They led her carefully down the stairwell and waited until they were outside. Petros, wearing a huge smile and casual pants and cotton shirt, came forward to do his part as giveaway father.
"Ready, my dear?" he asked gently.
"I am."
Sweeping off the scarf from her face, he allowed her to take in the scene. And she was left speechless. For once, the very noisy family had remained silent, even the children, so that she never suspected a thing.
The crunching under her feet became obvious. Miles of white sand led toward a sea so blue, it hurt the eyes. The sky was the same brilliant color, the sun a golden orb in the center. And several hundred guests stood around drinking champagne.
"We're--" She caught her breath when she noticed the sign. "Negril. We're in Negril. On the beach. How?" She whispered.
"Your man wanted you to have the wedding of your dream, so he sent his mother and sisters fishing." Petros grinned at her.
Her eyes flew to the achingly handsome and familiar face standing beneath an arch. He was wearing a pair of dark blue cotton pants and matching shirt, his thick dark hair blowing in the breeze.
"He did this for me. The hotel--"
"Everything is rented out for the day. The guests were transferred to another hotel. We have the place to ourselves."
She thought of the enormous expense and trouble and felt the lump growing larger. Tears shimmered in her eyes. "Take me to him. Please."
"With pleasure."
The live band started the music. Slipping off the sandals, she clutched the posies in one hand as she drifted toward her soon-to-be husband.
He met her halfway, green eyes searching her face. "What do you think?"
"I could cheerfully kill you." The huskiness in her voice belied the threat and had him grinning.
"Kill me later. For now, I just want to marry you."
The ceremony was through in minutes, the vows said and the rings blessed and exchanged. Christos had also invited the press, and pictures were taken.
This was deliberate. He wanted her mother to see and regret and envy what her daughter now has.
"I want to make a speech." Leanne held up a hand, rings that her groom put there flashing in the strong sunlight. "This is the most important day in my life." She turned to him. "You accomplished that. You've also made me realize that I deserve love, the kind that you've shown me."
She turned to look at the sea of faces staring at her. "I've gained a family. A mother." She smiled at Mary-Ann, who was sniffling in her handkerchief. "A dad." She smiled as Petros winked at her. "Sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews, and a slew of others. I'm grateful."
She turned in his arms. "I love you, darling. The words we just spoke seemed so trivial to what I feel for you, and for the rest of my life, I promise to show you much you're loved."
Amidst the cheers, she walked into his arms and lifted her face for his drugging kiss.
"Slow down." He captured her around the waist and brought her toward him. "Darling, you're going to tire yourself out."
The cake had been cut. The food, so much food, was being consumed along with the buckets of champagne and other liquor. She was especially enjoying the jerk chicken, a Jamaican cuisine, despite the spiciness.
"Okay." She laughed up at him, eyes sparkling. "Your grandfather tried to cop a feel while we were dancing."
His eyes glowered as he lifted his head in search of the culprit, who was now whirling his wife around in the sand. "I'm going to have a strong talk with him."
"Why bother?" She tipped her head up to meet his lips. "It won't make a difference." Her eyes sobered. "I love you so damn much, Mr. Kostas."
"And I adore you, Mrs. Kostas."
"I am, aren't I?" She mused. "And I think we should go swimming. The water looks so inviting."
"We should check with Dr. Henderson--"
