Epilogue
THE HUGE CHRISTMAS TREE twinkled with lights. Rosamund stifled a laugh as her toddler nephew stood at its base, wonderment in his eyes as he looked up to where it almost reached the frescoed ceiling. He craned his neck so far he lost his balance and abruptly sat on the floor, beaming.
‘He really is the jolliest little boy,’ she murmured, watching her sister-in-law, Susanna, scoop him up and carry him over to Leon.
‘You want one like that?’ Fotis’ voice was like liquid velvet in her ear. His arms came around her, pulling her back against his tall frame, hands possessively smoothing her baby bump.
She sighed and relaxed against him. ‘A child who laughs more than he cries? That sounds wonderful. But,’ she covered one of his big hands with hers, ‘whatever our baby’s like, I’ll love him or her.’
They were so lucky, to have each other and soon, a child. Beneath their joined hands the bub moved and, though she knew it was coincidence, Rosamund couldn’t help imagining it was communicating with them.
‘Didn’t I tell you she’d be a footballer?’
Rosamund shook her head. What was it about men and football? ‘He could be a chess player or a mathematician.’
She shivered as Fotis kissed her neck, his words tickling her skin. ‘Or a world-famous author.’
‘Sorry to intrude.’ Leon appeared, comfortably holding the heir to the throne, who grinned and drooled over his jacket. ‘But can I borrow you for a few minutes, Fotis? It’s about the children’s services initiative I’m planning.’
‘You’ll need to consult Rosa too.’
‘I already gave my thoughts when you were out for a run.’ She stroked her nephew’s soft cheek, overcome by the idea their baby would be here soon.
She straightened and turned, realising Fotis was thinking the same thing.
His expression made her melt. All that tender protectiveness and anticipation.
‘Don’t be long, you two. I know what you’re like when you get your heads together over a project. ’
Fotis’ slow smile made her wish they’d already had Christmas dinner and were heading to their suite.
‘I promise to be back soon.’ He kissed her cheek, sending ripples of delight across her skin.
Rosamund moved to the group around the fireplace, chatting with relatives and family friends.
Laughter rang out and she turned to see Dimitria Politis and Susanna’s younger brother grinning together.
Old Mr Politis was deep in discussion with Rosamund’s elderly second cousin.
Knowing both, they were either righting the world’s wrongs or planning a new business venture.
Fotis and Tassos had spent ages planning a fireworks display back in Greece to see in the new year. Her family—her family!—would all travel from Cardona to Greece after Christmas and stay with them over New Year’s to share the celebration.
How things had changed.
Her sister-in-law stopped beside her. ‘What are you looking so happy about? Might it have something to do with a fascinating, dark-haired Greek?’
Rosamund shrugged. ‘What can I say? I’m a lucky woman.’
‘We both are.’ Susanna slipped her arm through Rosamund’s. ‘I’m so glad you and Leon are spending more time together. That means you and I get time together too.’
Rosamund leaned closer, smiling at the glow of belonging she felt. ‘I feel the same.’ Leon’s wife was a wonderful woman. ‘I was just thinking how much fun it is to have two family celebrations. Did I mention there’ll be a huge fireworks display on the island?’
Susanna looked past her, eyes dancing. ‘I don’t think you’ll have to wait until next week for fireworks.’ She slipped her arm free. ‘I’d better check the meal’s ready. But…’ Her voice turned mock-stern, ‘don’t go getting distracted.’
She strode off, just as a warm hand captured Rosamund’s. ‘Have I told you, asteri mou, that you look gorgeous in silver? No other woman holds a candle to you.’
She grinned and cupped Fotis’ jaw in her palms. ‘You have, but I never tire of hearing it.’
‘Excellent.’ His head dipped, gaze fixed on her mouth.
A voice announced, ‘Dinner is served.’ Seconds later Susanna murmured beside them, ‘That includes you two.’
Fotis lifted his head, mock-frowning. ‘She’s bossy.’
Rosamund pressed a quick kiss to his lips. ‘Just as well you like strong women.’
He threaded his fingers through hers. ‘Absolutely. And you like challenging men.’
They shared a secret smile then turned and followed their family into the dining room, hands linked and hearts full.