“At first, I was upset. I will not lie. But times are different, and I’ve been stubborn in letting go of some of the traditions in the family. But in the end, I only want my son’s happiness.”
Reaching up, I quickly wiped a tear away.
She shook her finger. “Dab! Don’t wipe.”
Laughing, I nodded. “Yes ma’am.”
Next to walk up was Thano’s Yiayia. Placing her hands on my stomach, she said something in Greek that caused every other Greek in the room to start cheering.
“Opa!”
I swallowed hard and looked at Claire. She leaned in and said, “Rather that than them spitting on you.”
“What did she say?” I asked Katerina.
With a wink, she took my hand in her hand. “She wishes you to have a baby before she dies.”
“Oh,” was all I could manage to say as I looked at her and forced a smile.
The door opened and Sara the wedding planner stepped inside. There were so many conversations going on, I had given up long ago trying to listen to them all. Katerina’s sister and a few of the cousins along with Yiayia had been in my dressing room all morning. One of the Marias did my hair while Sophia, did my makeup along with Claire’s.
“All right. It’s time to clear out the room and get seated ladies.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. I’d already told Sara I was going to need a few moments by myself before the ceremony. I loved Thano’s family, but I still needed to get used to them.
Claire walked up to me and smiled. She looked beautiful in her champagne colored dress. The strapless sweetheart bodice made her already tiny waist look smaller, while the tiered ruffle gown added the perfect amount of fun for a beach wedding.
“Are you okay?”
With a quick nod, I said, “Yep.”
Narrowing her left eye at me, she tilted her head. “Are you okay?”
My chin trembled. “I’ve never been so happy in my life, Claire. I’m so afraid I’m about to wake up and it’s all going to be a dream. Do I deserve to be this happy?”
“Oh, Kilyn, sweetie. I promise you this is not a dream, and yes, you more than anyone deserves it.”
I closed my eyes and counted to twenty as I took in a deep breath. “God, I hope no one spits on me as I walk down the aisle.”
Opening my eyes, we both busted out laughing.
The light knock on the door drew my attention to it. Scott, Claire’s father, poked his head in. “Hey. I was instructed to get you out Claire.”
She glanced back at me and pouted. “See ya soon, babe.”
I nodded and let go of her hand.
Scott held the door open for Claire and then shut it behind them.
Setting the bouquet down, I slowly walked around the room.
“I’m getting married,” I whispered out loud.
Walking up to the window, I peered out. I could see all the white chairs set up on the beach. The long red carpet led almost to the water’s edge as I followed it with my eyes.
My breath caught when I saw him.
Thano.
I covered my mouth as a sob escaped from my lips. He was dressed in a black tux standing next to his best friend Gus. My eyes drifted down and I giggled when I saw he didn’t have any shoes on.
He was standing there in his bare feet and it had to have been the sexiest thing I’d ever seen.
Then his eyes locked on mine as my stomach dipped and my chest fluttered. He smiled and I returned the gesture.
I wasn’t sure if he knew I was in this room or he felt me looking. Either way, I was lost in those eyes. Lost in his love for me.
Lifting my hand, I placed it on the window. I’m marrying this man. My very own Greek god.
The light knock on the door had me dropping my hand and stepping away from the window.
“Hey, darling. Are you ready?”
Placing my hands over my stomach, I giggled. “I’m so nervous.”
Scott walked up to me and placed his hands on my arms. “I remember the day I married Kim.”
Smiling, I asked, “Were you nervous?”
He pulled his head back and chuckled. “Nervous? No. I was scared to death.”
I instantly felt my body relaxing.
“Then I saw her walking down the aisle and it was like pouf! I was no longer scared. I didn’t need to know if we were going to be okay. All I needed was that beautiful smile walking toward me. When she finally made it to me all my worries and fears were replaced with pure happiness. That’s the only way I can describe it.”
With a wide grin, I looked down as I thought of my parents. Looking back up at Scott, I cleared my throat. “Thank you, for everything you’ve ever done for me. Everything. And thank you for standing in for my father today. As much as I’d love to have him here, I love that you’re the one walking me down the aisle.”