«It’s just a coincidence, Vlad had said to himself. «Gosh, that stupid march scared me! Why? I do want marry Nina, don’t I?»
«It’s an omen’, thought Nina in awe. «I chose the right man!»
«It’s Vlad Lapin!» she exclaimed, addressing her mother.
Smiling, Vlad put down his suitcases, carefully took out from under his coat a small bouquet of mimosas, and gave it to Alla. «Happy 8th of March!»
«Very nice,» the woman replied, taking the flowers. Nina was surprised by her tone, for usually her mother was active and full of optimism, but now Alla looked doubtful.
«Are you okay, mom?» the girl asked with concern.
«I’m fine.» Alla snorted and addressed Vlad. «Is that all your stuff?»
«Yes.» Lapin flashed his engaging smile.
«Very nice,» Alla repeated. Then she walked to the kitchen not adding a word. Nina looked at Vlad and met his gaze.
«Didn’t you tell your mother that I’m gonna move here?» he asked with suspicion, and the girl became confused.
«I was talking a lot about you,» she murmured. «I thought she understood…»
Vlad only sighed. «Okay, show me our room.»
* * * * *
Not a word was spoken during dinner.
Vlad surveyed the kitchen. It was awfully small, and he thought, «When we have a child, where can we place a chair for him? No, better, for her. I hope it will be a girl.» Overflowing with love, he glanced at Nina. «Well, if nothing else we can seat our child on our laps…» He dreamily smiled, finished his meal, and said thanks. He put his dishes in the sink, and took out his wallet.
«Who’s doing the shopping here?» he asked.
«I do,» Alla replied not looking at him. «The money’s in the box on the top of the refrigerator.»
Vlad put his bills into the box, kissed Nina and left the kitchen. Then she got up and shyly hugged her mother.
«Sorry,» she whispered. «I didn’t specify the date of his arrival. Please, forgive me.»
«It’s okay, honey.» Smoothing her hair, Alla sighed.
«I thought you’d be happy if I found a man,» Nina mumbled, searching the upset face of her mother.
«I am happy for you,» the woman replied sadly. «Sorry for my mood. One day you’ll understand me.»
But Nina understood already. She could not find appropriate words, and only stroked her mother’s shoulders and back.
«I hope he’s a good man,» Alla sighed again.
* * * * *
«Good!» recalling that day and the words of her mother, Nina thought, staring at her husband. «He’s not just good; he’s the best!»
Vlad looked at her with a delighted smile, and his love was the finest present that she’d wish to get on the Women’s Day. Lost into each other, the Lapins did not even notice the others casting envious glances at them.