The Russian's Secret Child (The Fedosov Family Series) Read online

  They had a gorgeous woman with them who they introduced as Antonia Padrov. The woman smiled at Jasmine and then gave her a brief hug, “Whatever Misha told you about me, don’t believe a word of it. He’s just jealous because the press like me more than him.”

  Jasmine started to reply, but Misha beat her to it. Leaning over her shoulder, he looked Antonia in the eye before saying lightheartedly, “The press like your antics more. If I’d done half the things you have, I would have been run out of the Army on a rail.” He smiled as he said the words and Jasmine relaxed, realizing the two of them were teasing each other. I haven’t seen this side of him. I like it!

  Their husbands were next – Dmitry and Alexey. “Shame on you for not finding us sooner, milaya moya. You should have come to us as soon as you knew how to find us.” The reprimand came from Dmitry, but was delivered at the same time he pulled her to himself for a hug, so she assumed he wasn’t really upset with her.

  This was confirmed when he pulled away and gave her a big brotherly smile. Never having had a brother to interact with before, she discovered she could get used to having them. Surprisingly, in the midst of these virtual strangers, she felt safe, warm and loved. Wow! If this is what family is, I could definitely get used to it!

  The interactions she’d had while in the foster care system hadn’t been anything like this. She’d spent the first five years of her life in the state orphanage. As she had entered public school, they had farmed her out to whichever foster home had room. None of them had been stellar, but she hadn’t been abused either. She had always been one of many kids in the homes, especially as she got older.

  Jasmine had lived for school, finding it a means of escape from her living situation which pointed out to her each and every moment of every day that she was alone in this world. She had obtained a job as soon as she could, which served to keep her busy another twenty hours a week.

  When she turned eighteen, she moved out, got a small apartment, and finished high school. Her peers at school had never understood her, but they hadn’t walked a mile in her shoes either. Applying for federal grant money, she had started her education. Taking as many classes each semester as she could, working on campus, and then off. She had managed to get by and been well on her way and then she had come to Russia.

  Alexey grabbed her around the waist and lifted her into the air as she gasped. That would teach her to get lost in her thoughts while around this group!

  “Put my wife down,” Misha ordered him. Misha watched Jasmine for signs of fear, but instead he saw a confused joy on her face. She doesn’t know what to do with all of these people.

  Alexey twirled Jasmine around once and then set her back on her feet, “Welcome to the family. By the way, believe everything Misha told you about Antonia. It’s all true.” He said this sotto voce, wincing when first Antonia, and then Julia and Desi slugged him in the arm for the comment. “What?! I just wanted her to be prepared.”

  Jasmine struggled to get her mind to keep up. Everyone was talking to everyone else, and teasing one another. She smiled, watched, and enjoyed. These people genuinely liked each other and she felt blessed to be amongst them.

  Desi dragged Alexey away, leaving several other people to come forward. She was introduced to the housekeeper, Mrs. Padrov, several other household staff, and the beautiful couple whose restaurant Misha had taken her to way back before things had fallen apart – Peterick and Isaldya.

  Two stately older women were the last ones to exit the house.

  Jasmine watched them approach; knowing instinctively that the raven-haired woman belonged to Dmitry and Alexey, and the white-haired woman with the kind face was Misha’s mother.

  “Welcome Jasmine. I’m so happy to meet you,” the woman with the white hair told her, hugging her tight for a few seconds. Turning to look at her son, she said, “And this must be my grandson. Mikhail, right?”

  “That’s correct, momma. Isn’t he handsome?”

  Sasha Fedosov touched Mikhail’s face gently, before saying, “He has your eyes.”

  Misha nodded, tears threatening to fall at the sight of his mother, his son, and his soon-to-be-wife all together. Father would have enjoyed seeing this!

  “Come into the house. The priest is already here and we’re only waiting on a few more people and then we can begin.”

  Jasmine allowed Julia and Desi to escort her inside, making plans to join Antonia for a girls’ night out as they went. Jasmine didn’t tell them that she would probably not attend, but for a few moments it felt good to be included.

  Chapter 18

  Dmitry, Alexey, Misha and Sergei watched the women enter the house. Of the four men, three were watching their futures. Sergei turned from the sight, wondering if his future would ever appear. He had watched first Dmitry, and then Alexey, become smitten by American women.

  He had never expected Misha to fall for a foreigner, but then he hadn’t been around Misha day in and day out like he had the other two. Misha had been on his own for much of his stint in the Army, so Sergei was less familiar with his romantic interests. Oh well, maybe my future will just drop into my life one day. If it happened to the others, it could happen to me. Couldn’t it?

  He was pulled from his wonderings when he heard Dmitry start to discuss the report which had come in just moments before everyone started arriving.

  “…the man’s a mess. He’s been in jail a half dozen times for fighting, and according to the PI, he hangs out with a rough crowd.”

  Misha listened, disheartened to learn that Jasmine’s brother wasn’t the model citizen she was hoping for. “So, now what?”

  “I hope you don’t mind, but I gave the PI instructions to contact the man – Brian Martin, and explain the situation to him. I told him to give the man our phone number here and instruct him to call within forty-eight hours. The ball’s in his court now.”

  “And if he doesn’t call?” Misha asked, wondering how he was going to break this news to Jasmine.

  “I haven’t thought that far ahead. I just wanted you to start thinking about it. If he does call, he’s probably going to want to see her.”

  Misha shook his head, “She can’t leave the country, and even if she could, I wouldn’t let her.”

  Alexey nodded before interjecting, “That’s why I suggested we fly the man here to meet her.”

  Misha nodded, “Yes. If he calls and wants to meet her, he’ll have to come here. I like the thought of him being on our turf.”

  The men all nodded, Sergei included.

  Glancing around, Misha asked, “Where’s Dasha?”

  “You’re not going to believe this, but when my man caught up with her yesterday to issue the invitation, she was with Tomas. He insisted on coming as well. He’s bringing Dasha. In fact, that’s them now.” Sergei pointed to the vehicle coming down the drive.

  Misha looked at the approaching vehicle, surprised to see Tomas behind the wheel of the car. “Did you know he could drive?”

  Dmitry shook his head, “No. I don’t think he has occasion to do so in town. I believe he has a gift for your almost wife as well. It seems that several high-ranking officials in the immigration office owe Tomas. They were more than happy to provide an updated visa and backdate the paperwork in exchange for a portion of their debt being forgiven.”

  Misha was stunned. Jasmine had a visa already? “What did that cost you with Tomas?”

  “Tomas and I are now even. He owed me for something from the past. Now that debt has been repaid and we are even.”

  Misha was stunned, “What do I owe you?”

  “Be happy! That’s what we all need right now. We’ve had enough heartache in this family. It’s time for some happiness, don’t you think?”

  Misha was saved from responding as Dasha leapt from the car, “Where is she?” she exclaimed excitedly.

  Jasmine had heard the car arriving and come back outside. When she saw Dasha get out of the car, she ran back down the sidewalk and the two women threw
themselves into each other’s arms. “I’m so glad you’re here,” Jasmine told her.

  “I so glad your man there remembered to invite me. Tomas is here as well.”

  “Really?” Jasmine turned to see Tomas sliding from the car, “Mr. Alenin. Tomas,” she corrected herself at his scowl, “thank you so much for coming.”

  Jasmine turned to Misha, “Thank you for inviting them.”

  “No problem.”

  Dasha turned her back around, looking at her clothing and the glow that was apparent on her face. The dark circles that had been ever present on her light skin were almost gone, and already her cheeks had lost that hollow glow. He’s taking good care of her and she’s happy, even if she doesn’t accept that this is where she belongs, yet. She will!

  Alexey spoke up, “Now that we’re all here, let’s go find the priest.”

  Chapter 19

  The ceremony was simple, yet elegant. Jasmine was glad she was fluent in Russian as the words of the ceremony were beautiful. She clung to Misha’s hand as the priest went through his dialogue, glancing occasionally over her shoulder to where Dasha was keeping Mikhail entertained.

  Julia and Desi had each offered to hold him, but her son had a mind of his own and reached for Dasha. She had lovingly taken him, kissing him loudly on the cheek as he giggled. They had missed each other.

  She was brought back to the present when Misha turned her to look at him. “You are distracted by our son.”

  Jasmine blushed but nodded, “He missed Dasha and she him.”

  Misha glanced over her shoulder and then back, “We will make sure they have time together. Thank you for giving us this chance.”

  Before she could respond, Misha lowered his head, taking her lips with his own. The kiss that Misha bestowed upon her was filled with so much promise, she found herself clinging to him, wishing they were alone, and not standing in front of family and friends.

  Jasmine lost all track of time as she closed her eyes and gave herself over to Misha’s kiss. It took several seconds after he drew away before she realized their guests were clapping and cheering for them. She blushed and ducked her head, embarrassed to have lost track of where they were.

  Misha saw her blush and laughed. “Come, let’s eat.”

  Mrs. Padrov had prepared a feast, including both Russian and American foods. Jasmine smiled when she saw how much trouble the woman had gone to.

  “Mrs. Padrov, everything looks just wonderful,” Jasmine told her. Everything tasted just as it looked, fabulous.

  Mikhail was soaking up the attention and had won the hearts of everyone over. Misha had joined his cousins, Tomas and Sergei on the opposite of the room and every now and again, the sound of his laughter rang out causing her to smile.

  After eating and spending a few minutes going through the normal American wedding rituals, Misha announced it was time for them to leave. Jasmine hadn’t given any thought to what came after the wedding except to anticipate Misha making love to her once again.

  She had assumed they would return to his house, but when she whispered that to him, he simply grinned at her and shook his head.

  Misha liked the look of surprise upon her face and vowed to put it there more often. After everyone wished them well, he hurried her and Mikhail out to the waiting horse drawn carriage. A throwback from previous years, it was in excellent repair and was pulled by a team of white stallions, borrowed from a neighboring stable.

  Misha held Mikhail while Dmitry handed Jasmine into the carriage. He then handed their son up and joined her, pulling the lap blankets around them to ward of the chilly air. Winter was arriving and each day the air grew colder and the threat of snow loomed.

  The young lad who drove the team quietly took them to the far side of the estate property, to the bridal house. After disembarking from the rig, Misha thanked him. As Misha ushered her inside, he smiled – Dmitry and Alexey had outdone themselves.

  The single room house contained a small kitchen, which opened up into a large room that served as both living room and bedroom. Off to the side was a state of the art bathroom, complete with a Jacuzzi tub and masseuse table.

  Misha smiled at the look of wonder on Jasmine’s face as she wandered around the room, taking in the candles strategically placed here and there, the vases of fresh roses that filled their air with their scent, and the crib for Mikhail. There was even a highchair and a stroller near the front door.

  “Misha, how…?” she turned with the baby in her arms. She took in the suitcases that stood at the foot of the bed as well. Someone had gone to a lot of work to put this together!

  “Dmitry and Alexey. I told them what I wanted, but they’ve outdone themselves.” He walked to the refrigerator and was pleased to see that Mrs. Padrov had stocked plenty of re-heatable dinners and snack foods.

  Mikhail chose that moment to start fussing, being overly tired and in need of a nap. “Why don’t I make him a bottle while you get him comfortable?”

  Jasmine smiled at him and carried Mikhail over to the bed to change his diaper and put him into his pajamas. It was several hours past his normal naptime, but she knew from experience that if he didn’t sleep for a little while, he would be fussy the rest of the night. Hope Misha knows what he’s in for!

  Mikhail brought her the bottle, pulling her over to sit with her back to him on the couch. Once Mikhail was sucking away happily on his bottle, Misha began to knead Jasmine’s shoulders and her neck.

  Jasmine groaned her appreciation. She had worked herself up about the wedding and meeting his mother, and all of that stress had stored itself up in her shoulders.

  “Feel good?” Misha quietly asked her.

  Jasmine nodded, not wanting to wake up Mikhail who was almost finished with his bottle and nearly sound asleep.

  Misha moved his hands a little lower, kneading her shoulder blades before pressing his thumbs into the tight muscles on either side of her spine. He splayed his finger along her back, his finger just grazing the sides of her breasts as he moved his hands lower.

  Jasmine was becoming a puddle of need and shifted restlessly on the couch. She needed to lay Mikhail down in his crib before she hadn’t the strength left in her arms.

  Mikhail steadied her as she rose from the couch with hands on her hips. He released her long enough for her to lay the infant in the crib, and then pulled her back into his arms, this time facing him.

  “Hello, Mrs. Fedosov.”

  Chapter 20

  “Hello, Mr. Fedosov,” Jasmine shyly replied.

  “Reach into my back pocket,” Misha told her, adjusting her on his lap before letting his hands run through the short strands of her hair.

  Jasmine reached behind him and found that in order to do as he had requested, she would have to get very friendly with his person. Raising an eyebrow at the challenge she saw in his eyes, she slid both hands down, skimming beneath the waistband of his pants to touch the very bare skin below. What?!

  She reared back and looked into his smiling eyes, “You missed your mark. I said my back pocket.” Misha chuckled at the look upon her face.

  “Are you…?”

  “Ready for you? Always. Pocket, please.” Misha gritted his teeth as she slid her hands from beneath his pants. Now she was just torturing him! He growled at her slow response and she grinned at him.

  Finding his pant pockets, she delved her hands inside, coming up with an envelope. Pulling it free, she brought it around to look at it, a look of wonder on her face when she saw that it had come from the immigration office.

  Jasmine looked at him, a question in her eyes, “Is this…?”

  “Why don’t you open it and find out.”

  Jasmine sat back, her knees straddling his thighs as she did so and slowly slid the envelope open. Contained within was a visa with her name on it. A visa that showed it had never expired and had been renewed on time. “How did you do this?”

  “I wish I could take credit for it, but it was all Tomas.”

 
“Tomas?” He had asked the Bratva boss for something? “What do you owe him now?”

  Misha chuckled, “It’s good to know that you understand the way things work here. Tomas actually owed Dmitry. Now that debt has been paid. Are you happy?”

  Jasmine tried to stem the tears that sprang to her eyes, “Happy? I’m so happy I’m crying.” She wiped her eyes and tried to stop.

  “Don’t cry. Even happy tears, it breaks my heart to see you crying.”

  “I’m just so happy. For the last eighteen months, it has seemed so hopeless at times. I wondered if I would ever find a way out of the mess I created.”

  “Shush,” he told her, wiping the tears from her cheeks with his thumbs. “You didn’t create this mess. And in case I haven’t already told you, I’m so amazed and proud of what you were able to do. Your strength amazes me.”

  Misha meant every word he said. A lesser woman would have given up after finding out she was pregnant by a man she couldn’t find, and that she was stuck in a strange country. Having to deal with severe morning sickness on top of that would have leveled most people, but not his Jasmine.

  She had risen up and taken on the challenge, doing whatever she had to do to keep his son healthy and safe. She was a remarkable woman and he looked forward to telling her that many times over the next fifty or sixty years.

  “I have another proposition for you.”

  Jasmine swallowed and nodded, “What?” She settled herself more fully onto his lap, a spark of mischief entering her eyes at his low growl.

  “No more looking backwards. We can’t change the last eighteen months or I would in a heartbeat. The thought of you sick and feeling all alone tears me up inside. I want us to look forward. To the future, we have an opportunity to build together. To the legacy, we can leave behind for Mikhail. To the siblings he’s going to have.”