by Leslie North
“Of course.”
“Sleep. I didn’t get that much the night before last, and last night I was too anxious to get much sleep.”
“I concur. That is an excellent idea. I do not like to see dark circles beneath your gorgeous eyes. You sleep. When you awaken, we will talk more about Saturday.”
Chapter 14
Friday morning passed in a flurry of activity. Misha spent time with his son, getting to know him and his wonderful personality while Jasmine walked around his house on eggshells, waiting for disaster to strike.
Never having had a family of her own, she was used to making all of the decisions, and she and Misha had butted heads more than once since he was very much an alpha male and used to being in charge.
Jasmine was trying to control her temper, but she was having trouble just sitting back and letting Misha take over her life. She held her tongue, biting back hurtful words that were only fueled by her frustration.
The explosion came on Friday afternoon when Julia and Desi arrived to take her shopping. Misha insisted she go shopping and purchase a new wardrobe for both herself and their son. Jasmine was floored and embarrassed that he didn’t trust her to the task by herself and felt like she had been assigned two babysitters.
When she told him as much, he simply laughed at her, “Jasmine, I know you are capable of choosing your own clothing. I just thought you might enjoy some company. They are going to be your family in a few weeks after all.”
Jasmine had felt the heat rush to her cheeks, shamed that she had once again jumped to conclusions. “Mikhail isn’t well enough to go out…”
“Don’t worry about Mikhail. He and I will have a wonderful time here by ourselves.”
“But…”
“No more arguments. Jasmine, please quit fighting me on every little thing. I realize that it’s going to take some time for us to get used to living with each other, but you need to try.”
“I’m afraid to,” she cried out, the emotions that had been plaguing her the last two days rushing forth. “What if this doesn’t work? What am I supposed to do then? If I start leaning on you, and this doesn’t work out, I don’t know that I could find the strength to pick myself back up again.”
Misha was floored at the depth of her fears. Striding to where she was, he pulled her against his chest, soothing her with words of love and affection. “Jasmine, milaya moya, you worry too much. I want this to work out very badly. I let you slip through my fingers once before, but I have you now and I’m not going to let you go. You have to trust that what is happening between us is real.”
“How can I?” she cried, tears leaking from her eyes and making damp circles on his shirt. “All of my life I’ve wanted to belong to someone. To have another person on this planet to call mine. I’ve been so afraid that Mikhail would be taken from me and that I would lose him too.”
Misha closed his eyes, wishing there was some way he could take the hurt from her, “Jasmine. No one is going to take Mikhail from you. And you’re not alone in this world. You had a mother who died. I’m sorry she wasn’t there to help you grow up and tell you what a wonderful person you’ve become. I’m sorry that the American authorities didn’t try to keep you and your brother together. But, we will find him. You’re not alone. You’ve never been alone.
“And now you have a wonderful little boy who obviously adores you, just like his father does. I want to build a life with you, but I can’t do it alone. I need you to try to put aside your fears of what might happen, and trust in me. Trust in us.”
Jasmine nodded against his chest, feeling safe in his arms like always and wishing he would never let her go. Maybe if he held her for the rest of her life she’d start believing him! “I’ll try. I really will.”
“Good,” Misha said, dropping a kiss on the top of her head before stepping away. What he wanted to do was carry her up to his bed and spend the rest of the afternoon showing her with his body all of the reasons they were made for each other, but that was not to be.
By tacit agreement, he had kept their physical interaction to hugs and tender kisses. His libido was taking a beating and growing more insistent with each passing day, but he wanted their first joining since finding each other again to be special, and the bridal house at the back of the Fedosov estate was just the place to make that happen.
He had spoken with Dmitry about it yesterday, and even now, plans were being put in motion for tomorrow night. He knew that Jasmine would not willingly leave their son in the care of strangers, even though they were to be her family after tomorrow. He had arranged for a crib to be installed in the bridal house, as well as anything else he might require the two days they were to stay there.
He hoped that come Monday morning, Jasmine would have no doubts in her mind that he cared for her and she belonged with him.
When a knock sounded on the door a moment later, he gently pushed her away and suggested she wipe her face off before joining him downstairs.
Jasmine watched him go and pushed her doubts to the back of her mind. She owed it to herself and her son to see if Misha’s vision of the future could happen.
Chapter 15
She entered the front room, carrying Mikhail in her arms, moments later. She was immediately surrounded by Julia and Desi. They cooed and played with her smiling son, telling him how handsome he was. His ear was feeling much better and he had returned to the happy baby she loved.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay?” she asked Misha, referring to leaving him alone with his son.
“We’ll be fine. Now go. Ladies, see that she spends a large portion of my money.”
Jasmine gasped but Julia and Desi simply nodded and each grabbed her by an elbow, pulling her from the house before she could protest.
They explained to her as Sergei drove them to the shopping district, that they loved to shop, but had found it difficult since they didn’t speak Russian yet. They were going to do their own shopping and expected her to turn the afternoon into an impromptu Russian lesson.
Their enthusiasm was contagious and before long, Jasmine found herself laughing and teasing them. By the time they returned Jasmine to Misha’s home, the three women had bonded at a deep level and were the best of friends.
“Thank you for a wonderful afternoon. I don’t know when I’ve had so much fun.”
“No, thank you. Shopping was fun and not such a dreadful experience with you there to interpret for us.”
“Yes, I can’t wait to show Dmitry my new outfits.”
Jasmine laughed, “I thought you said those outfits, if they can actually be considered such, were for your honeymoon?”
“Well, I’ll of course have to try them out to make sure they’re comfortable and such.” Julia laughed at the expression on Jasmine’s face. “Don’t worry, Dmitry has purchased me much more revealing garments himself. Now, where is that sweet baby of yours? He’s going to look so cute in his new clothes.”
Julia and Desi had taken over the task of outfitting her son, purchasing him an entire wardrobe that she had tried to tell them he would outgrow within a few months, if not weeks. But the women were like tornadoes once they hit the children’s section of the shopping district. Jasmine looked around as Sergei finished bringing in their purchases and shook her head. She’d never purchased as much stuff at one time in her life. Ever!
Misha walked in holding Mikhail, who promptly held his hands out to her and started babbling. She took him, bussing his cheek before handing him to Julia who demanded a turn. “Come here, little man. You’re going to like what Aunt Julia bought you.”
Julia pulled a stuffed truck from one of the bags, removing the tag with her teeth before handing it to the little boy. He squeezed it in his hands before promptly putting it his mouth and biting down.
Julia looked on, a question in her eyes, “Is he hungry?”
Jasmine laughed, “No. He’s teething. Believe me, there’s a difference.” Such a difference that she had stopped nursing him several wee
ks back because he kept biting her. Afraid that he would do some permanent damage to her, she had cut him off and switched over to nothing but bottles and a sippy cup that Dasha had given her.
Desi took him, tickling his ribs and causing him to laugh. “You like that truck? Does it taste good?”
Mikhail loved all of the attention, and as Jasmine watched the women interact with her son, she suddenly realized what Misha had been trying to tell and show her. She wasn’t alone! Her son would never know the heartache of being lonely and having no one. These people had already opened their hearts to him – and to her. Today’s adventure had shown her that.
Looking at Misha, she saw him watching her and mouthed, “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
Misha relaxed and nodded at her across the room. He could see the truth in her eyes; she had finally accepted that this wasn’t just a dream that would vanish when the sun came out. It was real and it was hers for the taking.
Chapter 16
Saturday morning arrived and Jasmine found herself shaking at the thought of what she was about to do. She nervously dressed Mikhail in the new, little blue suit Julia and Desi had insisted she buy.
Misha could tell she was nervous, but chalked it up to wedding day jitters and tried to be as calm and steady for her, as he knew how to be. Taking Mikhail off her hands, he murmured to her, “Get yourself ready. We need to leave in thirty minutes or we’ll be late to our own wedding.” He smiled at her and then started up a one-sided conversation with their son as he left the room.
Jasmine sank down onto the bed, Misha’s bed, one they had yet to share, and pondered her future. She chastised herself for always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Going to the mirror in the bathroom, she lectured herself on not having enough faith.
She applied her makeup carefully, wanting to make a good first impression on Misha’s mother. She knew very little about the woman. Misha had told her she would be fine and that his mother would love her, but Jasmine wasn’t so confident.
Years of being shuffled from one foster home to another had taught her there wasn’t much about her that people wanted to keep around. At least that was her perspective. She had hardened her heart and mind, becoming impervious to what others thought of her.
Well, she had been impervious to what others thought of her. Now, she so desperately wanted everyone to accept her so that this dream she was currently living could continue, she was amazed at herself. Please don’t let me mess this up!
She finished dressing, looking at herself in the mirror with a critical eye. She was too thin, but the dress that Desi had picked out for her hid that, emphasizing her other features, including her long legs, and the long line of her neck.
The emerald green color brought out flecks of the green in her eyes, and offset the blondeness of her hair. She donned the three-inch heels, trying to remember how to walk in them. It had been a while since she’d worn anything but tennis shoes.
When she emerged from the bedroom several minutes later, she nervously smoothed down the short skirt. Misha was standing in front of the large stone fireplace holding a picture of his father and talking to Mikhail in a low voice.
“I wish he could have met him in person,” she stated quietly.
Misha looked over his shoulder, and then slowly placed the picture back upon the mantle, his eyes never leaving her. “Wow!” He turned and walked towards her, grabbing Mikhail’s hand covered in mushed cookie before he could grab a hold of her shoulder.
“Not today, little man. Momma’s gorgeous and we don’t want to mess up her pretty dress.” Mikhail grabbed a towel sitting nearby and wiped Mikhail’s hand before setting him down on the blanket that had been spread over the carpet.
Making a twirling motion with his hand, he watched as Jasmine did a slow turn for his inspection. When her back was fully to him, he stepped in, halting her progress, wrapping his hands around her shoulders.
“You are beautiful, moya dorogaya. Absolutely stunning, milaya moya.” He placed a kiss upon her neck and she tipped her head to the side, giving him better access and silently urging him not to stop.
Jasmine inhaled, taking his cologne in and felt her insides start to melt. What this man did to her! How had she lived the last eighteen months without his touch? She felt the hardness of his body behind her, a physical reminder of how much he desired her against her lower back.
Misha felt her surrender to his touch and closed his eyes briefly. They needed to leave in a few minutes, but he longed for the chance to explore her body once again. Tonight! Patience man!
Giving her shoulders one last squeeze, he inquired, “Are you ready?”
Jasmine nodded, “I am.”
“No more doubts?” Misha asked, having seen the struggle within her earlier.
“No. I can do this. I…I deserve this.” She said it in her mind repeatedly, convincing herself that the dream was about to become reality.
“You most certainly do and I’m glad you’re finally realizing it.”
“Well, it sounds good, anyways.”
“I’ll keep reminding you as often as you need it.” Misha stepped away from her, adjusting his pants before picking up his son and heading towards the door. He waited for her to exit the house, locking it behind him before escorting her to the waiting car.
He had asked Sergei to drive them again today. Misha’s lifestyle would need some adjustments before it was completely family ready. He didn’t own a normal vehicle. Instead, he normally drove a military Humvee. When he was on his own, he rode a Ducati motorbike he had purchased several years prior while in Italy. Neither mode of transportation was suitable for a wife and small infant. He would remedy that situation first thing Monday morning. Until then, Sergei would take them back and forth.
“Good morning, Miss Jasmine. Good morning, sir.”
Misha scowled at him, “Stop with the sir stuff already. You’ve been calling me Misha for years.”
Sergei nodded his head, “Yes, si- Misha.” Sergei smirked; he loved messing with Misha because the man gave as good as he got.
“Dmitry called a few minutes ago to warn you that Antonia is in residence and will be attending the festivities.”
Misha cursed.
Jasmine looked between Sergei and Misha, “Who is Antonia and why don’t you want her at our wedding?”
“Do me a favor, will you?” Misha asked, not answering the question.
“Okay. What?”
“Stay away from her. Whatever mischief she suggests, just say ‘No’. Loudly and repeatedly. Encourage Julia and Desi to do the same.”
“Like that will stop them. You know they’re planning a girls’ night out before their weddings, right? Jasmine will certainly be expected to attend.” Sergei was enjoying the look on Misha’s face.
Misha started shaking his head vehemently, “No! I won’t allow it! You aren’t going!”
Jasmine laughed, “What are you talking about? Sergei, who is Antonia?”
Sergei laughed, “Her sister is Mrs. Fedosov’s housekeeper and cook. Dmitry and Alexey’s mother. She’s also an international super model and keeps a lifestyle that is not necessarily one the Fedosov men wish their women to engage in.”
“She a party girl and sleeps around. Don’t beat around the bush, man. She was after Alexey for a while, but he wasn’t wild enough for her.”
Sergei laughed, “I think they were after each other, from what I observed. Alexey liked to party as well. So much so that Dmitry actually sent him to Moscow to sow his wild oats, hoping the board of directors wouldn’t hear about his antics.”
When Jasmine looked at Misha with a raised eyebrow, he explained, “What Sergei is trying to say is that the board of directors for DAV Mining are old-school men who believe women should be seen and not heard, and not seen much. Although, I must say, I’m always amazed at how quickly Julia wrapped them around her little finger. They all treat her like their favorite daughter.”
Sergei laughed. Misha shook his head
in disgust. Jasmine laughed, “Good for her. It sounds like someone needed to shake them up a bit. So, I take it Alexey has changed his wild ways?”
“I don’t know if I’d go that far, but he’s certainly contained them to only including Desi these days.”
Misha nodded in agreement, “I’m glad to see it. I was tired of seeing his mug spread across the tabloids. My troops took great pleasure in pointing out his escapades to me.”
Jasmine looked at Misha, “Do I detect a hint of jealousy in there? Did you secretly want to be the party boy?”
Misha looked so shocked and thoroughly turned off she started laughing. Mikhail looked at his mother and then started babbling as well. Misha nodded to their son, “He’s as appalled at that statement as I am. Alexey just needed to grow up a bit…”
“Misha, tell her about the pranks you and Alexey used to pull.”
“Shut. Up. I don’t need your assistance right now.” Misha pretended to glare at Sergei but lost it. Sergei had helped on more than one occasion as Alexey and Misha worked their mischief. He was as guilty as they were.
“I think Sergei and I need to sit down and have a long talk,” Jasmine stated.
“Not today. Not next week. Sergei’s schedule is very full. I doubt he’ll have time for that discuss any time in the next say… forever.” Misha dared Sergei to speak up, smiling when Sergei smirked at him. There were some things Jasmine didn’t need to know about. Actually, there were a lot of things she didn’t need to know about. At least not right now. Maybe later. Hopefully not.
Chapter 17
Sergei pulled the car up in front of the Fedosov estate and watched as Jasmine’s eyes widened. She’s finally starting to understand who’s she’s dealing with. He smiled at her as he opened the door and assisted her from the car.
Misha unbuckled Mikhail from his newly acquired car seat and then stepped out himself. The front door opened and a bevy of people emerged to welcome them.
Jasmine watched as one person after another greeted her warmly, hugging her, and kissing her cheeks in the traditional Russian greeting. Julia and Desi were the first ones to reach her. They both squealed and grabbed her for hugs, remarking over Mikhail as if they’d never seen a baby before.