FINAL...Chapter 11
Late that night, following their love making, Suzie was laying with her back to Ivan his arms wrapped around her, when she said, "Ivan, I have some news that I hope will complete an already wonderful magical day for you."
"I can't think of anything that would make it even happier than it has been already. It has been a perfect day."
"What if I was to tell you that I did a pregnancy test a few days ago and that according to my calculations we will have a son or daughter coming into our lives in about seven months time?"
Ivan gasped and turning her around to face him, he tenderly caressed her face and with moisture clouding his eyes replied. "This is such wonderful news, and yes it has made a wonderful day even more perfect." Then cuddling her tight and burying his head into the side of her neck he whispered, "I love you so much Suzie Vetrov, and we have so much to look forward to, and right now I feel like I am on cloud nine."
Then getting serious he asked, "Have you booked a doctors appointment yet? "
"Yes, I will be going at the end of next week."
"I'll come with you? I want to be with you every step of the way."
"Thank you, I would like that,"said Suzie and then kissed him softly and lingeringly on the lips.
Then as Suzie turned over again Ivan caressd her stomach full of emotion as he thought about the new life starting on it's journey. Wrapping his arms around her again he whispered, "I can't believe this happened so quick, we only started trying at Christmas, but I am so happy Suzie."
As they both lay there in contentment, he thought back to his conversation with Horatio and Aileen before he went to New York when he mentioned Suzie would like a baby, and he had asked some questions at the time not realising she must have already been pregnant. He had had a few doubts back then, but none now, he was exhuberantly happy. What would be would be. He and Suzie would deal with it together. But he was thinking positive now, their friends had allayed his fears, and Suzie was very healthy these days, so god willing both she and the baby would come through the pregnancy with no problems.
Still awake a few minutes later Suzie suddenly asked, " I was wondering if our baby is a boy Ivan, how about, in addition to naming him after your brother Nikolai we add Andre as his second name in memory of him, and if we should have a daughter we could perhaps add the name of Andrea the girls version of Andre somwhere among the mix of your female family names?"
"An excellent idea Suzie, I would be happy to go along with that." And Ivan was happy as they finally settled down and he fell asleep in a state of bliss. For a few minutes Suzie was still awake, but happy in the knowledge that this man laying beside her was going to be a good father. She knew he loved Madison, but he so deserved a child of his own blood and was the reason why she had pushed the idea of having a baby in the first place. Then she also finally went to sleep and would have been surprised had she known that someone had already guessed that she was pregnant.
Elsewhere that night Horatio laying in bed with his arms around Aileen as she nestled her back into him asked, "Sweetheart, with all that was going on this evening, did I remember to tell you that you looked stunning as always?"
Aileen smiled and turning around in his arms she caressed his lips with hers and then replied, "Yes you did Horatio, and I love you for your compliments, you never fail to make me feel good."
"It was a wonderful party and you did a magnificent job as Best Man, but after you gave Madison your mother's locket you seemed sad and far away when you took a stroll around the gardens Horatio. Did it stir up painful memories for you? "
"Did anyone else notice?'
"No, don't worry, just me apart from Madison that is. I am sure she did."
"Yes, I confess I was thinking about her just as Madison joined me. In handing over that locket I felt like I was saying yet another personal goodbye to my mother's memory. I've said too many goodbyes. Does that sound stupid?"
"Oh come here Horatio," said Aileen as placing her arms around his neck and her hands on the back of his head, she whispered in his ear, "No, you loved your mother and always will; memories of love never die in us Horatio. You didn't say goodbye, you honored her memory by carrying out her wish of passing on that locket to your brother's daughter. Now when you next look out of the window and talk to her as you do sometimes she will be smiling on you and saying, "Thank you Horatio, you were always a good son."
"And what a lovely memory Madison now has, your mother will be around in her families' thoughts for a very long time, and Madison was so clearly happy you had passed it on to her, and it was right she now has it as the spitting image of her Grandmother."
Crushing her in his arms Horatio choking on his words said, "You do know how much I love you Aileen Caine don't you?"
"I know Horatio, you show me every single day."
Then just as they had snuggled down, Horatio now on the verge of sleep was startled when Aileen suddenly said, "I think Suzie is pregnant Horatio."
"Now why do you think that?'
"She had a real glow about her this evening."
"Well why wouldn't she on what was a very happy day for her?"
"A woman just knows Horatio, you wait and see."
Then they finally settled down for the night, with Horatio thinking women's intuitions were often right. Maybe Suzie was, time would tell.
Roman Stanislav arrived in Miami middle of Wednesday afternoon, and the first thing he did after registering his arrival with reception, and checked all seemed in order in the condo, was to make himslf a coffee and make his way out on to the balcony and relax on the sun lounger. As he sat there glancing around he had memories of the first day he had last visited here. The ocean, like today, had been glistening under the suns rays, and he had thought Miami was a beautiful place for a vacation, but now he thought it was a beautiful place to live permanently. There was nothing of his cousins here; he had hardly ever visited his own condo. So there was nothing to haunt him here and in that moment he knew he had made the right decision to leave New York, he could in any event always visit if he had an urge to do so.
He wasn't sure yet what he was going to take up in Miami, he didn't need to work financially, he had wealth now to last him a lifetime, but he knew he had to occupy himself doing something useful, maybe something for he community went through his head. He was 36 now and still single, he had never met the right woman for him yet. He had been to a few clubs in his time, but that scene no longer appealed to him. One day he hoped to find the right woman to settle down with and have a family. But he knew full well that with his reasonable looks, he was a good looking man in reality, but he never thought he was, he could easily become the target of someone after his money, so he was going to have to be careful. But for now two things were on his immediate agenda. He wanted to make contact with Ivan Vetrov and Captain Caine.
That evening he made contact with Ivan to let him know he had arrived, and they agreed to meet up early one evening the following week, after Ivan's guest had left to return to New York.
The following day Thursday, March 5th and wasting no time he caught a cab at 10.30am to the Miami Dade Police Department, and walking into reception the first person he saw was Stephen Jenkins who had actually had the responsibility of charging him on the day he had lost his head.
Stephen recognised him and knowing the outcome of that whole business smiled at him and asked, "What is your purpose for being here today Mr Stanislav?"
"If possible I would like to see Lieutenant Caine. Sorry I mean Captain."
Stephen had to smile to himself, a few people still made that mistake. Then he said, "Wait here a minute, I'll see if he is free?" Five minutes later he returned and said, "Come this way the Captain can give you a few minutes."
When he arrived Horatio beckoned him in and told him to sit down, and leaning back in his chair he asked, "So Roman why do you wish to see me? No problems I hope."
"No problems. I arrived yesterday to become a resident, but before I start a new life here I wanted to meet you to thank you for saving my life last time I was here."
"This is not necessary Roman; you thanked me for that back then and subsequently sent a generous cheque to be donated to a charity of my choice. You atoned more than enough."
"Please bear with me Captain. I do have a need to thank you personally once more. You took the route of talking me down, which in the circumstances you did not have to. Soon after the event, Bernard Markham, my lawyer, told me straight, that the second I placed my finger on the trigger of that gun, you could have lawfully killed me, no questions asked, and that I was damned lucky it was you that had me in your sights that day."
"Just doing my job Roman...Anyway now you are here do you have any special plans? I knew you were coming of course."
"Not yet, wanted to get here and settled in first. But I do hope to find something useful to get involved with."
Standing up now, Roman said, "I won't take up any more of your time. Thank you for seeing and listening to me, and belated congratulations on your promotion Captain."
Horatio also now standing shook hands with Roman as he said. "Thank you, I hope you will be happy here in Miami."
On Friday, Suzie's pregnancy was officially confirmed and they quietly told Madison and Olivia the good news that evening. Madison was excited and Olivia who had just returned from being with Daniel all day, was thrilled to hear the news. And on Saturday when Aileen and Horatio heard the news she couldn't help saying, "I told you so Horatio." He just rolled his eyes at her.
On Sunday, March the 8th, Olivia was on her way home. Ivan, had driven her to the airport, and Suzie and Madison had accompanied them. After fond farewells, a few moist eyes, and the Vetrov's telling her she must visit again soon, she waved to them as she went through to the departure lounge. She had told them not to hang about until the flight left. But she knew they did as Madison had told her they were not leaving until they knew she was safely in the air.
The flight left on time at 2:45pm and she was lucky as it was not a full plane load and she had no one sitting either side of her. Soon after take off she relaxed and resting her head on the back of her seat, she reflected on the last two weeks. She had enjoyed herself beyond all expectations. Shortly before the wedding Ivan had brought Suzie her own car so on a couple of days during her second week Suzie had driven her around showing her some of the beauty spots in Miami. She had even shown her the Miami Dade Police Department where Horatio worked.
On other days during the week she had visited all those who had invited her at the wedding. She had spent an afternoon with Colin and Yelina, and a whole day with Aileen and the children, Horatio joining them in the evening. All of them having made her feel genuinely welcome. She sighed as she thought about how much she was going to miss all of them, unless….
Then her mind jumped back to the visit to Horatio's on Thursday. In the evening after dinner young Tommy had asked him if he could start reading the Ragged Dick story while she was there to listen as well. Horatio had run his hand over his chin and replied. "Olivia would not be interested son, but I promise you I will read again soon." But she had liked the idea and had immediately said, "Oh - but I would love to listen to you Horatio. I told you back in New York when we first met that you have a lovely tone to your voice and suggested it was a narrator's voice. My late husband often read passages out of his many books to me; he also had a lovely voice. And listening to a narrator telling a story as we used to get on the radio in bygone days was so relaxing. Please do Horatio." The lovely man had obliged and she had loved listening to him.
On Friday she had spent the whole day and evening at Daniels villa and had enjoyed his company immensely; being more or less the same age, she now knew she was one year older than him, they had memories of bygone years in New York they could both relate to, and he was so well traveled he could talk about anything.
During the afternoon they had been sitting outside on luxurious sun loungers under a sun canopy and overlooking the swimming pool and had been chatting away as if they had known each other for years, and she had confessed to him that she had enjoyed herself so much she was going to miss everyone when she returned home.
Later in the afternoon after Daniel had made a coffee they had sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes when he had surprised her when he suddenly said, "Olivia, as you have no family in New York why don't you give some thought to the possibility of moving down here? I have never regretted it, having family and a great circle of friends nearby, makes life so much happier."
Then he had said, "Why be on your own in New York when you could be surrounded here by people who have come to love you in their different ways. I know first hand we would all welcome you here with open arms." Then chuckling he had added, "You have very bewitching ways Olivia Patterson."
She had replied, "I don't know Daniel, my roots are so firmly set in New York, a life of happy memories surround me in my home. Though I have to admit that in recent times I had started to get some lonely spells but in truth had not realized just how much until all the good people down here made appearances in my life for one reason or another due to connection with Madison."
"Well good memories will always be in your head, wherever you live, you still have a life Olivia, and you should not be lonely when there is no need to be. But think about it, if you decide you would like to move I can always come up to New York and help you arrange everything, and help you find a nice place down here to live." Then he had laughed and added, "Or you could even stay with me, as a friend. This villa is large enough for you to have your own space and come and go as you please and I would welcome your company at times."
She had grinned and responded, "Are you serious Daniel?"
"Yes I am Olivia, at our ages we still have a right to lead happy lives when opportunities arise but if you were to come and the arrangement ended up not suiting you we would find you a place of your own, but al least down here, as I have already said, you will be surrounded by friends. And I already know that Suzie and Madison have mentally adopted you as a mother and grandmother figure."
"I have traveled the world Olivia, seen some wondrous sights, met some lovely people but despite all that there were times I felt lonely because as Ivan said at the wedding party there is nothing like family and a good circle of close friends. I have that now and never been happier."
"Anyway no pressure Olivia, it was just a thought. But promise me you will at least think about it, no one should be lonely."
She had promised and she would think about it.
Then the stewardess tapping her arm roused her from her thoughts and asked if she would like a coffee. Twenty minutes later the flight was on its descent path into JFK airport.
On landing John Kelly met her as arranged and on the journey home and though she had not mentioned Daniels suggestion to Suzie and Ivan it had been too sudden and the baby news took over anyway, she did tell John, and he responded by saying, "What a wonderful idea,"
"But then I would miss yours and Sharon's visits which I enjoy so much."
"Olivia…Sharon and I visit our friends down there from time to time so we would still be in touch."
"So you think I should uproot and go?"
"In my opinion Olivia it is a no brainer….you should go."
Two months later, in April, 2015 Madisons adoption was finalised and she was very happy that she was now officially Madison Vetrov and for the right reasons, she had intially wished that Horatio could be her father, but she couldn't help love Ivan as a father figure he was a kind and loving man, and had proved this time and time again, and she had never seen her mother so happy, and she was looking forward to having a brother or sister.
Horatio was also pleased, his niece now had the stability in her life she had never had before.
Meanwhile, Olivia had been taking her time in considering Daniels suggestion of moving to Miami but kept hitting a brick wall. While in her mind she wanted to go, her heart was saying stay in New York, where she had spent many happy years and times with her late husband. She had spoken to Daniel on the phone letting him know that she had been considering but was having difficulty in coming to a decision. He had told her no pressure and no time limits, and to just take her time, it had to be something she wanted to do. Then they had a general conversation, followed by two more over the ensuing days, and then at the beginning of June he had surprised her and traveled to New York and turned up at her front door. He stayed with her for two weeks, and she so enjoyed his company, he had taken her out and about some days, and she realised she would miss him when he left. Then one evening Daniel knowing how hard this was for Olivia said, "Olivia we get on so well together that I would like your companionship on a more permanent footing, but as I know you are finding it hard to leave here, how about you stop thinking of selling up, and have a trial run of say two months living at my place in Miami, and if it doesn't suit you , you will still have this beautiful home of yours to come back to? But if it does suit you, I will then help you organse selling up here; what do you reckon?"
Olivia liked this idea and agreed instantly, becacause this way if she missed New York she had a safety net. Then Olivia's irascable nature took over and she cheekily kissed Daniel on the side of his face.
Grinning Daniel said, "Did you just kiss me Olivia Patterson?"
Eyes twinkling Olivia replied, "Ooops, I believe I did."
Daniel testing the waters kissed her fondly on the mouth, and she didnt object.
One week later, Olivia with Daniels help had arrived in Miami on a trial basis, but Daniel was almost certain she would want to stay, and he wanted her to if he was honest. He had become really fond of her.
Then on September 20th, 2015 at 4:00 pm Suzie presented Ivan with a healthy 8lb baby son, who was instantly named Nikolai, Andre, Ivan Vetrov. Ivan was over the moon, he hadnt minded whether he had a son or a daughter, but now he had a son he knew the Vetrov lineage was going to continue at least through his son's life. He shed some tears that afternoon.
Two weeks later, they went to the Holy Redeemer cemetery. Ivan parked his car at the side of the church as he had done when last visiting and then with his son cradled in the crook of his left arm, and holding Suzies left hand with his right, they slowly strolled over to Malcolm Trents grave. They stood there in silence for a few moments and then Ivan as Suzie grasped his hand tight knowing this was going to be an emotional moment for him said, "I'm not standing by your place of rest Nikolai as I am unable to get to New York, but know I think of you and the family often brother. I am however standing with Suzie, my beautiful wife, in front of the grave of someone who lost his life by the actual hands of the person who arranged your murder, and because he tried to protect Suzie from the same evil bastard. So as there is a connection between you two I thought this would be a good place to tell you I now have a beautiful son Nikolai, and he has your name as I promised back in New York in January. His second name is Andre in respect of the man lying in the grave in front of me. So brother I have a son who will carry the Vetrov lineage forward into the next generation and one day when he is old enough he will learn the Vetrov history.
Now finished what he had come to say Ivans eyes full of love for Suzie leaned forward and kissed her softly on the mouth and then placing his free arm along her shoulders, they walked slowly back to the car, both constantly smiling at their beloved son.
END
Thank you to all who have read and reviewed, not only this story, but all of them too date. Your support has made my journey here a pleasurable one.
