Dasha, or Dash, as we liked to call our son who felt the need to run everywhere, was one year old. It had been a year with many ups and downs, a tough trial included, but Max was finally in the clear.
Agent Stevens was in the ICU for days. The bullet fired from Grigoriy’s gun grazed his artery, but thanks to quick thinking and fast action, one of the agents with him pinched the artery so Stevens wouldn’t bleed out. Max and I visited him in hospital as soon as he was well enough to receive visitors.
Stevens was true to his word, and as soon as the trial began, he coached Max through the worst of it. It was honestly the most difficult few months of my life. Max and I were worried that Grigoriy’s thugs back in Russia would retaliate against him, so we were skittish for a long while. Grigoriy had clearly overestimated his worth to his organization, as he was quickly replaced, and the new boss decided to stay out of America for the foreseeable future.
Vlad and Inessa were happy to be shod of the Russian mob too. Charlie and Max mended their relationship with a weekend away and a good few talking sessions. Obviously, the trauma the family had lived through left its mark, but it wasn’t anything that love couldn’t repair.
“Hey, Mommy, look who’s up,” Max said as he and Dash entered the room, Max carrying a cup of coffee in one hand and holding onto a wobbly Dash with the other.
“Hi, sweet pea. Come give Mommy a kiss, my handsome boy.”
Dash’s face lit up as he charged for the bed in his favorite Spider-Man PJs. He held out his arms so I could pick him up.
Being the mother of a one-year-old was exhausting. I was thankful to Mom and Josie for helping me out with Dash during the trial and then while Max and I were planning the wedding.
“Mom and Josie will be here at noon to fetch Dash and me.”
“Okay. He’s going to look so cute in his little tux,” Max grinned.
“The second most handsome guy of the day, for sure.”
“Hhmm, I think I’d better take the little man back to his room so you and I can get somegrown-up time,” Max purred.
“Oi, put that away. Save it for the honeymoon.”
“Fine. Spoilsport,” he moaned and rolled his eyes.
I drank my coffee, then made us all breakfast. After we’d eaten, Max got Dash dressed so that I could get myself ready for my big day. Mom and Josie arrived at noon and soon we were off to the church.
I had to be careful what I told my parents about Max’s situation. I didn’t lie about it, I simply told them that Max was helping the DEA out on a case–which was true, kinda. They were very supportive and even Peter offered me advice and comfort. It was good to have my biological father on the outside. He loved Dash very much and visited his grandson often.
Mom and Dad were their stellar selves and showed us so much love and support during the whole ordeal. I couldn’t have asked for anymore.
“So,” Josie said while we were on our way, “I’ve met someone.”
“What? When did you have time? Between jetting around the countryside and looking after your God son, I’d think you would be too tired,” I said in surprise.
“Hey, it was touch and go, but I found myself a keeper with a lot of patience,” she laughed.
“Are we going to meet him today?” Mom asked.
“Yup.”
“This is so exciting, Josie. You have to tell me all about it. But not today. I’m so nervous I’m likely to forget anything you say.”
“I’ll introduce him to you tonight at the reception.”
“I’m so happy for you, Josie.”
* * *
I watched as little Dash left the room with Mom. I was about to walk down the aisle to meet the love of my life. Dash looked like a cherub in a tux and bowtie. My heart ached at the thought of leaving him behind while Max and I went on our honeymoon, but Mom and Dad insisted.
“Are you ready, my darling daughter?” Dad asked me once everyone was in place.
“I think so,” I said nervously.
“There’s something I’d like to tell you before I give you to Max.”