Together they gathered their things and walked over to the car parked beneath some trees. On the drive up the road through the trees, Nico told her everything.
“So your uncle has disappeared?”
“I couldn’t find him. He’s now a wanted man in both countries.”
“I can’t believe he’s caused so much pain to your family over the years. But after what Monika did to us, nothing should surprise me.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
“I hope your sister can now run the newspaper without any problems. She’s such a lovely person.”
“She feels the same about you. Now let’s go inside for a drink. Then I’d like to spend some time in bed while we plan our honeymoon. We’ll leave on ours as soon as Kristos and Dimitra take off.”
“We’ll only have a week.”
“I’ve given it a lot of thought. Why don’t we fly in the private jet to Ottawa to see your publisher. We’ll spend a day there while you show me the sights. That will leave us a few more days. What would you like to do with them?” He pulled some drinks out of the fridge and they quenched their thirst.
“If you’re asking me seriously, I’d love to go back to Olympia. We only had a day. This time we could stay at that hotel on the hill overlooking the ancient city. You’ll never know how much I wanted to be married then and have weeks to spend time in your arms and explore the sites. It’s our Greek history, Nico, and it sank deeply into my bones. I’ll never get enough of it.”
“What a relief, my darling. I was afraid you were going to say London or Paris.”
“I’d like to travel to those places, but for our honeymoon I’d rather revisit the spot where I first laid eyes on the Hermes sculpture. It represents my feelings for the man I’d hoped to marry. You.” She looked into his eyes. “If you’d seen the look on everyone’s face in the hospital lounge when I told them I was your wife... No one could doubt how I feel about you.”
He pulled her in his arms. “I happen to know the news that we’re married made everyone ecstatic. But no one more than me. For you to announce our marriage proved you’ve forgiven yourself and unlocked my prison door. It means I have my mermaid back.”
“Forever.”
They walked through the house to the bedroom. “I’ve never been this happy in my life. I’m married to the woman I’ve wanted from the moment I met her, and my beautiful daughter is getting married to a man I love like my own son. It’s beyond wonderful.”
She threw herself in his arms. “You talk about a prison. That’s what I was in all these years, wanting to tell you the truth. I’m not that person any longer.”
“We’ve entered a new phase of life. One exciting aspect is that I get to take a shower with my wife.” He grabbed her before she knew what was happening.
“Nico—” she squealed.
“This is just the beginning.”
EPILOGUE
DIMITRA’S AUGUST WEDDING DAY had arrived. Alexa drove her to the church early to help her dress in one of the anterooms off the foyer. The ceremony had been scheduled for ten in the morning and Phyllis wheeled their papoú to the front of the nave. He wore a new dark blue dress suit with a gardenia and looked splendid.
The well-known Papadakis and Angelis families who’d been in the news recently guaranteed a large crowd. Many of the guests had already arrived. Irena had told Alexa that this was going to be the biggest society wedding Salonica had witnessed in years complete with photographers and various news agencies covering the event.
Alexa had bought a pale peach chiffon knee-length dress with short sleeves and a scooped neckline. She wore a gardenia corsage on her shoulder. Nico liked her hair down so much, she didn’t change it. Neither she or Dimitra needed blusher. Excitement had made them both feverish.
Dimitra looked exquisite in a white, A-line lace tulle wedding dress. It was sleeveless with an illusion neckline. The court train gave it a royal elegance. She wore a garland of flowers in her wavy brunette hair. No veil. She didn’t want one.
Kristos had sent her a gift of pearls that were his grandmother’s. Alexa fastened them around her neck and handed her the wedding bouquet of white roses and gardenias.
“It’s almost time, honey. I’m going to find your papoú. Your father will be here in a minute to walk you down the aisle. God bless you, darling girl. You look a vision. Kristos is going to think so too.”
“I can’t believe I’m getting married.”
“Are you sure it’s what you want?”
“Mama—”
“Don’t you know I’m teasing you?” Alexa’s gift to her consisted