing, and behind us is a full orchestra. A white billowy canopy covers the temporary dance floor and enough tables and chairs to seat the entire village. Wait staff wearing tuxedos glide from table to table, serving entrees and refilling drinks.

The Captain hands me my plaque and pin commemorating ten years of honorable service, and I shake his hand before retreating from the stage and joining Leah at our table.

“Congratulations, Daddy,” Leah hugs me and kisses my cheek.

“Thanks, baby girl, but none of this was necessary. I’m just doing the job that I signed up for.”

“But you’re doing it so well that the Village is throwing a party in your honor. That’s an accomplishment, Daddy. You should be proud of yourself. I’m very proud of you.”

“I am. I just don’t need all this attention, you know?”

“You know who else thinks that you’re a hero? No, a superhero? Those little people right there,” Leah points to our four beautiful children.

Leona, now ten years old, has the twins, Larissa and Lina, by the hands and baby Luka is sleeping in his stroller.

“Those people and you, of course, are the only ones who matter. You’re my life.”

“Then dance with me, Daddy. I’m all dressed up and want to take advantage of a few minutes of adult time.”

“You look sexy as hell, by the way,” I lead her to the dance floor.

“You told me that as soon as I got dressed,” she’s wearing a royal blue dress that’s cut just a bit lower than the one she wore on our first date.

“But, look around. Every man here is checking you out in that dress. They’re all wondering what I did to get this lucky.” I glance around the crowd and watch as several of the men look away when I catch them checking out my girl’s ass. Even now, I’m larger and stronger than most of the younger guys on the force, and many of them are easily intimidated by me.

“You? Have you seen the way the girls look at you when you strut around in your uniform? You have a better build than men half your age. You’re my sexy Daddy, remember?”

“Your sexy Daddy is getting a little turned on thinking about how all these men want you but I have you. I’m thinking we call it an early night and put the kids to bed so that I can take you out of that dress.”

“They aren’t looking at me. Stop,” her cheeks turn pink and I smile. After all these years, she’s still so innocent.

“They are looking. Maybe I should spank you for calling all this attention to yourself.”

“In that case, yes, they all want me. Good thing I have you to protect me from them.”

“You better believe it, malyshka.”

Our girls come up and begin dancing in a circle beside us. They’re all dressed in frilly, little dresses in the same royal blue tone as their mother’s. They look like her, too. They’re all petite with wavy golden hair and big, blue eyes. Luka will likely resemble me. He’s already at the top of the pediatric growth charts with light hair and dark eyes. Together, they’re the perfect representation of the two of us.

“Let’s take a stroll by the lake then call it a night,” I suggest and Leah nods.

“Anything you want, Daddy. This is your night.”

“Anything?” I smirk.

“Anything and everything.”

We finish our dance and collect the children. I thank the Mayor and Constable for honoring me and we set out for the lakeside. The monastery on its tiny island is lit up like the giant Christmas tree in Central Park and the kids chatter about how beautiful it is. I can’t imagine trying to raise these kids in New York City. Not after everything I’ve seen and what Leah went through. No, we’re right where we belong.

“Do you ever miss the US, little girl? Do you miss the bustle of city life?”

Leah puts her arm under my arm and says, “Miss what? You’re the only good thing that ever happened to me in the States and you’re right here.”

“Good, because we’re never going back,” I respond.

* * *

Leah putsthe baby down while I read the girls their bedtime story. Our little cottage has gone through a large transformation over the years. We’ve added three bedrooms so the kids can have their own spaces when they get older.

---