Page 21 of Pregnant Behind the Veil

“Hello, Mom.”

My fingers tighten on the doorknob as he listens for a moment.

“See you soon.” He tucks the phone back into his pocket. “My mother’s in the elevator. Would you like to meet her now or later?”

I’d like to just close the door and take a nap. A very long nap where I wake up married without having to face my future mother-in-law. But that would be delaying the inevitable. Better to know what I’m facing before the ceremony.

“Now’s fine. As long as you don’t mind me meeting your mother in my robe.”

“She won’t care what you’re wearing.” A hint of his earlier smile reappears. “She just wants to meet you.”

I lean against the door as he walks down to the first floor. I know nothing about Sarah Sullivan other than she single-handedly raised Michail. Will she be excited her son is finally tying the knot? Or will she be like my mother and think no one can measure up to her ideals of the perfect woman for her son? That no one is worth the risk of having your heart shattered?

Worst of all, will she be like my grandmother? Reject her grandbaby before it’s even born?

A feminine voice travels up the stairs, husky with age and warm with affection, followed by Michail’s deep voice. I swallow hard as they come into view. She’s only a few years older than my mom was, a beautiful woman with a heart-shaped face framed by blond hair tinged with silver strands. I see Michail in the sharp cheekbones and the full lips as she smiles up at him. He’s returning her smile with an endearing grin of his own.

Her head turns in my direction. Uncertainty roots me to the spot until I see the sparkle her eyes as she looks at me.

“Hello.” Her hand flies to her chest. “I’m Sarah.” Her gaze drops down to my stomach. A lone tear trails down her cheek. “I’m… I’m so happy to meet you. Both of you.”

The knots of fear loosen a fraction.

“Hello.” I step forward and offer my hand. “Michail’s told me a lot about you.”

Sarah clasps my hand in both of hers, her gaze darting between my face and my belly. “I’m just…” She blinks rapidly. “I’m sorry. I just never thought I’d ever experience this.” She turns back to Michail and grasps his arm even as she keeps one hand wrapped around mine. “Not that I didn’t respect your decision. But now that she’s here and the baby…” Her head whips back around. “A boy?” I nod. Her smile is bright enough to light up the hallway. “That’s wonderful. Do you have names picked out?”

I see Michail’s gaze sharpen out of the corner of my eye. I had names picked out. I’d even narrowed it down to two before Michail planted himself in my life. As much as I want to make that choice myself, it wouldn’t honor the partnership we’ve agreed on.

But I’m not ready to have that discussion. Not after I’ve already given in on so much.

“Not yet. We should have some time on the honeymoon to narrow down a list.”

Something in his face shifts, a slight softening about his eyes.

“Of course, of course.” Sarah squeezes my hand once more before releasing it. “Just know I’m here for anything you, Michail or the baby need.”

The difference between how Michail’s mom is reacting to the news of her grandchild compared to how I once heard my own grandmother describe me as my mother’s “second-worst mistake” is a blessing I desperately needed today. Even though thinking about my son never knowing my mother is a raw wound I’m not sure will ever completely heal, I’m comforted knowing my baby will have a loving grandparent in its life.

“I really appreciate that.” I give her a small smile. “Maybe we can spend more time together when Michail and I get back to the States.”

Michail’s phone rings again. He mutters under his breath as he answers. “Yes?” His brows draw together in a deep frown. “You’re four hours early.”

There’s a burst of talking from the other end, loud enough that I can hear it. My stomach drops as I recognize the voice.

Gavriil.

“Fine.” Michail hangs up and shoves the phone back into his pocket. “Gavriil and Rafe are here with their wives.”

Sarah’s shoulders climb up a fraction as her smile tightens. I’ve seen the same reaction before, especially during will readings. Feuding family members who haven’t seen each other in years, a man seeing his ex-wife with her new husband for the first time. Sarah has probably never met Gavriil or Rafe, the other children of her ex-lover. I inwardly wince. Rafe is almost an exact replica of his father. I can’t imagine what kind of shock that will be for her.

Anger for Sarah, for Gavriil and Rafe’s mothers and I’m sure other women who suffered under the weight of Lucifer’s selfishness, spurs me to action.

“Why don’t you go greet them?” I place a hand on Sarah’s shoulder. “I’m having trouble picking between a couple things for the ceremony. Do you mind?”

Michail’s frown deepens, but Sarah shoots me a grateful smile.

“That sounds lovely.”