Читать книгу Cherish Collection January 2014 (Books 1-12) - Rebecca Winters - Страница 33

CHAPTER SIX

WHEN IT GOT to be seven, Nikos hung up the phone with the florist who would bring some flowers to the church tomorrow. All he had left to do was buy a ring. He’d do it in the morning, after Yannis came on board and Nikos had done his exercises.

Now that he’d taken care of everything he could, he got up and walked down the corridor to Stephanie’s bedroom. He knocked, but couldn’t hear any noise. Since he would have noticed if she’d gone up on deck, he knocked again.

Was she sick? She’d eaten more at lunch than he’d expected. Though he was relieved to see she had an appetite, he worried. Being very quiet, he turned the handle and opened the door a crack.

What he saw made his heart fail. Stephanie had removed her jeans and left them on the floor where she’d stepped out of them. Could he hope it was because they were too tight?

She was out for the count, with her long gorgeous legs uncovered. Jet lag had caught up to her. Her gilt-blond hair splayed out on the pillow. He’d seen this sight before, when she hadn’t been wearing any clothes.

The memories came rushing back, increasing the ache for her that had never gone away. Before he lost control, he closed the door and went to the galley to fix himself a cup of coffee and throw a salad together. Anything to keep busy. When she awakened, he assumed she’d want some dinner.

Nikos had just added the feta cheese when she appeared in the doorway. He shot her a glance. She was wearing a new pair of jeans and one of the flowered print blouses she’d picked out, this one in aqua and white. He noticed that she’d brushed her hair. Beneath the light it shone a silvery-gold, and given those dazzling blue eyes of hers, he’d never seen a woman with such fabulous coloring.

“At last.”

“I didn’t mean to sleep so long.”

“You’re still catching up. Are you hungry?”

“I am, if you can believe it. I just took another pill to make sure I stay feeling good.”

“It seems to be working. Come all the way in and join me.”

He’d already set the galley table with fresh fruit and rolls, plus apple juice and water for her. After serving the salad, he poured himself coffee and sat down opposite her. She reached for the water first and drank a full glass before eating a roll.

“The hot weather this time of year will get to you if you don’t stay hydrated.”

“So I’ve noticed. I’ll start carrying a bottle around with me. Thank you for fixing dinner, but I hope you know I don’t expect to be waited on.”

“I enjoyed fixing our prenuptial meal.”

She ate some of her salad, then rested her fork on the plate. “Speaking of our wedding, I’d like to explain about today. I didn’t want to leave the impression that the white sundress wasn’t good enough to wear at the church.”

“You owe me no explanation.”

“Yes, I do.” She wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin. “The clerk at the boutique mirrored my surprise, but she shouldn’t have said anything.”

“It’s fortunate she did. As I understand it, the wedding day is for the bride.”

Defeated by his attitude, she said, “You’re right. Women are hopeless romantics in that department, but for me it’s more than that. I know you wanted to keep the marriage simple, and I would have been perfectly happy with that if I wasn’t pregnant, and our situation was different.”

“What do you mean, different?” His question came out sounding like ripping silk, alarming her.

“We’re not marrying for the normal reason and I’ve been thinking about the baby. When it’s old enough, our child will want to see pictures of the wedding. Blame it on me for wanting to give it everything I was denied.

“I’m sure there are wedding pictures at your parents’ home, of them in their finery. A child wants to see what its mother and father looked like on that special day, the way they wore their hair, what they were wearing. The moment I opened the closet in the extra bedroom, I could envision you in the navy blue uniform.”

She leaned toward him excitedly. “Think what it would mean to our child to see you in it on your wedding day. He or she will know about your injury and why you had to leave the service earlier than you’d planned. It’ll be preserving a piece of history.

“I have no history from my father, but you can leave some for our child. That’s why I chose the dress in the bridal shop with the long lace veil. I know it was expensive, but the sundress wouldn’t do justice to your uniform. There’s nothing like a handsome man in his dress blues. Any woman would tell you the same thing.”

“Stephanie—”

She took a quick breath. “Don’t deny it. You are exceptional, Nikos. My friends on the island never did get over you. The girl in the bridal shop couldn’t take her eyes off you, either. Our son or daughter will be so proud of you and the honorable way you served your country.”

Nikos jumped up from the table, too full of conflicting emotions to sit there any longer. He’d leaped to the wrong conclusion after she’d chosen the most expensive gown in the shop. How easily his trust had worn thin. But he’d been remembering the conversation with his father.

You’ve never looked at Natasa or any woman the way you’re looking at this female viper. I admit she’s devilishly ravishing in that American way, but she’s a mercenary viper nonetheless, one who knows your monetary worth and has come to trap you.

“Don’t make me out to be a hero, Stephanie.”

“Any man or woman who serves in the military is a hero, Nikos. I’ll make two albums to preserve our wedding day. One for our child and one for your parents. Maybe Yannis will take pictures for us.” After a pause, she added, “And perhaps the day will come when you’ll tell me what they did to you that was so terrible you don’t want them at the wedding.”

Without looking at her he said, “My reasons run fathoms deep, but they have nothing to do with you.” He doubted he could ever talk about it.

“Still, they are your parents and our baby’s grandparents. I know an album of our wedding day will mean everything to them, too. Please tell me you’ll wear the uniform.”

“I’ll think about it,” he muttered. “I have to go ashore again. When I leave, I’ll set the security system. If it goes off, the harbor police will be alerted and a signal will be sent to my cell phone. You’ll be perfectly safe while I’m gone.”

“Where are you going?”

“If you must know, to visit a friend.”

“Tassos? Have you told him about the baby?”

“No one knows except Yannis. I’ll see you in the morning.”

He left the boat and took off for the cemetery. It would be his first visit to Kon’s grave. Nikos had been in the hospital when his buddy had been buried in the Gregerov family plot. They’d always talked over everything important....

* * *

At three-thirty the next afternoon, Nikos waited at the car, ready to take pictures that he knew were so essential to Stephanie’s happiness. After breakfast he’d gone into town to purchase her ring. When he returned, he’d discussed the details of the wedding ritual with her. Now it was time to go.

In a moment she stepped off the yacht. With Yannis’s help she started walking along the dock in her wedding dress. He doubted there’d ever been a sight like her before, and he started clicking frame after frame.

The few people around the port watching her would think they were seeing a heavenly vision of femininity in flowing white silk. Angel hair glinted silver and gold through the lace in the late afternoon sun. His throat swelled with emotion to realize this bride was going to be his.

In his gut he wanted the child she was carrying to be his. If it wasn’t...

After seeing those jeans lying on the floor at the side of her bed last evening, he was convinced she was pregnant. He couldn’t let any more doubts ruin today, which would never come again.

Stephanie’s urgent plea had gotten to him and he’d put on his dress blue uniform. With nothing more than a few clues, she’d come all the way from Florida to find him, so he would know he was going to be a father. The least he could do was accede to her desires on this issue. He’d told Kon as much.

Nikos had been thinking a lot about Stephanie’s father. Maybe he could be found through the help of a good private investigator. It was worth looking into, but that would have to wait until another day.

Yannis, acting in the place of her father, who would probably have given her away if he’d known of her existence, had worn his best white suit for the occasion. Nikos suspected the older seaman was enjoying this. He and Stephanie seemed to be getting along well already. Yannis was an old softie beneath his gruff looking exterior. It was clear she had already charmed him.

Nikos kept taking pictures until they reached the car. Her eyes, so solemn, met his for an instant before Yannis took over, asking them to pose together before they got inside. After some careful maneuvering to protect her dress, they helped her into the backseat, and Nikos sat in front while Yannis drove.

“Oh, Nikos!” she cried softly when they’d traveled a distance up the hillside. The small domed gray-and-white church of Agios Dionysios stood overlooking the sea. “How beautiful! I can’t believe we’re going to be married here.”

“My wife and I were married in that same church forty years ago,” Yannis said over his shoulder.

“Were you childhood sweethearts?”

“How did you know?”

Her gentle chuckle found new areas inside Nikos’s body to warm. “Do you have children?”

“Two married sons and six grandchildren. They’re fishermen and live here.”

“You’re a very lucky man.”

“It was a lucky day when Nikos met you.”

Well, well. Stephanie’s takeover of Yannis was now complete.

“Thank you, Yannis.”

The next few minutes were a blur as they pulled up to the church’s parking area, where the Gregerov family was waiting en masse to greet them. Nikos introduced her to Tassos’s parents, Castor and Tiana Gregerov, and his pretty wife, Elianna, who had dark blond hair. The other women were various shades of brunette. More pictures were taken. Nikos had hired a professional photographer to film everything.

In the rush he noticed Tassos reach for Stephanie and press something in her hand. Nikos was curious to know what it was, but he would have to wait. He saw her eyes glisten with tears before she kissed him on the cheek.

After embracing Tassos’s mother, Nikos reached for Stephanie and they proceeded inside the church. He cupped her elbow, taking care with her veil, and walked to the front, where a dozen sprays of flowers filled the nave with perfume. He’d made certain there were some gardenias among the arrangements.

He had the distinct impression Stephanie was pacing herself carefully in deference to him not being able to move quite so fast. Small courtesies seemed to come naturally to her, another trait he couldn’t help but admire.

Father Kerykes chatted with them before asking Tassos and Yannis to take their places on either side of the couple. The others sat in a group. For Stephanie’s sake he presided in English, promising to keep it as short as possible. But as Nikos had explained to Stephanie earlier, there was no such thing as a short Greek wedding.

First came the service of the betrothal with the rings. Nikos had bought her a diamond ring, and a gold band for her to give to him, but she produced a ring he immediately recognized as Kon’s. Nikos was so moved by Tassos’s gesture, he choked up during the marriage sacrament.

It was followed by the crowning and ceremonial walk. Three times around the priest, who at the end removed their flowers. After they kissed the Bible, he pronounced his blessing on them.

“For better or worse, you’re Mrs. Vassalos now,” Nikos whispered as they walked down the aisle holding hands. “Are you feeling all right?”

“I—I’m fine.” Her voice faltered. “Just thirsty.”

“There’s water in the vestibule, where we’ll sign the documents. Then we’ll go outside for more pictures.”

By the time she emerged from the church with her bouquet, her cheeks looked flushed. Nikos urged everyone to hurry with the well-wishing and the pictures, but all of them were pressing for the bridal kiss. He did it swiftly, noticing Stephanie was fading fast. No wonder there was little response.

“Are you going to be sick?” he asked as he helped her into the car.

“No,” she replied, but her voice trembled. “I’m just feeling weak and overheated. I’ll be all right in a minute.”

“In this weather a wedding like ours is brutal, but it’s over now. The taverna will be cool. It’s only a mile away. Drive fast, Yannis.”

“I feel a fraud, Nikos. I’m a hot weather girl and don’t know what happened to me in there.”

“You’re pregnant and have been through an arduous marriage ritual.”

She lay back in the corner with her eyes closed. “Once was enough. I fought so hard not to faint in front of you.”

“You made it. I’m very proud of you.”

Stephanie started laughing. “I had no idea it would be an endurance test.”

“Why do you think I put it off all these years?” he teased.

“Sorry. You must be stifling in your uniform. In hindsight I can see why you wanted me to wear the sundress.” She let out a little moan. “I shouldn’t have tried to find you in the first place. It forced you to have to go through all this.”

With those words he felt as if he’d been rammed in the chest. She had no idea what was going through his mind. “Don’t ever say that again.”

* * *

Stephanie groaned. She’d said the wrong thing and had upset him, but it was the truth.

She might not have forced him with a sniper’s rifle, like the ones in his closet. But the chance that this baby could be his had served as the ultimate weapon. Stephanie wasn’t a fool. She knew he had doubts about its true paternity and wouldn’t be satisfied until a DNA test was done, thus the reason for bringing up the possibility of divorce.

Over the last three months her heart had been hardened against him for his desertion of her, only to be softened after he’d insisted on either keeping her as his mistress or marrying her for the sake of their unborn child.

The only child he would ever have...

Their child, who would know its father and love him.

That’s what this whole day had been about. She couldn’t lose sight of that pertinent reality. After letting out an anxious sigh, she sat up straighter in the seat. “Forgive me for my show of temper. I can be a crosspatch sometimes. This has been a beautiful day and a wedding every bride dreams of. The flowers were beautiful and I love my ring. Thank you for making it all possible, Nikos.”

“As long as you’re feeling better and there’s no harm to the baby, it’s all that matters.”

His need to protect had come out. No wonder he’d snapped. She had to remember that and watch what she said from now on.

“We’re headed for the most traditional taverna on the island, where there are few tourists. The owner’s family makes their pasta and dolmadakia by hand. Besides oven-baked lamb and spit roast with lemon potatoes and garlic, you’ll enjoy stuffed zucchini and meatballs, called keftedes, that melt in your mouth.”

“I love meatballs.”

“They’re made in a tomato sauce that’s out of this world.”

Nikos sounded hungry.

Within fifteen minutes they were all assembled inside the authentic Greek restaurant, where everyone laughed and ate with great relish to the accompaniment of music. Stephanie found Kon’s family members charming and felt the women’s acceptance.

More pictures were taken, and toasts rendered, along with speeches from everyone including Yannis. It was clear they all loved Nikos. At one point he reached for her and kissed her warmly several times on the mouth, to the delight of their wedding party.

She couldn’t drink alcohol and instead opted for a spoon sweet, which was a fruit embedded in syrup. “You taste delicious,” he murmured as she kissed him back, always telling herself it was for the pictures that would go in the family album.

The evening wore on in a celebration she would always cherish, but when she looked around, she felt an ache in her heart that Nikos’s family wasn’t a part of it. As for herself, she wished her mother were still alive and could have been here.

If there’d been time, Stephanie would have invited her friends who’d met Nikos on vacation. But it wasn’t meant to be, because this had been pulled together on an emergency basis. Every flash of light from the diamond solitaire on her finger seemed to be sending a warning. You may have had a wedding with all the trappings, but remember, it’s the baby he wants, if it’s his....

She felt Nikos’s gaze on her. “It’s still too warm in here for you. I can see your eyelids are drooping. It’s time to get you back home to bed, where you’ll be cooler.”

He stood up and announced they were leaving. “Stephanie and I thank you for making this day the most memorable of our lives.” On that note he ushered her out of the taverna. Twilight had stolen over the island, giving it a magical feel. Nikos helped her into the car. Once more Yannis drove them down the hillside.

In the distance she saw the yacht. Nikos had called it home. Until he bought them a place here on the island to live, it would be hers, too.

Tassos and Elianna had followed them and brought half a dozen of the flower sprays from the church to decorate the lower lounge. His kindness today had touched her deeply and she gave him a hug before Nikos went up on deck with him. Besides being a good friend, he and her brand-new husband were in business together and had a lot to talk about.

Elianna started to leave, but Stephanie touched her arm. “Before you go, would you mind unbuttoning the back of my dress?” She put her veil on the couch to make it easier.

An odd smile broke out on the other woman’s face. “You don’t want Nikos to do it?”

Stephanie averted her eyes. “He wants to talk to Tassos right now.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I am.”

Elianna got busy. “It’s the most beautiful dress I ever saw. How did you get it fastened?”

“Yannis helped me.”

She let out a quiet laugh. “With all these buttons, it must have taken quite a while. Nikos didn’t mind?”

“Yannis told Nikos to go away so he wouldn’t see me until we left for the church.”

“You are the envy of every woman in the Oinousses. People here thought he would marry Natasa Lander.”

“I understand she’s very lovely.”

“Yes, and very rich. Her family is in shipping, too. They have the largest mansion on Chios Island. Nikos has surprised everyone.”

“Our marriage surprised me, too,” Stephanie said in a tremulous voice.

“Tassos tells me you two met on vacation in the Caribbean before the explosion happened.”

“Yes. We were both scuba diving and paired up to explore.” She was tempted to tell Elianna she was pregnant, but then thought the better of it, since Nikos hadn’t chosen to tell Tassos yet.

“Ah. Nikos and Kon tried to teach me, but I got too frightened and couldn’t control my breathing. I panicked.”

“With more practice, you can overcome your fear of it, Elianna. I’d be happy to work with you if you’d like.”

“Tassos wants me to dive with him.”

“It’s a beautiful world under the sea. If you can shake your fear, you’ll learn to love it.”

Stephanie felt the last button release and turned around. “What do you say?”

“Maybe I’ll try again with your help.”

“That’s wonderful! I’ll call you in a few days. We’ll have lunch and make plans. Bring your baby. How old is he?”

“Theo is ten months and trying to walk.”

“I can’t wait to see him.”

Elianna’s dark brown eyes widened in surprise. “You won’t be on your honeymoon?”

“We already had ours in the Caribbean. Right now Nikos is anxious to get started on the drilling with your husband. Since the accident that killed Kon, Yannis tells me he’s been morose and unhappy. Now that he can’t be in the navy, he needs to plunge into something else.”

The other woman nodded. “Everyone took Kon’s death hard, especially Tassos. He’s thrilled that Nikos is interested in his ideas to start their own company.”

“Then we need to help them. Right?”

They stared at each other for a moment before she nodded. “Yes. I’m glad he married you.”

“I’m glad, too.” If Elianna only knew the half of it. “Thank you for helping me.” She gave her a hug before they parted.

While Tassos’s wife disappeared up the stairs, Stephanie reached for the veil and walked down the hall to her bedroom to remove her wedding finery. First she stepped out of her dress and underskirt, which she hung in the closet. What a relief, so her stomach could expand! Another week and she wouldn’t have been able to wear a size 4. The shop probably wouldn’t have sold that gown any larger.

After a quick shower, she wrapped herself in her plaid flannel robe, then folded the veil with care and put it on the shelf above. Since she had no idea how long Nikos would be, she decided now would be the perfect time to phone Melinda.

With the room pleasantly cool, she lay down on top of the bed to make the call. So much had happened since her arrival in Greece, it felt like a century instead of a few days since she’d talked to her friend, let alone seen her.

After three rings Melinda picked up. “I’m so glad it’s you, Steph. I’ve been worried.”

“Don’t be. Everything’s fine. I have a lot to tell you, but if this is a bad time—”

“No, no. I’m taking a late lunch. Tell me what’s going on. I’m dying to know how your hunch is panning out. Are you onto anything?”

Stephanie sat up, almost crushing the phone in her hand. “I found him, Melinda.”

“You’re kidding...”

“No. His real name is Nikos Vassalos. I don’t know how much time I have before he comes to find me, so I’ll make this quick.”

For the next few minutes she told her what she could, ending with, “We were married a little while ago and now we’re back on the yacht.”

“Wait, wait, wait. You’re married?”

“Yes, and I won’t be coming back to Florida until after the baby is born and it’s safe to fly.” A noise in the hall attracted her attention, followed by a tap on the door. “Listen, Melinda— I’m not alone. I’ll have to call you tomorrow. Ciao.”

She hung up and tightened the belt on her robe before opening the door. Nikos was still dressed in his uniform. His dark gorgeous looks affected her the same way they’d done on the island when she’d first laid eyes on him. She couldn’t breathe then, either.

“I take it Tassos and Elianna have gone?”

He nodded. “I could hear your voice just now.”

“Yes. I was talking to Melinda.”

His black eyes searched the depths of hers. “Elianna told me you’ve invited her over in a few days.”

Nervous, Stephanie clasped the lapels of her robe. “Yes, if that’s all right. But if you have other plans for us, I’ll phone her and we’ll decide on a later time for a visit. I just assumed you would want to get back to work.” When he didn’t respond, she added, “Ours isn’t a conventional marriage, and my coming to Greece interrupted everything. I don’t want you to think you have to entertain me.”

“Elianna told me you were going to try and help her get over her fear of scuba diving. How did she know you’re an expert?”

At the way his brows furrowed, alarm shot through Stephanie’s body. “While she was helping me out of my dress, I mentioned that we met scuba diving in the Caribbean. Did I say something wrong?”

He undid his tie and removed it in a way that made her pulse pick up speed. “Have you forgotten you’re having a baby? You told me you were giving up diving.”

“Nikos...that doesn’t mean I can’t swim at all. A little exercise for pleasure will be good for me. As for helping her, I won’t be descending with her. I’ll only work with her on the surface and encourage her until she overcomes her fear. Tassos wants her to do it, but she would probably feel better around someone like me who doesn’t intimidate her.”

“You mean Tassos does,” Nikos drawled in a tone with an edge.

“He’s her husband. She wants him to be proud of her, not watch her struggle.”

In a quick move Nikos unbuttoned the jacket of his uniform. “Anytime you go in the water, I intend to be close by.” With that parting remark, he started walking down the corridor.

“Wait...”

He paused midstride and looked back.

“Is Yannis still on board?”

“No. He won’t be coming until morning. Why?”

That meant they weren’t going out to sea. “I just wanted to thank him for everything he did for me today.”

Nikos turned to face her. “It was no penance for him to button you up. He asked my permission, by the way. Yannis was worried you had no one to attend you.”

Silly as it was, she felt heat swarm her cheeks. “He was very sweet.”

“You can tell him that tomorrow.”

She shoved her hands in her robe pockets. “Let me thank you now for making this day perfect. The Gregerov family couldn’t have been kinder. I can see why you feel so close to them. I—I wish I’d been able to meet Kon.” She stuttered over the words. “Your heart must have been touched to receive his ring.”

“You can’t imagine. It belonged to his grandfather, who gave it to him before he died. Kon wore it until he entered the military, then put it away to make sure nothing would happen to it until he retired. He planned to give it to a son if he ever had one.”

Stephanie heard tears in Nikos’s voice. She wasn’t at all surprised at the depth of his grief and understood more than ever why she’d found him so broken when she’d first collided with him on board. “I’m sure Kon would have wanted you to have it.”

She bit her lip, not knowing what else to say to comfort him. In fact, she feared her talking was irritating him. “Do you mind if I go up on deck for a while?”

He gave an elegant shrug of his shoulders. “This is your home. You can do whatever you like. When I was in town this morning, I bought some English speaking films on disk, which you can watch in the lounge. I won’t set the security alarm until we’re ready for bed.”

“Thank you,” she said to his retreating back.

After drinking some water from the galley, Stephanie went up on deck to take in the wonder of the night. She’d always lived by the water, but no place in her experience lived up to the beauty of these isolated islands set like glittering jewels on dark velvet.

Time passed, but Nikos still didn’t join her. She had assumed that, in marrying her, he intended to sleep with her. She didn’t know and he hadn’t spelled out a detail like that, but without love on his part, she wouldn’t be able to respond.

The problem was this was their wedding night. The kisses he’d given her at the restaurant had felt like a prelude to making love, but maybe they’d been for show. For the photographs.

Deciding not to wait for him any longer, she went below. There was no sign of him in the lounge. She could go down the hall and knock on his door. Was he waiting for her to come to him? Stephanie had no idea what to do. When they’d been together on the island, he’d never left her alone.

But they weren’t married then, and he’d never intended to propose to her. They’d found intense pleasure together, but in his mind it had been temporary until he returned to his unit and ultimately to Natasa Lander.

Even leaving the other woman out of it, the more Stephanie thought about the situation, the more she understood that if he still didn’t believe she was carrying his child, he wouldn’t want to sleep with her. Maybe the thought was distasteful, even repugnant to him. Shivering at the possibility, she made up her mind never to expect a physical relationship with him.

After brushing her teeth, she took a pill and turned out the light. But once she was under the covers another thought came to her, with such force she let out a small cry and sat up. She didn’t know why she hadn’t considered it before. Since he was sterile, it was more than possible he was impotent, too.

Nikos...

If that was the case, then her heart grieved for him. He was such a proud man, it was only natural that since the explosion he wouldn’t want to marry Natasa or any woman.

But he’d trusted Stephanie enough to marry her in order to give their child a father. In the process he’d become her husband in name only, to make it legitimate while he waited to find out the results of the DNA test. The dots were lining up.

No wonder he hadn’t wanted his family to be a part of today’s nuptials. Everything was based on whether or not he was the father. She fell back and buried her face in the pillow to stifle her tears until oblivion took over.