He smiled and nodded. “I think I have since we danced at your friend’s wedding. But I didn’t know it at the time. And then after we made love, I panicked and I let my doubts and insecurities overrule what I knew about you.”
“Which is?”
“That you are beautiful both inside and out. That you would do anything for the people you love—even sacrificing your happiness.”
“I can’t believe you’re saying all of this...even after the part I played in the deaths of our siblings.”
He stepped closer to her and brushed the back of his fingers gently down over her cheek. She couldn’t resist leaning into him and drawing on his strength.
His gaze met hers. “You have to stop blaming yourself. You didn’t do anything wrong. Sometimes bad things happen and there’s no one to blame.”
“Really?” Hope gleamed in her eyes.
“Really. Quit being so hard on yourself. It isn’t what your sister would want.”
Popi paused as though considering his words. He was right. This not what Andrina would want. “My sister could procrastinate with the best of them, but she was never vindictive.”
“See. The only one who has to forgive you...is you.”
Popi nodded in understanding. “I’ll work on it.”
He was winning her over—he was certain of it. “So, what do you say? Would you like to stay here with me—with Seb? And start your own wedding business?” And then he realized he’d forgotten something. “And that tent off to the side, it’s going to become a conservatory with glass walls and ceiling so you can dance beneath the stars. And you may use it for your weddings. Use whatever you desire.”
“You’d do all of that?”
He nodded. “And more, if you’ll say yes. I’ve traveled the world searching for something—something I never found. Until now. I’ve found my home right here with you and Seb.” He pulled a ring from his pocket and dropped down on one knee. “I love you, Popi, with all of my heart. Will you be my partner on the biggest and grandest adventure of my life?”
Tears splashed onto her cheeks. “I will. I love you.”
EPILOGUE
Five months later...
The Drakos Estate, Athens, Greece
THIS WAS GOING to be the wedding of the season.
Every newspaper, television network and paparazzo was in attendance.
But the guest list was quite selective—only family and friends.
And so the media was left outside the gates. But that didn’t stop them from hiring helicopters to whirl above the big white tent in the lawn of the Drakos estate. But with a few well-placed calls, Apollo was able to get the helicopters removed, letting the peaceful chirp of the birds and the rustle of the wind be the only backdrop to this occasion.
In just a few hours, Popi was going to become Mrs. Apollo Drakos. And then the adoption of Seb would become official. Popi moved to the crib and lifted her future son into her arms.
Popi held Seb so that she could look him in his eyes. “Very soon Apollo and I will be your legal parents. But don’t worry, we’ll make sure you know all about your very special birth parents. They loved you so much. We all do.”
“What’s going on in here?” Apollo’s voice came from the doorway.
Popi turned to him. “You aren’t supposed to see the bride before the wedding. It’s bad luck.”
He stepped farther into the room and didn’t stop until he was next to her. He planted a quick kiss on her lips and then one on the baby’s forehead. “We don’t need luck. We have love on our side.”
Aww... This was one of the reasons that she’d fallen in love with him. Once he’d trusted her enough to let down his guard, she’d found an optimistic side to him. And Apollo truly believed what he said. And she believed in him. They didn’t need luck, because their love was strong enough to see them through anything.
The smile slipped from his face. “I just have one question for you.”
“What’s that?”
“Are you sure about starting your own wedding business here? I will understand if you want to return to Infinity Island.” He gazed deeply into his eyes. “My home is wherever you are.” At that point, the baby let out a cooing sound. Their gazes moved to Seb. “And you too, little guy.”