He's already grinning as she kisses him, and his arms go around her as she pulls him down. He feels punch-drunk, like his head is full of pure oxygen, and he can't stop smiling when he looks back down at her, his beautiful, fiery, brilliant, kind, loving Sveta, the woman who has so thoroughly won his heart.

"Yes," he tells her, laughing a little. "Don't sting me, pchelka. Marry me."