“Ah, the man who accused you three of holding Valerie hostage.” Mr. Volkov snorts. “As if anyone short of a lion tamer could do that.”
Vanya laughs. “I think she’d take that as a compliment, dear.”
My mother chuckles. “She is a good match for you. Don’t let the opinions of others get in your head.”
I nod once and kiss my mother’s cheek. She beams. “And look how sweet she’s made you.”
My father grins. “Where is she?”
Hunter looks at me. “Rock, paper, scissors to go get her?”
Before I can turn him down, we see Valerie and Chase coming downstairs. Valerie has on a burgundy dress that has long sleeves and is completely backless. She takes a deep breath when she sees all of us, but then she sees Tristan, just her brother and no one else.
Her shoulders relax and she runs to him. “My wish came true.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
Just like that, dinner starts. There are too many conversations to follow, but seeing Valerie smile and laugh steals the show. I could watch her constantly and not be bored. Her laugh, the way her eyes light up when she’s issued a challenge, the obvious joy on her face.
Her eyes meet mine and she blushes a soft pink. She looks away to answer a question, but her gaze bounces back to me as I stretch my foot under the table to rub hers. She smiles slightly and rubs her toes over my ankle.
We manage to avoid drama and work talk for an entire meal until Mr. Volkov summons Chase, Hunter, and I outside to talk. He exhales smoke from his cigar as he looks over the backyard.
“I admit, this odd relationship has lasted longer than I predicted.”
“And Valerie has proven that she can stay out of our affairs,” Chase reminds him.
“While things are quiet, yes,” Mr. Volkov agrees. “I’ll continue to worry. I have a feeling that she’s not going to be happy when you have to make difficult choices or take matters into your own hands.”
I nod in agreement.
“But something else has been brought to my attention, something I believe the four of us should discuss,” Mr. Volkov continues. He glances inside, then pauses as Tristan comes out.
Tristan looks between us, then lights a joint. “Sorry, there’s a whole lot of girl talk going on and I’m not about to save my sister when she needs to bond.”
I chuckle and nod. Mr. Volkov stares at Tristan, then continues. A rarity.
“You bought rings yesterday, Chase.”
“Ipicked uprings, yes.”
Tristan gapes. “You’re proposing?” Then he looks to all of us. “Damn. Be careful with that.”
“He took the words out of my mouth,” Mr. Volkov agrees. “Marriage is a different beast than dating, even when it’s only two people involved. Let alone four.”
“I meant more that Valerie has hated theideaof being married since she was sixteen. I know people change and all, but our parents didn’t set a great example.” Tristan keeps his voice low.
“We considered that,” Hunter assures him. “but we can’tnotask.”
“We’re waiting until she’s done with school,” Chase says.
I nod in agreement. Tristan glances at his sister through the sliding glass door. “Just ... don’t be surprised if she panics a bit.”
“Funny, I haven’t known her to panic,” Mr. Volkov says. “just ... rush into battle with half ideas and an apology ready for later.”
I shoot him a glare. “She’s saved your sons' lives at least once, if not more.”
He holds his hands up. “Anyway, I wanted to offer my advice – continue doing the little things. They matter more than you think.”