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I sat back in my chair, staring at Victor, who looked reflective. The atmosphere was electrified, and the only sound in the room was the cracking and spitting of logs set in a fireplace I’d asked to be uncovered and made serviceable.
At moments like this, a man’s true essence and character shine through regardless of how hard he tries to mask raw feelings. Dampness in Victor’s eyes grew, a soft, gentle smile crossed his face, and he looked happy but afraid.
He’s amazing.
To take all of this as it comes at him.
I love him so much.
My boyfriend reached his hand across the table to his biological and only father he’d known while staring at the dozen or more photographs strewn across our dining table.
“I have more family?”
“You do, Victor, and two of them will arrive here tomorrow.”
“I have uncles, aunts, and cousins?”
“Yes, son, and they can’t wait to meet you when that day comes.”
“I can’t travel to Russia.”
“Not now, you can’t. The authorities might find reason to detain you, and another mess would ensue.”
When the first tear rolled down Victor’s cheek, I stood and hugged my boyfriend where he sat, gently clutching his head to my stomach. I felt his emotional, almost imperceptible sobs, crying out the pain of loss mixed with the joy of discovery.