Yes, dad, Mia replies. I smile at everyone and walk up to them. Today I overcame myself and put on a dress. A little make-up, hair was tortured with a curling iron, and now, instead of agent Hedwig, a beautiful girl, Anastasia Still, stands in front of the children and Lewis.
- Mom, wow! Christian admires. Lewis helps me put on my jacket and we go for a walk.
It's a warm autumn day outside. I expose my face to the warm breeze and smile. Mia holds my hand loosely and holds Prothero's hand with her other hand. The boys walk on either side of us.
Our first stop: the opera. I take the kids to The Magic Flute. The boys are bored lounging in armchairs and digging in iPhones, but Mia watches the performance with interest and quietly sings along to the arias.
I sit quietly and sometimes I feel the hand of Lewis, who strokes my knee. God, this man is depraved as the devil I smile embarrassedly and remove his hand from my knee. But Prothero puts it down again. I put it away again and angrily look at my future husband.
- Have fun here! Christian hisses into Lewis's ear. You have to do it at home Don t paw Anu in public!
- I paw where I want, it is not forbidden by law! Lewis chuckles. Alright, I ll wait until the evening, there it seems that our marriage certificate should come and then ...
Christian rolls his eyes and dives into his iPhone.
After the opera we moved to the museum. Children look at paintings and statues with interest, ask me questions about works of art and their authors. Mia is especially delighted. She keeps asking me, then Lewis about what kind of picture or statue she sees. Lewis loves Mia, I don't understand why, but he loves her with all his cruel soul and black heart.
After the museum we go to a restaurant where we have lunch and talk about trifles. It was so nice to take off my armor for a while and just be Miss Still, a loving mother and wife. The kids and Lewis are well-behaved at the table and have lively chats. I look at them with undisguised happiness and understand that perhaps I want our fake family to become real one day.
After lunch, Lewis takes us to the park. It's golden autumn in the park and Mia catches the falling leaves with a laugh, and the boys arranged a catch-up under a sprawling oak. I look at it and feel Lewis's hand in mine.
"Agent Hedwig, when was the last time you spent time like this?" Prothero asks.
- A long time ago. When my parents were alive, I sigh. When they died, I ordered myself to forget about family life and attachments. And just now...
I hide my eyes, realizing that tears well up in my eyes. Lewis deftly leans over and kisses my nose. And I blush. Damn it
- Please do not cry. I don't like women's tears in everyday life. Especially yours. He wraps his arms around my shoulders and pulls me close. So cozy and calm in his arms ... It was as if my father hugged me. I have never felt this way with anyone. Not with one man.
After the park, we are going home, when out of the corner of my eye I notice how some villain ran up to an elderly woman and took her bag from her.
Look after the kids, I tell Lewis and give chase. Yes, this does not concern me, I could pass by, but innate decency and a sense of justice do not allow me to do so.
I quickly kick off my heels and run as fast as I can after the thief. A moment - and I overtake him in the gateway. He turns around and looks at me with hatred. Hell, that's one of the guys who attacked me at the pharmacy. I quickly run up to him and with a deft kick of my foot knock the wallet out of his hands.
Stealing is not good, I say instructively and, taking the wallet, turn my back on him and want to leave. But suddenly I hear a thief running up to me and I see a knife blade. However, like a devil from a snuffbox, Lewis jumps out right in front of him and knocks him out with a kick from his foot.
Never turn your back on an enemy unless you're sure you've knocked him out. Spy Course Basics! Lewis growls.
We weren t taught that, I say, embarrassed.
"Steel, what should I do with you?" Prothero sighs, handing me my shoes. I put them on and together we return to the children and the old woman. The old lady thanks both of us from the bottom of her heart when we return her wallet.
You are such a great family, the old lady says, and leaves.
Family She called us family. Nice.
You know, I liked everything, Elliot says when we get home. - It was a good walk. And how are you that robber ...
Eden doesn t tell anyone about this, I mutter. The kids nod and we have dinner.
Today we cook everything together. Mia and Elliot serve the food, I wash it, Christian and Lewis cut it. Prothero keeps trying to touch me and hug me. I jokingly reject his attempts and feel so free and happy.