The Arrangement: Epilogue II

Three years later…

Settled in my home office, the laptop screen flickers with the faces of Ty, Cassie, and a few other key members of our Paws and Play team. I lean in, feeling every bit the boss lady as we dive into our mid-year review, dissecting the progress and challenges of our three locations.

‘Okay, team, let’s talk numbers and narratives,’ I begin, flipping through the tabs on my screen to pull up our performance metrics. ‘We’ve seen impressive growth in our Lincoln Park and Wicker Park spots, but I think it’s time we consider expanding further north, maybe into Rogers Park. Thoughts?’

Ty jumps in, his humor never far behind. ‘As long as we don’t start offering cat yoga, I’m in. I can’t handle any more ‘purrrfect balance’ puns, Tory.’

Cassie rolls her eyes but smiles. ‘I think it’s a great idea, Tory. There’s a real demand up north. But are we stretching too thin, too fast?’

The screen lights up with nods and thoughtful expressions, everyone considering the balance between growth and sustainability.

‘I want us to mull it over for the rest of the year,’ I say, determined to make a calculated move rather than a rushed decision. ‘No cat yoga, Ty, I promise. But maybe doga?’

Ty’s laugh is infectious, even through the digital divide. ‘Doga? Dogs doing yoga? Now, that I’ve got to see. Count me in for the demonstration.’

The back-and-forth continues, ideas bouncing around, the team’s dynamics vibrant and full of potential. We discuss staffing needs, potential locations, and marketing strategies, all while Ty’s sass keeps the mood light and engaging.

As the call winds down, I feel a rush of gratitude for this team, for their dedication and spirit. ‘Thanks, everyone. Your hard work and creativity are what make Paws and Play such a success. Let’s keep pushing, keep innovating, and we’ll make this expansion a reality.’

Closing the laptop, I lean back in my chair, a sense of contentment washing over me. This business, our team, it’s more than just a job—it’s a passion, a community. And as I gaze out the window, thinking about the future of Paws and Play, I’m filled with excitement for what’s to come.

The tranquility of our garden stretches out before me and a moment of reflection washes over. It’s almost surreal, this life I’m living now. Paws and Play is thriving beyond my wildest dreams, a testament to the hard work, love, and maybe a bit of luck we’ve poured into it.

I’ve reached a point where I’ve been able to delegate the bulk of the daily operations to Ty and our incredible team of managers. They’re the backbone of our success, allowing me the space to still be involved without being overwhelmed by the minutiae.

Each day, I make it a point to visit our shops, not just to ensure things are running smoothly, but also because Adelina and Kira have fallen in love with the pups. Their laughter and joy when we’re there, amidst the wagging tails and playful barks, remind me why I started the business in the first place.

Stepping back from the day-to-day grind has also opened up a new world for me—one where family takes center stage. The ability to spend quality time with Maksim, Adelina, and little Kira is something I cherish deeply. Watching Kira grow, seeing her and Adelina play in the garden, and sharing quiet moments with Maksim are the highlights of my day. This balance between passion for my work and love for my family is more fulfilling than I could have ever imagined.

As I pull away from the window, a smile finds its way onto my face. This life, with its blend of business success and family bliss, is more than I ever hoped for. I’m grateful for every chaotic, messy, beautiful moment of it. It’s a reminder that dreams don’t have to be just dreams—they can be your reality, if you’re willing to chase them with all your heart.

The sound of laughter, pure and joyful, draws me away from my reflections and down the stairs, curiosity and a familiar warmth guiding my steps. In the heart of our home, is a scene that captures the essence of happiness: Adelina and Kira, engrossed in the simple pleasure of building a tower with blocks. Their concentration and teamwork, punctuated by bursts of giggles, fill the room with life.

Maksim is there too, a gentle giant among his girls, throwing in his playful suggestions that spark more laughter. Watching him with our daughters, so involved and loving, reinforces everything I feel about this man, about our family.

I am mesmerized by Kira, watching her little hands pick up blocks with determination. She’s growing so fast, each day bringing new discoveries, new joys. The love I have for these girls is overwhelming, grounding, and exhilarating all at once. Being a mom has unlocked a part of my heart I didn’t even know existed, and every moment with Kira and Adelina feels like a gift.

Catching Maksim’s eye, we share a look that says everything without words. It’s a shared understanding, a mutual gratitude for this life we’re building, for the love that surrounds us. Standing there, watching our girls play, I’m struck by the sheer rightness of it all, by the sense of belonging and purpose that fills me.

As Maksim effortlessly closes the distance between us, his arm finds its familiar place around my waist, pulling me in for a kiss that still manages to make my heart flutter, despite the playful interruption from Adelina.

‘Ew, gross,’ she protests, but her voice is full of mirth, joining in our laughter.

Breaking away, Maksim shares his plans for the evening. ‘It’s date night,’ he announces with that look in his eyes that promises more than just dinner and a movie. ‘Father and Tiffany will be here soon to watch the girls.’

His hand sneaks a playful squeeze, and I can’t help but smile at the insinuation. The conversation shifts as I remember a piece of gossip that’s been circulating. ‘Speaking of Tiffany, is it true? She and Igor are trying for another baby?’

Maksim nods, a mix of pride and confidentiality in his expression. ‘Trying? You should see the bill for the IVF treatments. It was a success last month.’ The joy in his voice is unmistakable.

My reaction must have been more visible than I thought because Maksim quickly hushes me with a finger to his lips. ‘They’ll be sharing the news soon,’ he whispers, a shared secret between us now.

The room feels charged with the excitement of our little secret and the anticipation of our evening together. Diving back into the whirlwind of playtime, my thoughts begin to wander, but this time with a lighter touch. Maksim, who’s been steering the Bratva ship with the same kind of ‘involved yet hands-off’ style I’ve adopted with Paws and Play, has truly come into his own.

The Bratva under his command has grown into the city’s powerhouse, so much so that it’s become a bit of a no-brainer that no one dares to rock the boat—though, of course, there have been a few bold souls who’ve tried.

The saga with Aleksey feels like it’s from another lifetime now. His stint with the law has him tucked away for a good long stretch, which, in a way, has closed a turbulent chapter for us, letting us breathe a little easier.

And Tiffany, she’s been nothing short of amazing. It’s pretty clear she’s made her peace with the rollercoaster life that comes with our men. The way she’s been with me—no grudges, just open arms—really makes me feel lucky. It’s like we’ve got this unspoken bond, understanding the craziness we’re tied to without having to say a word.

Caught up in these musings while watching Maksim play with Adelina and Kira, I’m struck by how we’ve managed to blend our not-so-ordinary life with moments of pure, simple joy. Here we are, in the midst of our unique chaos, finding our slice of happiness, building a life that’s as full of love and laughter as it is complex.

Watching the girls giggle as Maksim pretends to be a monster chasing them around, I feel a wave of affection for this life we’ve built. Sure, it’s a bit unconventional, maybe even a tad perilous, but it’s ours.

The moment Igor and Tiffany walk through the door, the atmosphere shifts to one of pure delight. Adelina and Kira’s excitement is palpable, their cries of ‘Dedushka!’ and ‘Babushka!’ filling the room with warmth and joy. Kira, primarily an English speaker, manages the Russian titles with an adorable accent that never fails to make everyone smile.

With the girls happily preoccupied with their grandparents, Maksim and I slip out for our much-anticipated date night. Maksim, in his suit, manages to look effortlessly handsome, causing my heart to skip a beat or two every time I glance his way.

Our evening unfolds with the perfect blend of romance and fun. Dinner is a cozy affair, filled with intimate conversations and shared laughter, a testament to the deep connection we’ve nurtured over time. Afterwards, we find ourselves lost in the rhythm of the dance floor, moving together as if we’re the only ones in the world. The music, the lights, the ambiance—it all blends into a perfect backdrop for a night dedicated to us, to our love.

After our perfect evening out, we find ourselves back at home, quickly slipping into the comfortable and familiar sanctuary of our room. Despite the years together, our kisses still hold the electric charge of new love.

As we make out like two horny lovebirds, our clothes gathering on the floor, the world outside fades away and leaves just the two of us. Our kisses, deep and full of years of love, spark that familiar fire, each one a reminder of our journey together, of every challenge faced and joy shared.

‘It’s amazing… seems like every kiss is like the first time,’ Maksim murmurs against my lips, his hands tracing the contours of my back as he pulls me closer.

I laugh softly, the sound mingling with the quiet ambiance of our room. ‘Is that your way of saying you’re still madly in love with me, Mr. Morozov?’

‘Madly doesn’t even begin to cover it,’ he replies, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that sends my heart racing. It’s in these moments, in the simplicity of our love, that I find the greatest joy.

He leads me to the bed, our steps synchronized, a dance we’ve mastered over the years.

Taking his sweet time, Maksim has me bent over and holding on to one of the bed posts as he kneels behind me. He runs his fingers between my slick folds, drawing circles around my clit before his slides his tongue over it. His lips close around the swollen nub, my knees bucking, my legs shaking as I have no choice but to let myself go.

I come gushing, and he licks me clean, groaning with delight before he gets up and takes me from behind. His gigantic cock fills and stretches my pussy, slick with my juices as he starts moving. I welcome him whole, moaning his name over and over as the intensity thickens, as the pressure builds up again. He fucks me harder, harder, deeper and faster until the sound of flesh slapping flesh is all I can hear.

He smacks my ass with one hand while the other reaches around my hip and proceeds to coax my clit into another broiling frenzy.

“I love you so much, it fucking hurts,” he grunts as he claims me yet again, body and soul, thrusting himself with all of his might, pounding me out of the physical plane of existence.

“I love you, Max, I love everything we’ve become together. Now, make me come again or I swear I’m gonna go crazy!” I cry out.

He laughs lightly and slaps my ass again while flicking my swollen nub at the same time. It’s all I need to unravel as he, too, lets go and pumps me full of his seed. Our orgasms collide, our bodies melting into one another, our spirits reaching and mingling so far up into the heavens… we might never come down. I feel his lips on my shoulder, planting a sweet, gentle kiss. My heart throbs and flutters simultaneously.

Later, nestled together in the serene quiet that follows, our conversation takes a playful turn, the ease between us a testament to the years we’ve shared.

‘You know,’ Maksim starts, a mischievous twinkle in his eye, ‘I think I might have finally perfected my dance moves tonight.’

I chuckle, nudging him gently. ‘Oh, is that right? I guess all those lessons are finally paying off. You might just be ready for the big leagues.’

He laughs, pulling me closer. ‘As long as I have you as my dance partner, I’m ready for anything.’ Then a thoughtful expression forms on his face.

“Something on your mind, babe?” I ask. Part of me is worried he has bad news to share – always a risk in his line of work.

The light in his eyes grows softer, more earnest. ‘There’s something I’ve been wanting to share with you.’

Curiosity piqued, I watch as he reaches toward the nightstand, pulling open the drawer. There’s a moment of suspense, a breath held between us, before he turns back to me, holding a small, velvet box.

My heart skips a beat, my breath catches in my throat. He opens the box to reveal a ring, stunning in its simplicity and beauty. The world seems to stand still.

‘Maksim…’ I start, but words fail me, emotions swirling too fast to catch.

He smiles the smile that’s seen me through my highest highs and my lowest lows.

‘Tory,’ he begins, his voice steady, ‘from the moment we met, you’ve captivated me, challenged me, and made me a better man. Every day with you is a gift, a new adventure I want to embark on for the rest of my life. I love you more than words can express, and I can’t imagine my world without you in it. Will you marry me?’

Tears of joy blur my vision as his words wash over me, each one a testament to our journey, our love. The room spins, filled with the enormity of this moment, of his question.

‘Yes,’ I breathe out, the word a declaration, a promise. ‘Yes, I will!’

Ecstatic, he slips the ring onto my finger, a perfect fit, a symbol of our bond, our future. We embrace, laughter and my tears mingling in a beautiful cacophony of emotions. In his arms, I find my home, my future, my forever.

The warmth of his embrace, the sound of his laughter, it’s all I need to feel at peace. Yet as I start to drift off to sleep, nestled in his arms, a thought nudges at the edge of my consciousness—a new, life-changing secret I’ve been holding onto. The positive pregnancy test hidden away in the nightstand drawer, a promise of a new chapter waiting to unfold.

I decide to spill the beans about the baby tomorrow. I can’t help but grin like a madwoman. My heart’s so full it could burst. Imagining the look on Maksim’s face, and then getting to tell everyone else? It’s going to be something else. But tonight’s proposal is plenty of excitement for one evening.

Drifting off to sleep, I’m wrapped up in a whole lot of love for Maksim and thrilled for what’s coming. Our little family is growing, and I can’t wait for all the tomorrows we’ve got ahead of us. Life’s just getting started, and it’s going to be beautiful.