The two are complete opposites - Katya emotional with a huge heart and quick temper, and Sawyer, who is chilly enough to make ice shiver. They're a perfect match, in my opinion. I was happy to push them toward each other and even happier to realize I'd done a fantastic job. I never have to worry about either now that they've got one another.
"That reminds me. She sent us cookies." My father picks up a glass container from the stand beside him.
"Oh, no. It's your turn to choke one down and tell her they're great," I say. My sister is a notoriously bad cook. "I just ate."
My father grunts in response and sets the cookies down. "I told them I want grandchildren. Two boys and a girl."
"When they're ready, Baba. They just got married."
"I want two boys and a girl from you, too, Petr."
I grimace. "Just tell Katya you want four boys and two girls. Then I'm off the hook. It's a little harder to date women when you're half metal." I tap my leg in reminder.
"Nonsense. You are a good man, a better cook than Katya, and you are very kind. If your leg is the problem, lie about it. For now."
His sage, wry advice throws me into belly laughter.
"They will figure it out eventually," he adds. "Why poison the well up front?"
Grinning, I catch my breath. He's smiling at me, proud as always. His faith and confidence in me can make it harder for me to tell him the truth. I don't fear battle, but I'm afraid of being rejected by women. "All right, Baba," I say then add jokingly. "I'll work on finding a woman so you can have your grandchildren."
"The more you have, the less of Katya's cookies we have to eat."
"Great point." Standing, I circle the couch then lean over the back and give him a bear hug. "I love you, Baba."
"I know, Petr." He clasps my forearm. "Now let me read."
I leave, always a little more cheerful after talking to my father. The ringtone for texts goes off, and I check the phone.
Sorry about today, Brianna has written. We can try again???
A twinge of regret flutters through me. Why am I doing this to myself? Involving myself with her?
Maybe it's not rejection I fear. Maybe I'm trying to prove to myself I'm worthy of any woman's attention as well as being worthy of Mikael's sacrifice. Maybe I want to show her I'm the man I used to be, fully knowing she can't see that now and that in truth, I'll never be who I was before.