112. A Proposal

112. A Proposal
Nikolay

I had to travel to Russia following an important lead and sort out some matters.

I missed my wife and daughter terribly, so I sent for them when I realized my affairs were going to delay me more than expected.

We then spent another week in New York. I made sure to see Margaret every day when I had a free moment, as the rest of the day I was busy running errands and working like crazy to wrap up all my business.

I didn't want to condemn my daughter to a bad life, nor Margaret, although I wasn't ready to break this news to her yet.

During those days, I didn't encounter Mike again, and that was a relief. The bastard had begged me for mercy, and although I usually didn't give it to anyone, I thought of Margaret and how sad she would be if I ended her only brother, even if he was an asshole.

It's not like I cared in the slightest about what he thought, but I had to keep an eye on him from now on, mainly because he loved Margaret, or so he said. Besides, I was sure that if I didn't make things clear to him, he would try to screw me over by any means necessary.

Something interrupted my work that day. John called me on my mobile. In my absence, I had asked him to take care of everything, and now that I was contemplating leaving the world of the mob, John had to deal with my lawyers.

That was a tricky and, above all, dangerous matter. However, John just wanted to know how things were between Margaret and me, as from what little he knew, they had a very good relationship and were still in touch.

"Good morning, Nikolay. I hope I'm not catching you at a bad time. Could we talk?" he said as soon as I answered the call.

"That's why you called, right?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, well..."

"I'm listening," I cut in, serious.

"A lot of strange things have been happening in Russia lately. Your lawyers are running around, and the phone hasn't stopped ringing. What's going on?" he asked, concerned.

"As you well know, I have to protect Margaret and our daughter," I responded curtly, firm in my decision.

"And?"

"Well, she has given me a beautiful daughter, and I want to fully take care of this," I sighed.

"Are you sure about what you're saying?" he questioned. "Isn't it just guilt you're feeling?"

"No... I'm in love with Margaret, and she has agreed to be with me, although she doesn't know about my decision to leave the mob."

"I see... So you want to distance yourself from the mafia and have a peaceful life, right?"

"Exactly."

"I'm very happy for you, Nikolay," he said cheerfully. "I'm sure you'll be very happy with them."

"Me too. I'll call you tomorrow," I hung up.

I never imagined how easy it was to live off the benefits of being a mobster, but how difficult it was to leave it behind for good. It was a sacrifice I was willing to make, for sure.

Another thing on my to-do list was to discuss Margaret's decision to return to Russia. If I could convince her, it wouldn't be long before I organized my wedding with her. I was sure I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her, and I had known it for a long time, even before knowing I was going to be a father.

The clock in the living room struck one, and then I dropped everything I was doing to go out for lunch with Margaret and our little one. I was anxious to see them, knowing they were becoming my greatest weakness.

We had agreed to stay at home, where she would prepare a delicious meal, and she was indeed skilled in the kitchen; something that should definitely be valued in a woman.

When I stood at the door, I put on my best smile just for her, and as I entered, I saw her emerge with Katrina in her arms and a radiant smile. I took our little one and kissed her head, following Margaret inside the house.

We headed to the kitchen, where a delicious aroma wafted out. I smiled when I realized that Margaret was preparing my favorite dish.

Yes, every day it became clearer to me that she was the woman of my life. And that's what I was thinking when she took Katrina to the crib and returned to me in the blink of an eye.

"We need to talk, Nikolay..."

"Yes, that's true. You owe me an answer to the proposal I made."

A proposal I had given her after the visit from our parents, as they had insisted too much that my wife and daughter had to live in Russia and start speaking to them in our language.

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about. I've been thinking, and despite the existing dangers... It's the life you've chosen, but Katrina and I also matter to you, so we'll go with you wherever necessary," she said with a wide smile, filling my heart with infinite peace.

"Are you sure? I don't want you to regret this tomorrow..." I made a face, worried after all.

"I won't, I'm convinced," she said, and she leaned in to give me a soft kiss on the lips.

"My life isn't as dangerous as you think... I'm trying to leave it," I confess somewhat embarrassed, as if it were a drug or something that's hard to quit.

"What?" she looked at me, astonished.

"I want to offer my family a peaceful life, without fear of being shot. I want Katrina and you to be okay," I said confidently, taking her hands in mine.

"Thank you..." she whispered excitedly, giving me a tight hug.

"There's something else I wanted to talk to you about, Margo," I scratch my neck, looking at her intently.

"I'm listening..."

"I've also been thinking about many things these days and... I've made a decision. Margaret, I want to marry you. Would you like that?" I feel my heart pounding in my throat.

I saw her lose her breath completely, she opened her mouth several times and swallowed saliva before smiling faintly.

I suppose I left her speechless, but it was obvious that I kept staring at her until she said yes. I wouldn't accept any other answer.

If she refused to marry me this time, I would have to use some tactics to convince her. It wouldn't be like the last time I had asked her, I wouldn't let her go out of my life ever again, and I wanted it to be real, legal, and forever.

Just as it should have always been.