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My head pounded, and I struggled to breathe right, but I ed a quiet and heartfelt, “I will love you, forever and always”

“Forever and always” was his soft response, then his lips coveredour connection He breathed life back intowent through me

I fought for so long I fought so hard Needing control in situations that scareda man who could never return the sentiment

But I wasn’t scared today

In fact, nothing had ever felt better than handing my ribbon-wrapped heart to Viktor Nikulin

This felt right I was exactly where I needed to be

In the arms of a man who loved me more than he ever found a way to put into words

36

Nastasia

Pregnancy announce People should have been ecstatic by the news Friends were meant to jump up and doith joy, hold my hands, and cry with happiness At least, that’s what every Hallht me

I guess I felt short-changed

I just couldn’t understand why mine felt so aard

My brothers already knew, and so did Anika, and when Vik and I decided to gather everyone into our ho used to that—and ether, it went a little so like this

I glanced around the roo like a h-necked dress with zero embellished et ht all of his boys, and although a handful of them already knew, it was more of a formal declaration so that nobody felt left out And e stood in front of the group of people we considered not just friends but faan,beside Lev, looking at us both with a small smile that showed her curiosity

I clearedcomfort His hand came to rest on my hip, and I peered up at hientle kiss to my forehead And I finally felt ready “Firstly, ant to thank you all For your friendship For your help in seeing me home safely”

“We’re grateful,” Vik cut in, and when I glanced up at him, I noticed he had spoken directly to Philippe