Applause erupted around us. Cheers in both English and Greek.
The reception was set up in the main courtyard of the Thalassía, with long tables draped in ivory linens andcenterpieces mixing olive branches with autumn flowers. The November evening was cool enough that they’d set up heat lamps around the perimeter, but the dancing and the crowd kept things warm.
The caterers had outdone themselves with the food. American Thanksgiving dishes sat right alongside Greek specialties. The fusion was perfect, just like our families trying to blend together.
I sat at the head table with Aris, watching our guests eat and laugh and celebrate. Tia and Santo were at a nearby table. The twins, along with TJ were being passed around, and I resisted the urge to go check on them every five minutes.
“They are fine, yes,” Aris murmured, reading my mind. He lifted my hand and pressed a kiss to my knuckles. “Nettie has them. Mother has them. Half the family is hovering. They are the most protected babies in all of Greece.”
“I know. I just—”
“You are their mother. Of course you worry.” His thumb stroked across my wedding rings. “But tonight, we celebrate us. Yes?”
I nodded, leaning into him.
Deanna and Aris sitting together at their reception...
Three months ago, Aris had gifted me a condo in Athens where I could run my business without being confined to the estate. I’d been going three times a week, and it had given me back a piece of myself.
“I’m happy,” I said, and my voice came out thick. “Really happy, Aris.”
He pulled me into an embrace. “Good,” he said against my hair. Then, quieter: “That is all I have ever wanted for you.”
I had to blink hard to keep from crying. I took a slow breath.
Across the courtyard, I spotted Kevin sitting alone at a table near the back. He’d barely touched his food. Hadn’t spoken to anyone. Just sat there looking miserable while everyone around him celebrated.
“He looks uncomfortable,” I observed.
“He should be.” Aris didn’t glance in Kevin’s direction. “He put his lips on what was mine.”
“That was over a year ago, and we weren’t even a couple.”
“I do not care.” Aris’s voice dropped lower. “You were carrying my children. This, it made you mine whether or not we had declared it, yes.”
We’d had this argument at least a dozen times over the past few months. His position hadn’t budged an inch. If anything, he’d become more entrenched in it.
The music shifted then, and the DJ started playing something slow and romantic. Aris stood, offering me his hand. “Dance with me, Mrs. Christakis.”
I took his hand and let him lead me to the dance floor. Aris drew me close, one hand at my waist, the other holding mine. We moved together easily, finding our rhythm.
“A year ago, I never would’ve imagined this.”
“Neither did I, but here we are, yes.”
“Here we are,” I echoed.
We danced through two more songs before Domna came over, tapping Aris on the shoulder. “Let me dance with my son. You have her for the rest of your lives.”
Aris kissed my hand before releasing me. I stepped back, watching them move together.
“Dee.”
I turned to find Kevin standing there, hands in his pockets, looking like he wanted to be anywhere else.
“Kevin.”
“I, uh—” He cleared his throat. “I wanted to say congratulations. You look happy.”
