The Greek Children's Doctor

‘Yes. And just to prove it, there’s a surprise waiting for you in my kitchen.’

Andreas lifted an eyebrow and glanced towards the closed door. ‘A surprise?’

Libby shrugged. ‘Why don’t you go and find out?’

Andreas pushed open the kitchen door and then smiled with delight. ‘Adrienne? What are you doing here?’

His niece flung her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. ‘Libby collected me earlier. She said that I don’t have to board any more. She told me that you’ve finally found a perfect housekeeper.’

Andreas cast a questioning look at Libby and she blushed.

‘I thought, between the two of us, we ought to be able to manage our shifts so that one of us can pick her up from school.’

Andreas smiled and held out a hand to her. ‘So I take it that your answer is yes? I thought you didn’t believe in happy endings.’

She walked up to him and slid her arms around both of them. ‘I didn’t until I met you, and the answer is definitely yes. As we’re going to get married, do you think Yiayia will mind if I kiss you in front of Adrienne?’

Without waiting for an answer, she stood on tiptoe and gave him a lingering kiss on the lips.

Adrienne gave a squeal of excitement. ‘You’re really going to get married? Can I be a bridesmaid?’

There was a brief pause while Libby reluctantly disengaged herself. ‘Absolutely! Which means that we girls have got some serious shopping to do.’

Andreas groaned. ‘Just don’t take me near that hairdresser again.’

Libby’s eyes twinkled. ‘Afraid you might be tempted?’

Andreas pulled her against him. ‘There’s only ever going to be one person who tempts me, agape mou—remember that.’

Libby lifted her mouth for his kiss. ‘I will.’

Epilogue

THE reception was in full swing and Libby relaxed back in her chair, smiling as she watched people enjoying the dancing.

‘Stop looking so happy.’ Alex pulled out the chair next to her and sat down, stretching his long legs out in front of him. ‘I suppose it was all the chocolate you put on the menu.’

Libby laughed. ‘Did you enjoy it?’

‘Apart from the chocolate-coated prawns,’ Alex said dryly, helping himself to her glass of champagne. ‘They challenged my palate. Where’s Andreas?’

‘Talking to Katy. She’s trying to persuade him to tell her where we’re going on our honeymoon.’

‘He still hasn’t told you?’

‘No. It’s a surprise.’ Libby sighed dreamily. ‘Isn’t it romantic?’

‘Not really.’ Alex took a large slug of champagne. ‘The guy probably just hasn’t made up his mind yet. Don’t read anything into it.’

Libby smiled placidly. ‘Today I’m too happy to hit anyone. Even you. How’s your date?’

Alex’s gaze flickered across the room and rested on a curvaceous blonde who was laughing loudly with a group of guests.

‘A bit like your chocolate. Better in small quantities.’

‘Your problem is that you’re dating the wrong women,’ Libby said sagely, and he gave a wicked grin.

‘I know. It’s something that I work really hard at.’

Libby reached across and took his hand. ‘I want you to be happy, Alex.’

He frowned at her. ‘Are you drunk?’

She looked pointedly at the glass of champagne in his hand. ‘How can I be drunk when you’re drinking my champagne?’

‘Then what’s all this sentimental nonsense about me being happy?’ He cast her a bored look. ‘I’m happy.’

Libby shook her head. ‘No, I mean I want you to be settled down with children.’

Alex lifted an eyebrow mockingly. ‘I thought you said you wanted me to be happy.’

Libby sighed. ‘Don’t you ever want children of your own?’

Alex shook his head, his blue eyes suddenly cool. ‘No. I do not.’

‘You’d be a great father.’

Her brother’s broad shoulders tensed and all traces of humour vanished from his handsome face. ‘We both know that’s not true.’

‘Somewhere out there, there’s a woman for you,’ Libby said firmly, and Alex drained the champagne glass.

‘Well, hopefully if I keep my head down she won’t see me.’ He put the glass down on the table, his blue eyes glittering. ‘I don’t do commitment, Libby. You know that.’

‘I didn’t think I did either,’ Libby said, ‘and look at me now.’

‘I’m looking,’ Alex drawled, a hint of a smile touching his hard mouth. ‘And so are most of the male guests. You’re the only bride I’ve ever met who thinks that ‘‘something blue’’ refers to the length of your dress. Were they short of fabric?’