“Yes, but we can’t get married in our hometown because of Misha’s job,” Natasha told us through tears. “And my svideteli refuses to come.”
I was utterly confused. I scolded myself for putting learning Russian on the backburner amidst all the chaos. And admittedly, Dimitry’s love-making had my mind and body singularly focused on him. I really needed to focus on learning the language again. And self-defense training he agreed to give me.
Those things we do in the bedroom certainly don’t qualify for self-defense, I thought to myself wryly and instantly felt heat in my cheeks.Focus, Anastasia!
Turning my attention back to Misha and Natasha, I glanced from the woman to Misha and Dimitry, hoping for an explanation.
Both of them remained irritatingly quiet so I finally asked, “What is svideteli? And why can’t you get married in your hometown? So you are not getting married tomorrow?”
“We’ll get married in the local church here,” Misha explained although it didn’t explain anything to me.
“I don’t understand, Misha. Why is she upset then?”
“Her witness refused to come.” I really wished he’d expand on his explanation.
Finally Dimitry must have taken pity on me. “In Russian Orthodox Church, maid of honor and best man are called svideteli. Her maid of honor refused to come.”
“Oh.” She must not be a really good friend if she refused to come. But of course, I wouldn’t say that to Natasha. “Why can’t they get married in her hometown? Can’t she ask someone else to be hersvideteli?” I had to pronounce the word slowly, although I was sure I butchered it.
“No, it is too dangerous and we could risk Misha’s life and ours to have him go back to his hometown.” Dimitry’s words were final and non-negotiable. Although I agreed with him. It wasn’t a good time for flying back and forth.
I noticed he didn’t answer the question about Natasha’s maid of honor so I turned my eyes to her. “Can you find another svideteli, maid of honor?”
She shook her head and burst into another stream of tears. Wow, she was really emotional about that stuff. I sure hoped brides weren't usually this emotional… otherwise, I’d insist not to be in Olivia’s and Scarlett’s wedding.
I looked to Misha, who was rubbing her fiance’s back. He met my eyes and gave me a sheepish smile. “Natasha is pregnant. She’s been emotional.”
“Ah.”
Natasha smacked Misha while blushing wildly, and muttered something in Russian. Then she glanced at me, embarrassed. “I… we… it was-”
I raised my hand to stop her. “Hey, you don’t need to explain yourself to me. I think it’s great. As long as you two are happy, that’s all that matters.”
And just like that Natasha beamed. “Thank you.”
I threw Misha a sly look as I walked over to Dimitry.
“I have to say though, Misha. I’m disappointed you didn’t share that with me while I was fixing you up. Shame on you!” His boyish smile spread over his face. “Natasha, want to share breakfast? Maybe you can tell me all about your wedding tomorrow since Misha kept it all a secret.”
She took a spot next to me, Dimitry on my other side, while Misha sat on the other side of his intended bride.
“Your parents must be thrilled about your pregnancy.”
She blushed again. “Nobody knows,” she whispered. “Otherwise the church wouldn’t marry us.”
I glanced at Dimitry and Misha for confirmation. “Wow, they are really that strict here?” All three shook their heads in unison. “Do they also believe there is no sex before marriage?”
Again they shook their heads. “Okay, well someone is delusional in this country.”
Dimitry rubbed his hand along my thigh, and instantly I was turned on. Yes, the church was totally delusional.
Natasha answered. “My parents had sex for the first time after they wed.”
My head snapped to her. “Seriously?”
“Yes. Yours?” I guess her question made sense but I had a feeling even if my mother was still alive, I wouldn’t know the answer to that question.
“No clue, and I don’t intend to ask my dad. Totally awkward.” I bit into my food imagining how that conversation would go. Yeah, I would never ask my dad. I couldn’t even imagine how horribly uncomfortable that conversation would be.