Page 68 of Reunited By the Greek's Baby

‘Isla, what are you doing?’

She leaned over and closed her hand around Theo’s. ‘I’m so sorry.’

‘Not as much as I am.’ He breathed deep and turned his hand to clasp hers, his warmth enfolding her. ‘Toula will need all the support she can get but I think my stepsister is stronger than I gave her credit for. My one regret is you. I love you, Isla.’

She blinked, watching his mouth, wondering if she’d misheard.

‘I’ve worked out I fell in love with you right at the beginning. That’s why I had to send you away, so you weren’t tainted by my degradation. I couldn’t bear for you to be caught up in that.’ His mouth was a grim line that told its own story. ‘Then, when I finally had you back and recognised my feelings, I took it slowly, hoping you’d fall in love with me too, only to destroy my chances the other night.’

Isla’s heart squeezed, remembering that awful time. ‘That was fear talking.’

‘It was, but that’s no excuse.’

Isla thought of all he’d been through. The trauma, the attempt on his life, the fear not just for himself but for her, his mother and stepsister. The ridiculous work schedule, trying to save his company from the scandal not of his making. His decency in dealing with the old man who saw him as an enemy. His care for Toula and for her.

She could choose to be offended and carry a grudge or she could choose to believe his sincerity.

‘What do you see happening next, Theo?’

He squeezed her hand, his smile sad. ‘I’ll take my lead from you.’

Isla hated seeing him this way, a proud man humbled. He’d made mistakes but with noble intentions.

‘What I’d like is for you to hold me. I’ve missed you so much.’

His eyes rounded and for a moment she saw disbelief on his features. But her Theo wasn’t the passive type. He stood, carefully put his arms around her and lifted her off the bed. Seconds later she was cradled in his lap, his heart thudding against her ear, his arms strong but gentle around her.

‘You’re not the only one who fell in love right at the beginning. I never stopped loving you, even when you sent me away. Even when I tried to hate you.’

‘Sh. Don’t say it,glykia mou.’ Glowing golden eyes held hers. ‘You really mean it? You love me?’

‘I thought it was obvious.’

Theo’s laugh was the best sound in the world. Bright and full of joy. She’d never tire of hearing it.

‘S’agapo, Isla. I love you so much.’ Tenderly he kissed her and she felt the magic weave through her body like sparkling ribbons of flame. ‘We’re going to be absurdly happy.’

He sounded so sure she had to laugh, but beneath the laughter was an equal certainty. Theo was her dream come true. No, better than some dream lover. He was real—flawed, as she was, but honest and loving, and they were made for each other.

EPILOGUE

THESCENTOFmeat cooking on the charcoal grill filled the balmy evening. Children’s laughter drifted over the hum of nearby conversation.

On the shore stood the home where his mother had been born, the place he and Isla had spent those idyllic first weeks. Now renovated, it was guest accommodation, where Simon, as leader of the dig team, had been based the last few months.

‘You always were an incredibly lucky guy, Theo. I’m almost jealous,’ Simon said.

Theo looked down at the baby sleeping in his arms and felt a rush of tenderness. Niko’s dark hair was like his own but his smile was Isla’s. As for his determination, he got that from them both.

Theo grinned. ‘I’m not going to argue. I know how blessed I am.’

Who’d have thought, six years ago, when it felt like he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, that life could be so glorious?

‘Life’s been good to you too, my friend. I know you’re eager to get back to Athens to show off your latest finds. And take up your promotion.’

‘Well...’ Simon shrugged. ‘Perhaps a little. But this place is paradise.’

‘It is.’ Not because of the scenic beauty or sprawling house he and Isla had built. But because it washome, his and Isla’s. Their retreat from the capital, close enough for commuting if they chose.

---