She giggled “You know, the story about how Sir and I met?”
“Oh, yeah, right. I remember now.”
She looked to the clerk, grinning. “You wouldn’t happen to have Treasurer cigarettes, would you?”
The clerk, who knew her well, just laughed.
Brie looked down at her basket. “Hey, would you like to have dinner with us and meet my husband while you’re at it? We live only a few blocks from here.”
“Nah, thanks for the offer, though. Lea was hoping to make formal introductions, I think.”
“Gotcha…”
More uncomfortable silence followed.
“I guess I’ll go finish my shopping, then. Nice seeing you, Liam.”
“Same here.”
As she was turning to walk away, he called out, “Hey, do you mind not saying anything to Lea? In fact, don’t tell anyone.”
“Why?” she asked, suddenly suspicious.
He pointed to a jewelry shop across the street. “That was my errand.”
She looked over at the place, knowing the high-end pieces they carried. “Well, I have to admit you have good taste.”
Liam gave her a crooked grin. “Yeah…it’s a big deal, and I wanted to make sure I got the right ring for the job.”
Brie’s jaw dropped. “You’re…?”
He nodded. “Don’t say anything. I want it to be a surprise.”
She pretended to zip her lips. “Consider them sealed.”
“Great. See you around then.” He exited the store, leaving her standing there with that huge secret.
After getting the needed supplies, Brie headed up to the apartment. The instant Sir saw her face, he knew something was up and questioned her on it.
She was bursting, wanting to tell him. “I just learned something that’s going to totally flip Lea out, but I have to keep it a secret.” She bounced on her toes in excitement. “But this is huge!”
Sir chuckled. “I can tell you want to tell me more.”
“I do…but I promised.” She walked into the kitchen, crying out in misery, “Argh, this secret is going to be impossible for me to keep.”
He laughed. “And this all happened while you were getting groceries?”
She popped her head out. “I know! Craziest thing.”
Brie went to start on the sandwiches, shaking her head. She was surprised that Lea’s relationship was moving so quickly. But if Lea was happy, that’s all that mattered to Brie. Besides, she wasn’t one to judge.
She knew firsthand about love at first sight…
“I have news as well but, unlike you, I can share it,” Sir told her with amusement.
Brie stopped what she was doing and headed out of the kitchen to hear what he had to say. She paused for a moment when she saw him, struck by the sight of Hope lying against Sir’s shoulder as he looked over documents on his laptop. It was so endearing, the way he had incorporated the baby into his everyday activities with seamless ease.
“What’s your big news, Sir?”
“Unc and Judy finally got custody of the baby. They received the news today.”
“That’s wonderful news, Sir! They must be over the moon right now. They’ve waited so long for this.”
“It’s a relief knowing the child will be raised in a stable home by people I deeply admire and love.”
“I didn’t think today could get any better,” Brie exclaimed.
Needing to release this happy energy, she made a suggestion. “We should have a party for them, don’t you think? Just because Judy didn’t give birth to the little boy doesn’t make this any less special. In fact, considering the circumstances, there’s even more reason to celebrate.”
“I think that is a fine idea. I greatly respect my aunt and uncle. They have no idea how much of Lilly and my mother this boy carries within his character, yet they are embracing him with open arms.”
“I just have to look at you, Sir, to know he will turn out well.”
Sir stood, careful not to disturb Hope, who was fast asleep on his shoulder. He walked over to Brie, wrapping an arm around her. “I have you to thank for that, babygirl. As I have expressed numerous times, you gave me hope for the future—and now I literally hold Hope next to my heart.”
When Rytsar heard from Sir about the party Brie was planning, he called her up and insisted she use his beach house.
“We’re planning on inviting a lot of people, Rytsar. And I hate to tell you this, but the Reynolds and their friends don’t drink. So I was thinking something a little mellower than one of your vodka parties.”
Rytsar chuckled. “Make it a beach party, then. That way people can get drunk on the waves.”
“Oh, that sounds perfect! I’m being a little sneaky and want the Reynolds to think we’re inviting everyone to meet Hope. But, really, this is going to be a party to celebrate their adoption.”
“Of the child?” he asked with some distaste.
“Of the innocent boy who should not bear the sins of his mother.”
Rytsar cleared his throat. “Da, you’re right. I would be condemning myself if others judged me by my father.”
“Exactly. I believe Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds wanting to give Lilly’s child a strong foundation should be honored. Their sacrifice of love is a beautiful gift.”
“It is,” he agreed.
“And now that I have the location set because of you, I can start inviting people!”
“Have fun with it, radost moya,” Rytsar said, chuckling into the phone. “Although, your babe is my sunshine, and you will always be my joy.”
Brie immediately sent out the invitations asking people to gift the Reynolds with specific baby items they needed for his arrival. Sir had set up a college fund for the boy. His aunt and uncle were taking on a significant financial burden by adopting Lilly’s child, and Sir wanted to lessen the impact of it without insulting his uncle’s sensibilities.
When Boa received his invitation, he gave her a call. She was extremely grateful that they were talking on the phone because just hearing his voice had triggered memories of her fantasy, and it had Brie seriously blushing.
“I wanted to offer my services for the party.”
Brie had to stifle her laughter, her thoughts immediately going down a kinky path. “Services, Boa?”
“Yes, I’d like to cater the party for the Reynolds. I don’t normally tell people this, but I was adopted as a kid. What they are doing for that boy will change his life.”
“I wholeheartedly agree with you.”
The tone of his voice changed when he explained, “My dad died of a heart attack when I was in culinary school. I never really got the chance to thank him for everything he did for me. This is my way of passing that on.”
“I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, Boa. But that’s such a beautiful thing to do for Sir’s family. Thank you.”
“My sincerest pleasure.”
With the food and location taken care of, the plans for the party were falling into place. It seemed sweet irony when Mr. Reynolds reached out to her, letting Brie know that he was making a run for baby supplies and wanted to know if she needed anything.
Brie took the opportunity to give him a list of consumable items she knew they would need. “This is such a big help. Thank you, Unc. I’ll shoot you the money online, and we’ll swing by your place after the party to pick it up.”
“Sure you don’t want me just to drive it over?”
“No need. You’ve got enough on your plate, preparing for your son’s arrival.”
“My son…” he said with satisfaction. “I will never tire of hearing that.”
“I’m so happy for you and Aunt Judy, and I can’t wait to meet your little boy.”
“It’s a dream come true for Judy to become a mother after all these years.”
Brie felt a little teary when she said, “He needed you as much as you needed him.”
“Very true, Brie.”
“So, have you decided on a name yet?”
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“We are partial to the name Jonathan.”
“Oh, that is a good name. I can’t wait until Saturday when I can hug you two and meet your son, Jonathan.”
“We’re looking forward to seeing how much Hope has grown since our last visit. Amazing, how life plays out. You came to the tobacco shop looking for a temporary job, and now we are family and raising children together.”
Brie laughed. “Such a crazy, beautiful life.”
Brie was anxious to escape to the ocean with Sir and Hope. It had been a while since they’d been to Rytsar’s beach house, so they left a couple of hours early to spend time alone with him before the party began.
They knocked on the door, but no one came to answer it. Little Sparrow came loping around from the back and gave them a playful yip as she approached.
“Where’s your Master?” Brie asked as Sir gave the dog a pat on the head.
Little Sparrow walked over to Brie, sniffing the air as she looked up at the baby.
Brie knelt down slowly and let the pup smell Hope so she would become familiar with their baby’s scent and know she was a part of the family.
The dog wagged her tail vigorously, her hindquarters dancing with excitement. She licked Brie’s hand, smiling at her with a big doggy grin. She then walked back to the corner of the house and gave another playful yip.
“I guess that means we follow,” Sir stated.
As they rounded the corner, heading toward the beach, Brie let out a happy squeal. Rytsar had set up the beach in grand Durov style.
“Welcome!” he stated, his arms outstretched to them.
“Oh my goodness! You have outdone yourself, Rytsar,” Brie cried happily.
Rytsar grinned at Brie as he caressed the baby’s head and gave Hope a light peck on the cheek. “Welcome to you as well, moye solntse.”
Gesturing to the setup, he told Sir proudly, “All in honor of your aunt and uncle.”
Brie marveled at the rows and rows of beach chairs with umbrellas and the netted canopies with linen-covered tables waiting for Boa’s catered food. There was even an area strewn with beach toys for children of all ages.
“You’ve thought of everything,” Brie gushed.
“I want your guests to enjoy themselves, despite the lack of drink.” He held out his arms for Hope, and Brie dutifully handed her over.
Rytsar lifted the baby up, twirled her slowly in the air as he smiled at her. “Hope is here…”
Brie took Sir’s arm and leaned her head against his shoulder, bursting with happiness as she watched Rytsar with their child.
“It’s good to see you fully healed, old friend,” Sir stated, noting the effortless way he moved now.
Rytsar answered proudly, the babe cradled against him, “I am, brother!” He winked at Brie. “And, as you know, I can swing my nines again.”
She blushed, inadvertently shuddering.
He grinned, enjoying her reaction. “Did you know we will be spending time together soon?” He gave Sir a wink.
When Brie saw it, her heart skipped a beat. She enjoyed the power play of knowing the two Doms had spoken in private and had something planned, but not knowing what it was.
Rytsar shielded Hope’s face with his hand when he noticed her squinting from the sun. “Let’s retire to the shade for the babe’s sake.” He led them to a special area he’d had prepared for them.
Under the spacious shade tent, the ground had been covered with a large blanket. He pointed to several comfortable lounge chairs and pillows strewn about. “Make yourself comfortable.”
Brie’s eyes were riveted on a small table laden with fruits and nuts. Her stomach growled so she asked, “May I?”
“Of course.”
“I always seem to be hungry these days.”
“Naturally, now that you are feeding the babe. Eat up.”
She immediately grabbed a piece of fresh pineapple and began munching on it, moaning in pleasure as the sweet juice dripped from her lips. “Oh, Rytsar, all of this is wonderful.”
Brie snagged a plate and grabbed a few more pieces of fruit before settling into one of the chairs. Sir chose one beside her while Rytsar lay on the ground, propping himself up with a pillow while he watched Hope on the blanket. Little Sparrow lay beside Rytsar, waggling her tail, content to be beside her Master.
After Brie finished the fruit and was done licking her fingers, she closed her eyes to listen to the peaceful lull of the waves as a light ocean breeze played across her skin.
This was pure heaven…
Sir broke the silent reverie, announcing, “I have something I’d like to discuss with you both.”
Brie opened her eyes and turned her head toward him, curious what had him suddenly sounding so serious. “Yes, Sir?”
“I know this may come somewhat as a surprise, but I would like to have our baby christened.”
Brie tilted her head, surprised by Sir’s request since he had never been a religious man.
“I’ve given it much thought and know it would give my grandparents peace of mind. Nonna has written me several letters since Hope’s birth, expressing her concern for our child.” Sir looked at Brie. “I would like to give my grandparents that gift, but only if you agree.”
She smiled at him. “Your grandparents have been through such terrible loss, and I can’t think of a more joyful event than a christening. I’m happy to have Hope christened, if that would bring them joy.”
He took her hand and kissed it. “Thank you, babygirl.”
Sir addressed Rytsar next. “As our daughter’s godfather, we would need you there.”
“But of course, brother.”
“In Italy.”
Brie squeaked, excited to have the chance to visit his grandparents again.
Rytsar chuckled. “A trip to your father’s homeland, eh, brother?”
Sir nodded. “I feel a call to return there.”
“I respect that, comrade, and am honored to join you.”
Their conversation was interrupted by the drone of a small plane flying above them. Rather than buzzing past, it sounded as if it was hovering above them. Curious to see why, Brie left the comfort of the chair and peeked out from under the shade tent.
Looking into the expanse of bright blue sky, she saw that the small aircraft was leaving a trail of smoke. Brie pointed excitedly at it. “The plane is writing a message in the sky!”
Sir joined her, looking up at the plane. “It sure is,” he agreed. He took out his phone and started recording it.
Rytsar picked up Hope and walked over to stand beside them as they watched the plane slowly making its way across the sky, creating a giant heart.
“That’s so adorable!” she cried, pointing up at it to show Hope. “Do you see it? It’s a heart.”
The aircraft did not appear to be done as it began another pass under the heart. It started with a vertical line as it slowly created a letter. As it buzzed back and forth, Brie said, “Wouldn’t it be amazing if it was writing the word ‘HOPE’?”
“I believe it is,” Sir stated as the plane curved to finish the letter ‘P’.
Brie looked at Rytsar, smiling. “Did you do this?”
He shrugged. “Why wouldn’t I want the world to know Hope is here?”
Before it was done, the plane had made another heart underneath her name. Brie took several pictures of Rytsar holding the baby with the skywriting in the background. “This makes me so very happy,” she told him, hugging Rytsar while he held the baby.
“A memory for us to look back on,” Rytsar told her. He looked down at Hope. “And one we will share with you when you are older, moye solntse.”
Sir held up his phone, telling Rytsar, “And I have it recorded for posterity, including what you just said to her.”
They returned to their place under the tent and Brie sat back down on the lounger, with Rytsar laying Hope on her chest. As she listened to the gentle waves with her eyes closed, she was overwhelmed with a feeling of completene
ss. “I don’t think it gets any better than this.”
“Nyet.”
“I can imagine doing this every weekend,” she murmured.
“Yes, it would be nice,” Sir agreed.
Rytsar sat up. “Make it so, comrade. You are welcome any time.”
Sir chuckled. “It would not be practical.”
Rytsar lay back down. “Still, you should consider it…”
A few hours later, the beach was crowded with people waiting for the guests of honor to arrive. Brie had purposely told the Reynolds to come a half hour later to make sure everyone was present to surprise them.
Rytsar took Hope from her so she could meet them up front with Sir. As Brie approached his aunt and uncle, she experienced a momentary feeling of queasiness—coming face-to-face with Lilly’s baby. Sir must have had a similar feeling, because he squeezed her hand tightly.
Sir’s aunt and uncle were positively beaming as they walked up to present their baby boy to them. “This is our son, Jonathan,” Mr. Reynolds said proudly.
Brie looked down at the little boy and instantly relaxed. Although he had some facial characteristics of his mother and grandmother, the boy had gentle eyes. He seemed fascinated by Sir and reached up, staring intently at him.
Sir took the boy from Judy. Since Jonathan was several months older than Hope, he was able to hold himself up and play with Sir’s chin, apparently liking the feel of his five o’clock shadow. When Sir glanced at Brie, she read the relief in his eyes.
“Congratulations. He’s a handsome boy,” Sir told them proudly.
“Jonathan is absolutely adorable,” Brie agreed. “You must be so happy to finally have him safe in your arms.”
“I was worried there for a bit when it seemed to drag on forever,” Judy admitted.
“I never doubted we would get custody,” Mr. Reynolds told Brie. “We’re family, and we have the means and the desire to be good parents to this boy.”
Sir handed the boy back to Judy and put his hand on his uncle’s shoulder. “He’s where he belongs.”
Judy asked her husband, “Do you mind grabbing the diaper bag and Hope’s gift?”
Brie laughed. “There was no need to get her another gift, Aunt Judy. You were so generous at the baby shower.”