Page 64 of Reunited By the Greek's Baby

‘You really think I could do it?’

‘I don’t see why not.’

‘Everything is turning out well, isn’t it?’ Toula gave her a tentative smile. ‘I’m feeling better, mamma is happy, Theo has you and he’s clearly thriving.’

Isla frowned. ‘Well...’

‘What?’ Isla shifted on the seat, wishing she’d stayed silent. ‘Isla? What’s wrong?’

Isla bit her lip. She didn’t like to dampen Toula’s enthusiasm but she knew there was something very wrong, something Theo refused to discuss. But she loved him. Didn’t that include an obligation to care for him, despite his belief that he could shoulder every burden?

‘Theo is okay,’ she said slowly, not wanting to spook Toula. She had her suspicions about the root cause of Theo’s trouble but couldn’t be sure. ‘But he has things on his mind. You should talk to him.’

‘You think my brother will open up about something on his mind? He’ll clam up. He sees it as his role to protectme, though I’m stronger than he thinks.’

Was she? Isla was torn between wanting to see Theo unburdened and caution about Toula’s capacity to deal with harsh reality.

‘Isla?’ Toula’s voice was sharp. ‘What is it? Tell me.’

She sighed. ‘He’s had nightmares since prison and they’re getting worse.’ She met Toula’s eyes. ‘Do you know some people still think he killed Costa Stavroulis? They gossip about him when he enters a room and it’s affected the company’s reputation. That’s why he works such long hours. Old Mr Stavroulis is making his life hell because he’s got no one else to blame.’

Toula paled. ‘I had no idea. No one said anything.’

Of course not. Because they worried about her. ‘Are you okay, Toula? Maybe I shouldn’t have—’

‘Of course you should have told me. Mamma and Theo wrap me in cotton wool.’ With good reason. But the woman looking back at Isla didn’t look panicked. ‘Thanks for trusting me with the truth, Isla. It means a lot.’

Isla nodded and hoped she’d done the right thing.

That evening Isla was nervous as she dressed for the reception. Tonight would be special and the Grecian dress gave her confidence. She’d added the gold earrings Theo had given her, beautiful replicas of ancient designs featuring bees feeding from delicate flowers. He’d grumbled about wanting to put a ring on her finger instead but had been mollified at her delight in the gift, precious not just for its monetary value but his thoughtfulness in choosing a design she loved.

It wasn’t the reception making her nervous. It was telling Theo she’d marry him, though he didn’t love her. Yet. Surely he would one day.

Isla smoothed her hand down her rounded belly and felt the flutter of the baby moving. Anxiety eased as love squeezed her heart. It would be okay. Everything she’d ever wanted was here. A family. A man who lit up her world.

She imagined his delight when she told him. He’d—

The bedroom door swung open and thudded against the wall.

Her heart leapt into her throat. ‘Theo?’

Something was wrong. He looked frayed around the edges, something she’d never seen. Usually nothing fazed him. Isla hurried forward as he closed the door carefully. But she stopped as she read his narrowed gaze. She blinked, disbelieving, as she met a furious stare.

‘What did you think you were doing?’

‘Sorry?’

He shook his head as if trying to clear it. ‘Bothering Toula with all that stuff. Youknowhow fragile she is.’

Isla’s fingers threaded together. ‘What’s happened? How is she?’ Toula had seemed fine, if a bit quiet, when they’d parted two hours ago.

He pinched the bridge of his nose. ‘How do you think she is, after you worried her unnecessarily?’

‘Theo, is she okay? Does she need someone to be with her?’

‘If she does it won’t beyou!’ he growled.

Isla stiffened and blinked at his savage tone. ‘Tell me, Theo. Does she need company?’

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