Natalia
The hurt that flashed across Andrei’s face was immediate and devastating. His arms dropped from around my waist, and he took a step back as if I’d physically slapped him.
“I see.” His jaw tightened. “I didn’t realize I needed permission to visit my children.”
I passed my hands over my face. “No, that came out wrong. I didn’t mean it like that.”
“Then what did you mean?”
I dragged my lower lip through my teeth, suddenly feeling foolish. “I meant you’re not supposed to be here because…” I gestured helplessly at the chaos around us. “Because this was supposed to be a surprise. For you.”
Andrei’s eyebrows drew together as he looked from me to the dinosaur decorations scattered across every surface, then to the kitchen where our magnificent cake was still visible.
“The twins’ bir
