"So I'm planning to put Celeste and Art in the workshop flat, Alberta in the spare room here, if they decide to stay Lissa and Christian in the main house, Mason and Eddie in the Guardian quarters and Janine has already said she can't stay but will come for the day."

"You didn't want Art and Celeste in the Guardian Quarters?" Abe asked innocently, although I could see a twinkle in his eye. Dimitri might not have guessed what I was up to, but I don't think Abe was quite so innocent.

"No, I thought not. Art is a very senior Guardian. His presence might intimidate the other Guardians a little. And Celeste is always 'one of the guys' wherever she goes. I thought she'd enjoy our old room with all its little creature comforts." It was the lamest excuse ever, but Abe pretended to accept it, nodding with a rather knowing expression.

Something about the smugness annoyed me. I thought I'd been subtle about this! I took a sip from my very expensive Russian teacup, watching as Ivan tried to shove his fist into his mouth. He was doing it all the time at the moment. Yesterday he wanted to shove them both in at once! He was a handsome child; there was no doubt about it. He had Dimitri's eyes but my hair. His nose was mine, but the lips were all Dimitri. So far he was fairly laid back, leading me to hope he had his father's temperament, although he'd had a couple of tantrums that led me to think he had some of my obstinate spirit.

"Dimitri's teaching Ivan and I Russian," I said, changing topics. "The baby books say it's important they hear as many languages as early on as possible if you want them to be multi-lingual. Olena, Yeva and his Aunts all speak to him in Russian, but it's only on Skype. So Dimitri is teaching me Russian so we can speak it in front of Ivan. Of course, most of the words I've picked up so far are swear words, so I won't be using them," I confessed ruefully.

Abe chuckled. He knew I gave my Russian God a run for his money at times, but we were very much in love. Becoming parents distanced some couples, but we were the opposite. Ivan seemed to bring Dimitri and me even closer together.

"Anyway, I thought you and Pavel might want to speak to Ivan in Turkish as well sometimes? It would be nice if he could learn it – even just a bit," I said casually. "He'll be talking before we know it, so you'll have to decide what you'd like him to call you, too."

"Call me?"

"Yes. As you know, Alberta's already decided she's Grandma Bertie. Janine wanted a special name but not an official grandparent term. She's trying a few names on for size, but she seems to be settling on Neenee. You can decide on your own term of course, but if you can't come up with something, I'd rather Dede or Grandpa to Zmey!" I said raising my eyebrows at him.

"You'd like him to know me as grandfather?" Abe said looking at me carefully.

"What you want him to call you is up to you, but if he's calling Alberta Grandma, I think Dede or Grandpa is in order, don't you?!"

I took a sip of my tea letting him process what I'd said.

Abe looked up at me.

"You know, don't you?" he said very quietly.

I nodded, staring at him over the rim of my teacup. He looked flustered and out of his depth.

"How long have you known?" he asked nervously.

"I suspected when you organized to fly Dimitri and me out to Court the first time, but I was certain once you bought the property."

"Does Belikov know?" he asked.

"I'm sure he does," I said. "But he won't lie to me, so I haven't raised the issue with him."

"What gave it away?" he asked curiously.

"Well firstly I own a mirror," I said with a little laugh. "But it was also the way as soon as I needed something you just made it happen. The phone, credit card, car. Plus you've mentioned my father less and less. You've not spoken about him in months. Were you planning on telling me?"

"Yes. I kept looking for the right time, and then it had gone on for so long I thought you would be angry at me for not speaking up sooner."

"Abe, why would I be angry? You've helped Dimitri, Ivan and me so much. I know you've been over-generous in your allocation to Dimitri, but I appreciate you giving him the opportunity to work to support us; he wouldn't have coped with charity."

"Actually, I pay him the same as I pay my other commanders," he quickly defended, "and I should pay him more. He's doing an exceptional job. Pavel and I both consider him the best of my commanders."

"Still you didn't need to buy a property just to give us somewhere to live."

"I was already thinking about having a US base before all this," he said. "I probably would have just bought something at Court, but this solved a lot of problems and truth be told, I love the peace out here. Everywhere else I own is in the middle of the hustle and bustle. I enjoy being able to unwind here – but the primary pleasure is seeing you and Ivan."

My mobster father looked particularly tender when he talked about his grandson.

"Anyway, now I know you know, there are some other things we should discuss," he said, suddenly all business. "Firstly I have the paperwork prepared to gift you this cottage and the workshop. The property will be subdivided, and this corner will be yours. You're welcome to fence it off and put in your own driveway and entry from the road if you wish, although I would like it still to be encompassed within the wards."

"You don't need to give it to me," I said. "And I certainly wouldn't want it fenced off."

"Yes, I do. Dimitri rebuilt this place almost from the ground up to make a home for you and Ivan. He did his part; now I'd like to do mine. I know you won't live here forever, but you've been without a place to call home your whole life. I want you to know this is yours and no one will ever take it from you."

I stood up and hugged him.

"Thank you."

"You're my only child. All this – all everything I own – will be yours one day. You should also know there is a large trust fund already established for your more immediate needs. I'll arrange to have it signed over to you as soon as possible. I've already changed my will, but now you are a mother we should have one made for you, so Ivan will always be protected and provided for."

"I don't need any of that," I told him. I wanted him to know having a father was enough. I didn't need the money.

"You might not, but I do. It helps me rest easier knowing you and Ivan will be looked after. I know Belikov will make sure you never go without," he explained gently, "but I've spent my whole life amassing a fortune only to realize too late I have no one to share it with. You don't have to spend it if you don't want to – but it's there."

"Thank you, Abe. I appreciate it, but having a family is more than I ever hoped for."

"Me, too," he said, hugging me again. "I guess the next question is, who would you like to know about this?"

"Well, Janine and Pavel obviously know. And I'm guessing Alberta is the one who contacted you, so she knows too?" Abe nodded sheepishly. "I'm going to tell Dimitri and Ivan, and I guess everyone coming to Christmas can know and also Dimitri's family."

"Even Schoenberg?"

"I think so. He's a bright man; he's probably worked it out anyway. He already knows Ivan is Dimitri's biological child – and he's a good friend and mentor to Dimitri. I'd like him to know."

"Then let's make the main announcement at Christmas. What about the wider community? I'm proud to own you as my child, but it comes with drawbacks. The last thing I want is for you to become targets."

He had a point. Once I wouldn't have cared, but now I had Ivan to consider.

"Let's limit it to friends, for now," I said. "But just so you know, I'm very proud to have you as my dad."

"So I told Abe today to make up his mind if he wants to be Dede or Grandpa," I said to Dimitri as I was brushing my hair before bed.

"Oh?" Dimitri said noncommittally. "Well, I suppose Alberta's claimed Grandma Bertie…"

I rolled my eyes.

"It's ok, Comrade. I know. I've known since we first came to Court."

"Oh…"

"I assume you picked it then, too?" I asked.

He nodded regretfully.

"I'm sorry I didn't say anything – I just thought he deserved a chance to tell you in his own time. Also, this job seemed like the only option where we wouldn't have to be separated yet would still give me a chance to work to support our little family. It seemed so perfect; I guess I didn't want to look for reasons to have to knock it back."

"That's the same reason I didn't say anything," I laughed. "Anyway, he knows I know now. He's mentioned there's a trust fund set up and he's also gifting us this house and the land it sits on. He knows I've never had a place to call home, so he wants us always to have this."

My Russian God gave me a grin.

"I can't say I'm not pleased. The idea of anyone else living in this cottage upsets me. I did all this for you and Ivan. I want our children always to know where home is."

"Home is always going to be wherever you are, Comrade."

"Then how do you feel about home being in Russia in June? Abe mentioned he was planning to go to Russia for a month or so in summer. It'd be good for Ivan to meet his cousins, and I am sure we could come to some arrangement with Abe for us to go. I think he might be hoping for that; twice when he was telling me about it, he mentioned how much he'd miss Ivan."

"He's very fond of our son," I laughed.

"He's very fond of his daughter, too," Dimitri said with an indulgent smile.

"So how do you think Janine is going to be at Christmas? She knows he's coming."

"She'll be fine. But maybe call her and let her know?"

I looked at the clock. 9 pm. The start of the Moroi business day.

"I'll text her. It's not urgent, and I wouldn't like to interrupt her day."

Dimitri lifted an eyebrow, but I thought Janine might appreciate the opportunity to compose herself before speaking with me about it.

Hi Janine. Spoke to Abe today and let him know I know he is my father. I knew almost from the start but was waiting for him to bring it up. It was getting silly, so I raised it. Wanted to let you know. Talk about it more Tuesday if you're still coming over to see Ivan? Rose.

I pressed send. I was bundling my hair up into a ponytail for bed when my phone pinged.

Glad it's out in the open. For a mob boss, the man lacks balls sometimes! My visits are to see you as much as Ivan. Janine.

"Aww… That's pretty loving for Janine," I joked, showing Dimitri the text.

"You're positive he's coming?"

"Yes! I told you, Celeste, he's picking you and Alberta up from the airfield and bringing you to our place."

"Did he say anything? About me?"

"No. But when I first asked him about coming, he said he was thinking of going to St. Vladimir's for the holidays. When I said you and she were coming here he said he was really going there to run some ideas past Alberta," I said in exasperation.

Celeste was quiet for a moment.

"Maybe Art's interested in her? She is closer to his age."

I laughed. It was 11 am my time, which made it 9 am in Montana. Ivan and I were rugged up and on the porch swing. He'd just woken from his morning nap, and he was having a nice long feed while I chatted to Celeste using my mobile phone earphone and mic. I was going to have to get one of those Bluetooth ear things because Ivan kept trying to pull the cord between my earpiece and phone.

"I don't think so, Celeste. But he had to say something to explain his change of mind, and he could hardly say 'I'm really into your friend Celeste, so now I know she's coming to yours I'll come too,' could he?"

"I guess not," Celeste admitted. "You're going to have a lot of people there. I hope I get a chance to see him alone," she said nervously.

"Celeste we're on four and a half acres. There are plenty of quiet little spots you can investigate together," I said suggestively, not wanting to freak her out by mentioning I intended to put them in the workshop flat together. "Pack your cutest winter stuff, some sexy sleepwear, and I'll see you in a week!"

What the hell was I doing?! Celeste was twenty-nine! I had twenty years on her. I'd been a Guardian for a couple of years before she was even born! I was so out of practice with this sort of thing.

I thought she was interested in me, but it was hard to tell. The way she looked at me sometimes suggested she wanted me, but I wasn't certain. Things had been so much easier when I was younger. While I'd never dated as such, there were always female Dhampir who were interested in spending time with me. I'd had several arrangements over the years. In another life, I suppose they might have become girlfriends, but things never got that far. Friends with benefits was probably a more apt description.

The last woman I'd had an understanding with was allocated overseas ten years ago. I was Head of the Guardian Council at the time, and it was impossible for me to enter into any new understanding. The potential imbalance of power, the possibility someone might be seeking personal gain through a physical relationship with me - it all just wasn't worth it.

But I was a man, and I had needs. Which is where Jennifer came into things. Jennifer was a Dhampir in her early forties. A beautiful woman, she was witty, intelligent and unfailing discreet. Which is how she came to have a group of regular 'gentleman callers.' She'd been recommended to me by a friend, and while I'd been hesitant to seek her out at first, eventually I had, and now every few months I'd pay her a visit.

I didn't like to think of her as a prostitute because in so many ways she wasn't. She was more like a paid girlfriend. A night with Jennifer wasn't just about sex. The evening would start with a delicious home-cooked meal and stimulating conversation as we'd share a bottle of wine. After that, she'd take her cues from me. Sometimes I wanted to watch a movie or take a bath. Sometimes we just cuddled and talked. Yes, we were usually intimate, but it wasn't about the sex as much as it was about being noticed by someone. Touched – even if I was paying her for the privilege.

Guardians visiting prostitutes was hardly a new thing. Court had a variety of establishments catering to all sorts of tastes and budgets. Not for the first time I pondered how unnatural it was for Guardians to live such solitary, lonely lives. Everyone needed the touch of another person sometimes, and heaven knows there'd be a lot less discontent and fewer altercations between Guardians if they had a different way to blow off steam occasionally!

While I enjoyed Jennifer's company, for some time now I'd wanted more. I wanted to wake up with a woman in my arms. To have a loving confidante. Even if we weren't public about things, I wanted to have someone I looked forward to seeing. Someone I could perhaps even spoil a little.

I sighed. There was no fool like an old fool. I was pushing fifty. Why would a beautiful, smart woman like Guardian Matthews be interested in me? I picked up my phone to call Rose and make an excuse not to come for Christmas.

"Rose? It's Art."

"Hi, Art! Can you believe how freezing it's got so quickly? I've had Dimitri out half the day splitting logs for the wood stoves," Rose chirped happily. God Dimitri was a lucky bastard. He really had it all. A gorgeous girl, a home and a family of his own.

"Yes it's unseasonably cold," I commented morosely. "I was just ringing about Christmas…"

If Rose had any indication I was ringing to cancel she didn't let on.

"I can't believe it's next week! I spoke to Celeste yesterday, and she's so excited. This will be her first proper Christmas in years! She said she was hoping you'd still be able to show her around Court since she missed the opportunity at mid-year."

I couldn't help the surge of excitement at Celeste's name. Maybe there was a little interest there after all? I guess it wouldn't hurt to come to Christmas and find out. There'd be others there, so if it looked as though she wasn't feeling the same way, there'd be plenty of other people to spend time with. And a proper Christmas was appealing.

"I've taken the whole week off, so I'm sure I can find a day," I answered, trying not to let my excitement show in my voice. "Anyway – I was ringing to ask if there's anything I can bring for Christmas? Cooking for so many must be a burden, especially with a little one. Let me bring something."

"Oh Art, there's really no need. Dimitri and I have it all planned out. Is there anything you traditionally eat at Christmas?"

"Um… My German Oma used to make Lebkuchen and Stollen every Christmas. Lebkuchen are German biscuits, and Stollen is a traditional German spicy fruit and nut bread. Have you ever had either?"

"No I haven't – they sound good."

"They are," I said, remembering the Christmases of my childhood with goose, red cabbage and dumplings then the Lebkuchen and Stollen with tea. "I can make Lebkuchen, and I know a place where I can buy Stollen – how about I bring some of each?" I suggested.

"That sounds perfect thanks, Art! I was going to ring you today to remind you about the Secret Santa. Have you bought for your person?"

I had actually. I'd drawn Eddie Castile, and after some subtle inquiries, I'd discovered he was interested in Japanese fighting with knives. While a silver Tantō was well outside the thirty-dollar spending limit, I was able to purchase a set of blunted practice Tantō for only a little over thirty dollars, so I'd be giving him those. However, the more significant part of the present was an invitation to join me meeting Master Kobayashi when he attended Court over summer to host a two-day Tantō knife-fighting seminar. While the stake was the weapon of choice for most Guardians, in Japan a silver Tantō was sometimes used. It was almost impossible to learn how to use one outside of Japan, so Castile should enjoy attending the seminar.

"I have, and I think they're going to love it," I said confidently.

Feeling happier after my call than before it, I decided a spot of shopping was in order. I should take a small gift for Rose as the hostess, and also a gift for the child. I wanted to pick up some more stylish jeans and pants, too. I was in uniform so often I didn't have a lot of casual clothes, and what I had felt dated. I'd like to pick up something for Celeste, too. If things did take a romantic turn, I'd like to have something for her.

"Milaya would you please come to bed? Everything is ready."

"I know," I grumbled. "It's just they've not seen the house before, and I want everything to be perfect. Did you stock the workshop flat with lots of logs? What about the flowers in Alberta's room? And do you think we'll have enough towels? There's a fresh set for everyone, but they dry so slowly over winter… I might pop up and borrow some from the big house tomorrow; Abe won't mind…"

We'd had our first snow of the season last week, and suddenly winter was here.

"Who are you and what have you done with my girlfriend? Since when do you stress about towels?!" Dimitri laughed. "There are logs galore in the flat, I'll do the flowers in the morning, so they're fresh, then I'll pop up to the main house and get as many towels as you want. Now come to bed!"

I climbed into bed next to my Russian God. He looked tired. Of course, he'd had a busy day. The main house had been finished a fortnight ago, and Abe had officially moved in. This meant an additional six Guardians had joined the existing contingent living at the property. Dimitri had been keeping them busy redoing the weather stripping on the workshop unit; insulating the exposed pipework; shoveling and sanding the paths between the buildings; putting out the boot scrapers and brushes near the entry doors; raking the snow from the roofs, and wrapping the new fruit trees in the orchard to help them survive their first winter.

I expressed concern he might run out of ways to keep so many men busy, but Dimitri had just laughed. He assured me that coming from Siberia, he had a never-ending list of physical exercise and home maintenance chores to keep the Guardians occupied.

"Like what?" I asked dubiously.

"Well, you know how I had them take down the flyscreens and doors a month back? Tomorrow they'll be cleaning and tightening the mesh on those."

"There's like a hundred of them!" I gasped, thinking of all the screens that had been taken down from the main house as well as the ones from the Guardian Quarters, the workshop and the cottage.

"Probably," Dimitri laughed. "But if you clean and tighten them every winter, they're ready to install in the spring. Plus you can mist the mesh and frames with a blend of essential oils to make them insect repellant. It's more eco-friendly than bug spray; it means no cobwebs on your frames and the air blowing through them makes the house smell pleasant in spring."

I had no idea how he knew all this, but something about my man's competence was very sexy.

"Keep talking," I moaned. "What about the next day?"

My Russian God pulled me closer, kissing my neck as he whispered, "I thought I might keep them busy polishing in the main house with beeswax… The heating dries out timber in the winter months. It's a good time to apply polish to clean and protect the furniture and other woodwork…"

"Hmm... Sounds good, Comrade. And the day after that?!"

Dimitri was running his hands over me, stripping me of my pajama bottoms and tank top, his own already discarded.

"Well that's Christmas Day, so I thought I'd give them the day off, but the day after that they can check all the interior and exterior doors, tighten the screws, put graphite in the locks and polish all the door furniture."

"And the next day?" I gasped as Dimitri started rocking his thick manhood against my hip, his lips trailing kisses down the column of my neck.

"They can remove all the showerheads to clean them of sediment, clean the toilet water tanks, check the washers in taps and make sure the pipes are ok."

"Hmm. You've really thought about this, haven't you Guardian Belikov?" I said breathlessly.

"I have Guardian Hathaway," he murmured rubbing his face between my breasts. "Speaking of which, is there any maintenance you need, milaya?"

"I thought you'd never ask!" I giggled, pulling him on top of me and trapping his warm, sensual lips with my own.