32
Nikolai
“Slavochka…” I crouch in front of my son. “I have to talk to you about something.”
He stares at me unblinkingly, unease evident in his expression. He couldn’t have missed all the people going in and out of the house, and I know he’s been wondering about what’s going on. Lyudmila told me he’s been peppering her with questions all afternoon—questions she’s held off answering, figuring I should be the one to break the news to him.
“It’s nothing bad,” I say when he remains silent. “In fact, it’s something really great. Remember when I promised you that Chloe is going to stay with us forever?”
He nods warily.
“Well, that’s what today is all about.” I smile broadly. “We’re getting married. Chloe is going to be not just your tutor, but your new mom.”
His eyes go wide, and his sm
