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I'm so proud of you

Rose POV - Sixteen Years Later

Watching the lights sparkle in Dimitri's eyes, I quickly remembered why winter was my favorite time of year. I heard the girls begin to rustle and smiled up at Dimitri. It was good to have them here at Court even if it was just for a couple of weeks.

Adelaida came running around the corner mumbling something about being late.

"Honey, you just got here! Where are you going?" I called.

Peeking around the corner, she said, "Didn't I tell you? I'm meeting Andre for lunch, but I'll be back for dinner."

Dimitri tensed up. I knew he was protective of the girls, but I never quite understood his qualms with Andre.

Placing a hand lightly on his chest, I whispered, "He's Lissa's son."

"It's not the Lissa part I'm worried about," he said hesitantly.

Smiling up at him, I placed a light kiss on his cheek. "At least it isn't her professor."

He shook his head. "Roza, Roza, Roza..."

Adelaida called to Evanna. "Can I do your hair?"

"Only if you'll let me put eyeshadow on you. Your blending sucks."

Scoffing, Adelaida crossed her arms. "Does not." Raising an eyebrow, she taunted, "Careful, Evey, I might just do your hair really shitty."

"Eva, you're leaving too?!" When I got no response, I turned to Dimitri and sighed. "What have we released upon the world?" I asked leaning into him.

"Well, I'll take credit for Evanna, but Adelaida is pure Rose Hathaway." After noticing my look, he promptly added, "I wouldn't have it any other way."

"I could totally kick your ass in combat," I heard Adelaida shout in the other room.

Laughter bubbling up in my throat, I glanced up at Dimitri. "I have no idea what you mean."

The corners of his mouth curled up. "I could totally kick your ass in combat," he said mockingly.

Putting on my best Russian accent, I threw my hands on my hips. "It's not about kicking my ass in combat. It's all about the greater good. Will kicking my ass in combat really make the world a better place?"

Scoffing, he rolled his eyes. "Ugh...I don't have time for your Zen bullshit."

"Now, you listen here, the world is a vast and rema –"

Suddenly, my mocking was cut off with a kiss. His hands on the small of my back pulled me closer as his lips moved to my ear. "Your accent is terrible."

Pushing him back, I smirked. "But I hit you right on the head, Comrade."

Shrugging, he squeezed his eyes into slits. "I don't think I'd say..."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Evanna walking slowly into the room. "Daddy?"

And just like that, I watched him melt in her hands. Those two got along so well. They were a lot alike, quiet, reserved, the fire within controlled. Nothing like me and Adelaida.

"Yes, Eva?"

"Well," she said, somewhat hesitantly. "I have a date too."

"Oh really now?" he said curiously. "With who?"

Adelaida appeared in the living room and took Evanna's hand. I tensed a bit. Whatever was coming was big. I just hoped Evanna hadn't taken after her mother.

Hesitating for a moment, Evanna took a deep breath. She looked to her sister who nodded assuringly. "With Justine Ivashkov, Adrian and Sydney's daughter."

That's when it hit me. She was worried to tell us because she was scared we wouldn't accept her. Floods of guilt washed over me. Gingerly, I took her hand.

"Honey, do you like her?" I asked quietly. A sheepish nod was her only response. "Then I'm happy. As long as you find someone who makes you happy, I will wholeheartedly approve." Standing up, I pulled them both into my arms. "That goes for both of you."

Stepping aside, I watched as Dimitri kissed them both on the forehead. "Любить и быть любимым." Love and be loved. "I'm so proud of you girls. You've become such beautiful young ladies right before my eyes. I love you both."

Adelaida hugged her sister softly as Eva let out a shaky sigh. It killed me inside to think Evanna had been so nervous to tell us about Justine, but it also warmed my heart to know that she'd relied on Addy.

Tapping them both on the nose, I smiled. "You girls better get ready. You'll be late for your dates."

Evanna hugged me tightly. "Thanks, Mom."

Then, Adelaida entwined her fingers with Evanna's. "Let's go do that hair."

As the girls, our girls, retreated to the bathroom I couldn't help but smile at Dimitri. "You know what we've unleashed upon the world?"

He smiled and tucked a stray hair behind my ear. "What, Roza?"

"The most loving, loyal and beautiful girls the world has ever seen," I sighed.

"They definitely got that from their mother." He pulled me close against his chest.

As I soaked in his smell, I heard Adelaida's voice, ever so quiet from the bathroom make me smile wider than I ever had in my entire life as tears filled my eyes.

"I'm so proud of you, Evey."