Aris’s breathing slowed as exhaustion finally caught up to him. Then a dull ache tightened across my lower belly, different from the usual Braxton Hicks contractions I’d been having for weeks. I waited, but it faded just as quickly.
Probably my body protesting the long flight, the stress, and the activity we’d just shared.
As I drifted off, I felt him tighten his hold on me, as if he could protect me and our children from everything the world might throw at us through sheer force of will. And maybe, I thought drowsily, he could.
When we landed in Athens, the air was hot and dry. The limo met us on the tarmac, and Aris helped me in while Dr. Bedi and the two nurses accompanying her climbed into another car headed for their hotel, where Aris had arranged suites for them. The doctor wanted to spend two days sightseeing in Athens before flying back to Montrose on one of his planes.
“I am taking you to the estate first, yes,” Aris said as the driver pulled away. “You can rest there while I go to hospital.”
“No way.” I turned to face him, and a sharp twinge made me catch my breath. I waited a beat, but it eased. “I’m coming with you.”
“Dede, you need to rest.”
“I got sleep on the plane. I’m fine.” I squeezed his hand. “Besides, if you’re so worried about me, wouldn’t a hospital be the best place? There’s doctors everywhere.”
He didn’t find that funny. “This is not joke.”
“I know.” I softened my voice. “But I’m not letting you go alone. I’m your wife.”
He closed his eyes briefly, and when he opened them again, I knew I’d won.
“Please,” I said softly. “Let me be there for you.”
He exhaled, then spoke to the driver in Greek.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
He pulled me against his side without a word.
I shifted, trying to find a comfortable position. My lower back throbbed, and there was a persistent heaviness low in my pelvis that hadn’t been there on the plane. The car’s movement over uneven pavement didn’t help.
“Dede?” Aris pulled back to look at me. “What is wrong?”
“Nothing.” I managed a smile as it subsided. “Just the babies moving.”
He studied my face, unconvinced, but I kissed his jaw before he could question me further.
The Christakis family filled the private waiting area of the hospital. Every head turned as Aris and I walked in. Tia rushed forward with a sob, arms outstretched. Santo followed close behind her.
“Mommy! You came!” Tears shone in her eyes as she hugged me. I felt her trembling and wanted to hold her tight, like I used to when she had nightmares, but my belly prevented that.
“She’s still in surgery,” Santo said quietly beside us, his voice hollow. “They’re working on one of her heart valves.”
My stomach dropped. I reached for him, pulling him into our embrace. The three of us held each other while dread coiled in my chest.
Aris patted his son’s shoulder before moving toward his brothers. Konstantin, Dimitrios, and Matthaios stood together near the windows, their faces grave.
Tia and Santo released me and guided me to a seat. I scanned the room quickly.
Irida was nearby, cradling Kayla and Konstantin’s baby girl, TJ. Her usual brightness was dimmed as she cooed softly to her great-niece.
Kayla was settled beside me on the couch, her face pale despite the glow of new motherhood. A striking woman with dark hair I didn’t recognize sat apart from the group.
I nodded toward her. “Who’s that?”
Kayla followed my gaze. “That’s Despina. She’s Dimitrios’s current flame.” She leaned in conspiratorially. “Domna thinks they’ll marry soon.”
Before I could process that information, the sharp click of high heels drew my attention. A well-dressed blonde woman with striking blue eyes and flowers in hand strode toward my husband with purpose.
