Page 77 of Unstable

“You do⁠—”

His thumb swept over her mouth, silencing her. “I don’t tell you how much I look forward to seeing you each day. How happy you make me.” His chest rose and fell. “How much I love you.”

It was the first time either of them had uttered those words, and tears sprang to her eyes as happiness spread through her body. “Really?”

“How could you ever doubt it?” His lips lowered to hers, and he kissed her soft and slow. She slid her fingers through the short strands of hair at the back of his neck as he thrust his tongue against hers.

A long minute later, she surfaced from her haze of pleasure and met his gaze. “I’ve wanted to tell you forever—I love you, too.”

He grinned, pulling her with him as he rolled to his back. “Show me.”

EPILOGUE

SIX MONTHS LATER

Buttery morning sunlight spilled through the window behind Irina, turning her hair to spun gold and bathing her in an ethereal glow. She was absolutely gorgeous, inside and out, so much that it hurt to look at her sometimes. He had no idea how he’d ever gotten so lucky, but he knew one thing—he was never going to let her go.

He watched as her eyelashes fluttered against her cheek, those gorgeous, big blue eyes blinking open and meeting his, as if she could feel him watching her.

He swept a strand of hair off her face and tucked it behind her ear. “Good morning, beautiful.”

Irina shifted her head on the pillow to look at him, a sexy, sleepy smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Merry Christmas.”

It was a very merry Christmas, and he couldn’t wait to share it with her. “You ready for breakfast?”

“Mhmm. In a minute.” She burrowed her head into the crook of his neck, tangling her legs with his, and he pulled her into his arms, the way he did each morning. The queen-sized bed they were currently curled up in was smaller than the king they typically shared at home, but he wasn’t going to complain.

Yesterday afternoon they’d flown into Pittsburgh to spend Christmas with his family, and they’d insisted they stay with them instead of a hotel. It was the first time Irina had met his parents, who’d immediately welcomed her into the fold. His mom was beyond thrilled to meet her and already loved her as much as he did.

Last night, once they were alone in their room, Irina had broken down and cried. He didn’t completely understand her reaction, but he knew the tumultuous relationship with her mother had done a number on her. Irina was part of his life for good, and he would do everything in his power to never let anything hurt her again.

A little over a month ago, Irina had moved her things into his house and they’d listed her two-bedroom home for rent. Sharing a bedroom at his place left two other rooms open—rooms that he hoped would be filled soon. His mom had hinted at grandkids on the phone, but he’d warned her not to say anything in front of Irina. Though they both wanted kids eventually, he knew it would be tricky with Irina’s career, and he promised himself he wouldn’t pressure her.

He swept one hand down her back and patted her butt. “Come on, sweetheart.”

She let out a little groan before peeling herself away, a sexy little pout taking up residence on her pretty face. He caught her and dragged her back to him, one hand tangled in the hair at the back of her head. “Hotel tomorrow night, then you’re all mine.”

He kissed her once—hard—then let her go. He watched her slide from the bed, lean muscles rippling as she lifted her hands over her head and stretched. With their busy schedules prior to the holiday, it’d been several days since they’d had a chance to make love. His parents probably wouldn’t care, but he preferred to be in a hotel where they could be alone.

Several hours later, they’d eaten and were gathered in the living room to exchange presents. His brothers and their families would be coming in tomorrow to celebrate, which gave them some one-on-one time with his parents. He passed Irina a brightly colored package, and her cheeks glowed with happiness as she pulled out a pair of fuzzy socks and clutched them to her chest.

“I love them! Thank you.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek, then turned her attention to his dad, who was doing his best to distract her with talk of his new tool set.

He pulled up the camera function and slipped his phone to his mom. She met his gaze, a huge smile on her face. “I was worried at first, but now that we’ve met her…”

He knew exactly how she felt. His parents were initially concerned and slightly disappointed to hear that he’d eloped with Irina before he even bothered to introduce them. He’d eventually told them it was a whirlwind romance, and that he’d known the moment he met her that he loved her and had to have her. Looking back, he thought that was the truth. They’d both tried so hard to conceal their true emotions and failed miserably. Thank God.

Mom passed him an ornament with Irina’s name inscribed on it, then pulled him into a hug. “I’m happy for you.”

“Me, too.” He softly kissed her cheek, then turned back to his wife. He laid a gentle hand on Irina’s shoulder to get her attention, and his dad shot him a knowing look as Mom sank down on the couch next to him.

“Hey, babe. One last thing.” She looked up at him with curious eyes as he passed her the ornament. “Now that you’re officially part of the family, you get your own ornament.”

She reached out and tentatively touched the silver Treble Clef, her bright eyes jumping between his parents and him. “I… Really?”

“Absolutely,” his mother encouraged with a smile. “Go put it on the tree.”

A huge grin split Irina’s face as she slipped it from his fingers and headed for the tree in the corner. He followed right behind and pointed out a spot high up right in front. “How about there?”