Knocked Up by the Russian (Nikolai Bratva Brides #3)

Epilogue - Amy

Five months later

"Ivan?" Amy called as she stepped into the garden, her shoes sunk into the grass and a grimace crossed her face. Should've known better than to wear high heels, damn it.

Her stomach had grown huge in the past few months, protruding like a basketball under her dress, and Amy couldn't see a damn thing to know where she was standing as she walked toward the picnic. She adjusted her posture, trying to balance on the uneven ground, when she spotted the rest of the family gathered at the picnic table, laughing and enjoying the late afternoon sun.

"Adrian, you're officially the only one left single!" Zia teased, leaning back in her chair with a sly grin. "What are you waiting for? You should get it together before they start having kids."

"Yeah, seriously!" Mira chimed in. "At this rate, you'll be the last man standing while we're all fighting over who's babysitting next."

"I'm happy to do it!" Ava called, a huge grin on her face as she cradled Alexander to her chest.

"What? Marry Adrian or babysit?" Mira asked and Amy chuckled as her sister's face went scarlet, and she babbled in a high voice.

"BABYSIT!"

Adrian rolled his eyes dramatically, a playful smirk crossing his lips. "Thanks for reminding me of my impending doom, ladies. I guess I should just adopt a dozen cats to keep me company." He turned to Ava next, a disappointed pout on his lips. "What's the matter with marrying me, baby Spence? I'm a catch."

Ava looked like she was about to die of embarrassment, and Amy snickered as their brothers' turned to tease her.

"Leave her alone, you bullies!" she called out.

The laughter that erupted around the table felt warm and inviting. Amy smiled as she watched the banter unfold, feeling a sense of belonging wrap around her like a cozy blanket. There was something beautiful about this chaotic family unit, and she felt a swell of joy at the thought of adding their own little one to the mix.

Feeling a tug at her hand, she turned to see Ivan stepping closer, a look of amusement dancing in his blue eyes. He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. "They do have a point, you know," he murmured with a playful grin as he looked at Ava. "You could always settle for Adrian. He’s got a nice personality."

"Ha, very funny," Adrian shot back, pretending to be offended. "I think I’ll pass on the offer. I have my standards too, you know?"

"RUDE!" Ava shrieked, plucking grass to throw at him. Amy had to giggle, she couldn't believe how her younger sister was growing out of her shell, but something about this family dynamic was getting her there.

"Oh, please. Don't argue with him. That's how your sister ended up with Ivan," Paisley teased, shooting Amy and Ivan a pout. "I do not need any more grandbabies just yet, thank you."

More laughter echoed around them, and the teasing continued. For a moment, Amy felt her worries drift away. Yet, as the laughter faded and the conversation turned more serious, she leaned against Ivan, resting her head on his shoulder.

Soon enough, the family members began to disperse, leaving Ivan and Amy alone in the garden, surrounded by the fading glow of the sunset.

"Looks like it’s just us now," Ivan said, his voice taking on a softer tone. He brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering a moment longer on her cheek.

"Just us and our growing family," Amy replied, her heart swelling at the thought of their baby. The two of them entered a comfortable silence, but it was tinged with playful affection as if they both knew what was coming next.

"You think we should start planning for her room?" Ivan asked, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Of course! I want it to be perfect." Amy's gaze lit up, and she began to envision the colors, the furniture, and all the little details they could share. "And maybe a corner with your favorite coffee mugs to carry on the tradition."

"You mean the mug you won’t stop talking about?" Ivan laughed, shaking his head playfully. "I still don’t get how you noticed it. But sure, we need a little shelf for all the 'important' things like that."

"Oh, just you wait!" she teased back, nudging him with her shoulder. "She's going to love that mug almost as much as I do."

"We’ll see about that," he replied with a smirk, leaning in closer. Their playful bickering wove seamlessly with the tenderness that hung in the air between them.

In that moment, she felt an overwhelming sense of contentment wash over her. They were building a life, a future— a family. And no matter what came their way, she knew that as long as they were together, they would find their rhythm.

"Whatever happens, we’ll do it together, right?" Ivan murmured, his expression earnest as he searched her gaze.

"Always," she whispered back, feeling the warmth of love pulse between them. "I can’t wait to see what our life looks like as parents."

With that, Ivan leaned in, capturing her lips in a soft kiss, reminding her that for all the uncertainty ahead, this was where they belonged—together, ready to take on the world.

Or, almost.

"I still think we should go with the name Katherine," Ivan murmured and she pulled away to punch him.

"Hell no!"

*****

THE END