He poured them wine while Anna brought the food. “Our ceremony had to be shortened. The priest texted me during the flight that he needed to leave on an emergency, and we arrived there later than planned.”
That was the reason? “I didn’t realize, but I didn’t mind it being short.”
“Believe me. Neither did I. It has given us more time to enjoy the rest of the day until we have to fly back.”
Alexa had lost her appetite, but she didn’t want to insult Anna, so she ate as much of the crab salad as she could handle and thanked her. Nico, on the other hand, ate two sandwiches along with salad.
She looked at her wedding ring. “This teardrop stone is dazzling. What kind is it?”
“A natural deep green diamond, very rare. It came from a mine in Africa. I bought it a week ago. It symbolizes harmony, freshness and fertility, the color of nature. The color of your eyes.”
She looked away, unable to meet his piercing gaze.
“I didn’t really believe you meant to marry me today. I’m sorry I didn’t have a ring for you.”
“But you did,” he came back and held up his left hand. “I’m pleased to see you found this ring in that first letter.”
“I was so moved when I read what was engraved on it, I fell apart. It’s been sitting in my jewelry box.”
“But no longer.” He got up from the table. “Why don’t we go to my bedroom so I can put it on you officially.”
Alexa’s heart thudded so violently, it was hard to breathe. She stood and followed Nico to another part of the villa, halting in the doorway of his spacious bedroom with its king-size bed.
The shutters had been closed to darken the room. She could smell the fragrance of orange blossoms. Candles had been lit and placed on the dresser and end tables. A huge plant of blue hydrangeas sat on a coffee table in front of two matching love seats.
“Nico—” she gasped and rested against the doorjamb. “I feel like I’ve entered the cabin on your cruiser and it’s nineteen years ago.”
“That was a night I’ll never forget,” he murmured. “If you’d like to freshen up first, the en suite bathroom is through that door. I’ve put a blue robe on a hook for you.”
Her legs felt insubstantial as she thanked him and walked across the room to his private bathroom. With trembling hands she removed her clothes and took a shower, but all her actions seemed to be in slow motion. Alexa couldn’t believe she was now a married woman. This was her wedding night, even if it was early afternoon.
How different from the first time when he’d carried her to the bed in his cabin below deck. Until they’d had to leave the cruiser, she hadn’t thought about anything but loving him.
Alexa started to be afraid. She had been with other men and thoroughly kissed, but she hadn’t made love since that night with Nico. What if he found her less than satisfactory, especially after his marriage to a young Raisa.
After leaving the shower, she used one of the fluffy towels to dry off, then slipped on the blue toweling robe. Alexa glanced in the mirror, not thrilled with the sight of the thirty-six-year-old woman who looked back at her.
Last week Alexa had finally broken down and done a search of his deceased wife online. She’d been absolutely beautiful, a tall Athenian with flowing black hair and velvety brown eyes. Anyone would think she modeled for a living.
Alexa found photo after photo of the famous couple, including wedding pictures at the church in Athens. Nico had seemed so happy, but when information about the helicopter crash came up on the screen, she’d shut it off unable to go there. It hurt too much to imagine the pain he must have gone through.
“Alexa? Are you all right?”
She’d been so deep in thought, she hadn’t heard the tap on the door.
“I’m fine, Nico. I’ll be right out.”
When she emerged, she found him waiting for her dressed in a black striped robe, looking the heart-stopping male she adored. He walked over and reached for her left hand. “This ring belongs with your wedding ring, Kyría Angelis.” He slid the ring he’d been wearing on his pinky to her finger. “You’re my wife now.”
“I never thought this day would come.”
He put his hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes. “Another miracle. Now tell me what’s wrong.”
She looked everywhere except at him. “If you want to know the truth, I’m nervous.”
“Why?” That wicked half smile of his was in evidence. “It isn’t as if we haven’t done this before.”
“That’s true, but it’s been a long time.”