Help me, won`t you?

Chapter 14: The Husband Title

It wasn’t a ray of sunshine that woke us the next morning, but the insistent buzzing of a cell phone. At first, I didn't realize whose it was, then my hand found it on the bedside table. Lena’s phone. I glanced at the screen: "Brother." My jaw tightened. Money again?

"Hello?" I answered, my voice raspy with sleep.

"Allo? Where’s Lena? Who the hell are you?" the voice on the other end barked.

"Lena’s sleeping. Can I take a message?" I didn't even know how to introduce myself.

"Are you working with her, or are you sleeping with her?"

"Excuse me?" I sat up slightly. "You’re calling her this early just to audit her bedroom? Don’t you think this conversation is a bit strange?"

"Where is my sister? I need her. Now!"

Lena stirred beside me, blinking sleepily. "Igor? Who’s calling this early?"

"It’s your brother," I whispered, covering the mic. "And he’s in a charming mood. Want to talk to him, or should I handle it?"

"Hey! Allo! Where is she?" the phone shouted.

"You handle it," Lena whispered back, kissing my cheek before burying her face in the pillow. "I don’t want to fight this early."

"Tell me what to pass on, and she’ll call you back," I told him.

"Fine. Tell her to call me ASAP. I need her help. And are you going to tell me who you are yet?"

"Just tell him you're my husband," Lena whispered in my ear. "He won't leave you alone otherwise."

A surge of satisfaction hit me. "I’m her husband. Anything else?"

"Husband? You can't be. I would’ve known. Listen, give her the phone!"

Lena reached over, snatched the phone, and ended the call. She turned it off completely and tossed it onto the shelf. She curled into my side, and I pulled her closer.

"I thought that would never end," she sighed, kissing my shoulder. "But I really liked it when you said 'I’m her husband.'"

"I wasn't sure how to say it at first. But it felt right... wife," I murmured, kissing the top of her head.

"So, what’s the plan for today, boss?"

"You're the hostess here. What do you suggest?"

"Well, it's 6:00 AM. We can stay in bed a while longer, then have breakfast. I haven't decided what to cook yet—I still need to learn all your favorite foods. Then we’ll go outside. I’ll show you the gazebo, the grill, the garden, and the pool. I bought steak, so we can have a picnic. How does that sound?"

"Perfect. But only if you promise I won't just sit there. I want to help."

"Of course. You're part of everything we do," she said, leaning in for a tender kiss.

We enjoyed the peace until a knock at the door broke the silence. It was Aunt Sveta, the neighbor. Lena threw on a robe and went to answer.

"Morning, Lena! Hope I didn't wake you. How’s Igor?"

"He’s fine, just enjoying the fresh air."

"Listen, my son Semyon is here. I told him about the stairs, and he wants to build a ramp so Igor can get in and out easily. Is it okay if he comes over later?"

"Aunt Sveta, that would be wonderful! We’d love the help."

Plans shifted, but I was glad for it. I didn't want to be a burden on Lena’s shoulders; I wanted to contribute.

Breakfast was a flurry of laughter as we cooked together. Shortly after, Semyon arrived. He was a solid, serious man, a bit shorter than Lena. He didn't come inside, just called out from the porch.

"Morning, folks! Came to help with the heavy lifting."

We headed out. "Semyon, good to see you. This is Igor."

"Hey. Mom’s been talking my ear off about Lena’s man," Semyon grinned as we shook hands. "Nice to meet you. Let’s get to work. I brought the tools."

Lena kissed my cheek and disappeared inside to tidy up. "I’ve never seen her this happy," Semyon remarked as we started measuring the steps. "I used to chase her years ago, but she only had eyes for her books. I’m glad she found someone."

We got to work. I couldn't hammer, but I measured, marked the wood, and handed him tools. By noon, we had a sturdy ramp installed. I tested it—it was perfect. No more being hauled up the stairs like a piece of luggage.

We spent the afternoon with the neighbors on their terrace. Aunt Sveta shared stories about Lena’s grandmother, and Semyon showed me the rest of the yard. By 3:00 PM, we retreated back to our own sanctuary.

"Ready to let me test that grill in the gazebo?" I asked Lena.

"Want to show off your skills, Mr. Husband? I’m all for it."

In the kitchen, she handed me a beautiful piece of pork. I decided on thick, juicy steaks. While I prepped the marinade, Lena worked on the side dishes. She seemed lost in thought, moving on autopilot. I didn't disturb her; I just headed out to the gazebo to get the fire started.

An hour and a half later, the table was set with a clean cloth, fine plates, and champagne flutes. Lena had changed into a light summer dress. She looked breathtaking.

"Wait, can I even have alcohol with my meds?" I asked, eyeing the bottle.

"Don't worry, it's non-alcoholic sparkling cider," she laughed. "We’re pretending. Shall we eat?"

We sat in the cool evening air, the smell of grilled meat mingling with the scent of spring flowers. We talked for hours—about her childhood, about my life before the accident. Eventually, she moved from her chair to the bench beside me, leaning her head on my shoulder. I wrapped my arm around her, feeling her warmth.

"So... will you marry me?"

"You're not going to stop asking until I say yes, are you?" she teased.

"I'll ask every single time we're together. I'm a persistent man, Lena. I get what I want."

She didn't say yes, but the way she leaned into me told me she was close. The rest of the weekend passed in a blur of harmony. We worked, we rested, and for a few fleeting days, we lived like a real family. My only fear was how quickly this idyll might end.