Epilogue
‘YOU AND PANOS throw a lovely party.’
Dido turned, hearing her aunt’s voice. Flavia had just returned from working in Asia and had headed straight to Athens to see them.
‘Hardly a party. Just an end of week gathering with friends.’ Not like the fabulous wedding anniversary party she’d been hired to organise in Corfu next week.
Dido loved her work, particularly as she only took commissions that really appealed.
But the parties she enjoyed most were with family and friends. ‘Here, let me.’
She took the platter from Flavia and put it on the long table. It was one of several she and Evadne had prepared. She just hoped her housekeeper would come and join them once the barbecue was ready.
People were looking towards the table under its canopy of lights. She pretended not to notice Athena and her sister Circe helping their friends filch titbits from the platters.
‘It feels like a party,’ Flavia said. ‘It’s got that celebration vibe. Look at Panos, grinning from ear to ear.’
Dido linked her arm through her aunt’s and glanced towards the end of the patio where, as usual, men clustered around the spit roast. There was a lot of laughter and Panos was in the thick of it, rolling his eyes and elbowing someone who’d tried to steal the basting sauce from him.
Sometimes it still stole her breath, the way he’d embraced their new life, shucking aside old negative ways and forging positive relationships.
Nine males oversaw the roasting meat. They ranged in age from their neighbour, Mr Stavroulis, in his late eighties, to young Leo, staying with them for a few days before taking up his first summer job at Filos where he’d once spent his vacations.
All were debating whether the meat was ready. Or perhaps arguing over football. Even Cristiano Valetti, the reclusive billionaire who’d developed a friendship with Panos over a business deal, wore a rare smile that transformed his brooding features.
In the thick of them was her own darling man, laughing.
As if sensing her stare he lifted his head, gaze locking on hers. Heat shimmered and her cheeks flushed.
‘It’s good to see Panos like this.’
Dido turned and met her aunt’s smiling eyes. ‘He’s a good man, Flavia. He deserves to be happy.’
‘You think I don’t know that? I see how much he loves you, how he turned his life around, and I’m so proud.’ She squeezed Dido’s arm. ‘I’m thrilled for you both.’
From the corner of her eye Dido caught movement, then Panos was kissing her aunt who smiled up at him and patted his cheek. ‘If you’ll excuse me, I’ll round up your ragamuffin children before they lead the others astray.’
Panos’ chuckle was like warm, whisky-laced chocolate as he pulled Dido close. ‘I wouldn’t put it past her to sit cross-legged with them under the table and have a secret picnic again.’
‘You wouldn’t mind a bit.’
He lifted his eyebrows. ‘Why should I mind? Let them have fun.’
Her heart thrummed faster. Panos was a man who knew about fun these days. He could be serious and cautious when necessary, but he’d discovered an imp of mischief and a laconic humour that delighted the family and drew people to him. He wasn’t a loner anymore.
He was also a terrific dad and wonderful husband.
‘What are you thinking, agape mou?’
His gaze softened and she fell into those dark brown eyes. ‘I’m thinking how incredibly lucky I am.’
His palm skimmed her not-quite flat stomach. ‘Because of this little one?’
She lifted her hand to his face, something in her melting at the familiar sensations of warm skin with a hint of end-of-day beard scruff. ‘Partly. But it’s everything. Athena and Circe. Our life here. You. S’agapo, Panos.’
‘I love you too. So much.’ He slipped both arms around her and pulled her close, grazing her lips with his as he said, ‘You rescued me from a half-life, matia mou. You taught me how to be the man I always wanted to be when I was too scared to take a risk.’
Her lips twisted as she shook her head, pressing her fingers to his lips. ‘You were always that man. I wouldn’t be who I am today if you hadn’t taught me to fight for what was important and to trust my instincts.’
His eyes gleamed. ‘What do your instincts say now?’
‘That if you don’t rescue the meat now we won’t eat until midnight. That would be unfortunate as this pregnant lady wants an early night.’
‘You’re tired?’ Concern laced his words.
‘No. I just need time alone with my husband.’
His slow, sensual grin lit a fire inside her. ‘That can definitely be arranged.’ He kissed her until they were breathing hard. ‘Hold that thought.’ One more swift kiss and he strode to the spit roast and grabbed the carving knife.
Dido chuckled. She loved a man of action. She loved him.
She looked around at her family and friends and warmth filled her. Panos turned as if sensing her regard, and his smile hit her heart. She had everything she could ever want.
* * * * *