"Of course she does. Have you proposed?"
"I suggested that we do the right thing and get married, and she said no." He wished he had something stronger than tea to drink.
"She turned you down?" Narrowed green eyes spit fire. "Is she mad?"
"She's also not sure she wants to be a mother."
Christos watched as the fire in his mother's eyes died to be replaced by absolute disbelief. "What are you saying?" She whispered.
Reaching out, she closed her hand over her husband's large one and clung as if seeking support.
"She said she would decide as soon as she visits the doctors tomorrow."
"She's reluctant to have your child?" Mary-Ann looked to her husband for support. "Please say something." She demanded.
"I'm sure it has come as a shock to her." Her husband gave her a helpless look. "She just found out?"
His son nodded. "Yes."
"There." Petros Kostas bent a loving look at the tiny woman who had captured his heart forty-five years ago and wanted to wipe the distress from her lovely face. "You were quite overcome when you discovered you were pregnant with Andreas. Remember, my love? You were scared to your bone."
"I was nineteen years old and had no idea what to expect. This woman... how old is she? Twenty-eight? She's old enough to be a mother. Does she know what a privilege it is to be carrying a Kostas inside her womb? Darling, I should speak to her..."
"No." Christos held up a hand wearily. "And I mean it mother. I don't want anyone to interfere. I know you all mean well, but I can handle this by myself."
"You shouldn't have to. Oh darling, I wish you had chosen that lovely Chelsea. We wouldn't be in this predicament right now."
"You called Chelsea greedy and an opportunist." He reminded her dryly. "And declared that she's not good enough for me."
"Did I say that?" She mused. Taking a sip of her tea, she considered. "Anyway, that's beside the point. What's done is done. I want her to start using our family OBGYN. Dr. Montrose has been taking care of the family since I was pregnant with Andreas and he's the best in his field."
"Dr. Montrose is in his nineties and on the verge of retiring."
"Christos..."
"Mother, please allow me to deal with this in my own way. Leanne is more than a little spooked right now." He took another sip of the tea before pushing the cup away. "And I would like to end this discussion."
He rose and went around to hug her. "It will work itself out. I promise."
"You want us to go."
"I'm tired and I have a long day ahead of me." Forcing a smile to his lips, he included his father.
"All right." Hopping off the chair, she wrapped her arms around his waist. "Call as soon as you leave the doctor's office."
"I will." He promised as he led them to the door.
Locking up, he dumped the cups into the spotless sink and went to the living room to pour himself a glass of scotch. He had promised himself on the way back that he would not brood, but it was difficult not to.
What should have been the most wonderful news had been marred by Leanne's mood and unhappiness. Taking the drink with him, he walked over to stare into the mesmerizing flames.
Tossing back the drink, he sat down heavily, his own mood turning decidedly sour and wished to God he had stayed away from her.
Chapter 2
She was waiting for him in the parking lot of the ultra-modern clinic. At this time of the morning, the lot was empty, which was precisely why she had settled for such an early appointment.
Last night after he left, she had had a hell of a conversation with herself and was determined that no matter what, she was going to be a reasonable sane human being. Not one controlled by her raging hormones. She had also reminded herself that she had entered into the relationship of her own free will and had enjoyed every minute of it. Christos was charming, handsome and very articulate.
