‘Believing in a full and happy future isn’t a fantasy. We can have what your parents and grandparents had—a happy, loving marriage. So I’m warning you that I’m going to ask you to marry me again. I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you—in Athens, here in London, at the villa—wherever work or whim takes us. I want to be with you, build a family, haveeverything—the downs as well as the ups—we’ll face them together, no?’
He was offering her everything with the confidence that came, not from holding secrets and shame back, but from sharing all their feelings and fears.
‘Sounds like paradise to me.’ She melted.
He smiled at her again—happiness glinting with renewed desire. ‘I know you need time, but I will ask and I will keep asking for as long as it takes...’
‘Ares.’ She cupped his face between her palms, her smile tremulous and her heart soaring. ‘When have I ever been able to say anything other than yes to you?’
Chapter Fourteen
Three years later
Ares watchedBethanadjust her display. A tiny tweak here, removal of an invisible speck there. He knew she worried it was too soon for a solo exhibition, but she was more than ready, she was gifted. Already the title cards of several pieces bore the discreet mark signifying they’d been sold and the pre-show reviews had reassured her. Ares had delighted in quoting extracts from one at regular intervals during her preparations today—
Bethan’s mixed media work intersects fine art and traditional craft. The intricacy of her beadwork, the ethereal light of her ceramics, the precision of needlework and the dexterity of her brushstrokes all illustrate her command of a breathtaking plethora of techniques. Beyond brimming with skill, talent, and clever concepts, Bethan transcends her virtuosity and demands an emotional response—
She certainly drew an emotional response from him. Especially wearing that blue-grey silk dress that clung to her body like water and was the colour of his eyes. God, he loved her in it.
He caught her close and murmured in her ear. ‘You transcend, Bethan.’
Chuckling, she turned towards him, colour blooming in her cheeks. ‘I do okay.’
‘So much more than okay.’
He released her as the first guests arrived. She stepped away, gleaming in the centre of the sublimely lit gallery. It was a rarefied space in the heart of the exclusive central London hotel that her friend Elodie’s husband owned. And of course, it was her friends who’d arrived first. He watched her embrace them, basking in the glow of her beauty, confidence, kindness and quietly exulted in the knowledge that at the end of the night she would return to him. Always she would return to him. Just as he would always wait for her. Though he felt impatience tease as he scoped the sweep and fall of the silk about her body. He wasverymuch looking forward to the night ahead. Happily they were staying right here in the hotel, which meant less than a three-minute walk and elevator ride to a bed. He couldn’t wait to free her curves from that fabric.
They’d re-married less than a year after their divorce—on their beach again but this time her friends had been there, plus Sophia and Felipe. Even Gia had accepted the invitation. Ares found he cared less about the past—he had contentmentnow. And security. He knewwhohe was and, while he needed to honour and remember his mother, he’d also begun to accept that maybe his father could be—if not forgiven—at least a little understood. Growing up in the Vasiliadis compound with Pavlos would damage anyone. Ares had the capacity to realise that now there was an abundance of love in his heart. The love Bethan gave him. She gave and he grew and delighted in giving back and somehow it grew between them even more. Limitless, joyous, so very easy. She’d changed his life completely.
Bethan sidled towards the rear of the room, needing a quiet moment to power up before more socialising with prospective customers. She sippedlemonadafrom a champagne glass, stifling a giggle as she watched Elodie glide about the room. She was so glad her friends were here. Elodie’s fiery hair, together with the beaded bustier Bethan had made for her years ago, caught the light—sparking an idea for a new creative piece. Phoebe floated alongside Elodie, proclaiming her delight about enjoying a glamorous night out as if she didn’t fly around the world attending opera and exclusive events on a regular basis. Both her friends’ babies were safely asleep just upstairs, attended by their highly experienced, highly paid nannies.
Sophia Dimou arrived, immediately gravitating through the throng to the two high-spirited women. Felipe followed, turning to the two men watching them. It turned out that, aside from the Vasiliadis connection, Felipe was a business associate of Phoebe’s husband, Eduardo. Reputation would have the world believe all three of those men were ruthless tycoons, but right now they seemed somewhat helpless—captivated by the vivacious feminine trio. In moments the men joined them and the atmosphere bubbled higher.
That they’d all come tonight was infinitely precious to her. Truthfully, it wasn’t her own success that moved her, but seeing those she loved most in the world together and so very happy. She searched the crowd for Ares, only to find him already looking right at her from the farthest corner. His mouth curved in that tender, knowing smile that was hers alone. Despite the distance—the forty people standing between them—she felt his love wrapping around her. And his love—entwined with that of her friends—was overwhelming.
Blinking quickly, she turned away and slipped out of the nearest exit. She needed more than a quiet moment to compose herself. She sniffed and hurried to the elevator. Ridiculous—to be teary because she was so totally happy? She needed to get a grip before she wrecked her make-up. She had to address that entire room soon.
As the elevator chimed, a big hand engulfed hers, his thumb rubbing over the rings she wore—the diamond had been reset to fit and form a knot together with the ruby of their second engagement—their past not forgotten, but celebrated.
‘Surely you’re not running away?’ he teased.
‘I just need to get myself together before I have to talk.’
‘Want some company?’ He tugged her into the lift and wrapped his arms around her.
She closed her eyes and leaned into the hug, feeling his heart beat steadily beneath her cheek. This wasn’t doing her make-up any favours, or making her any less emotional, but it didn’t matter. She was what she was and all those people downstairs supported her, not in spite of, but because of her emotionality.
When the elevator opened, Ares led the way, not speaking again until they were inside their hotel suite.
‘Anything I can do to help?’ His gaze roamed over her features intently.
He already was helping and her heart simply burst.
She sniffled, then dragged in a deep breath. ‘Actually there is something else I’d like to make...’
‘Oh?’ His smile turned sinful. ‘You want me to make—’
‘A baby with me. Yes.’
