Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
“Work has been busy, but soon.”
“Good, bring the children as well.”
I smile. “I will.”
“Good, good. How’s the adoption going?”
I frown. “The father still won’t sign over his rights.”
“Um, and you haven’t done anything to change that?”
“No.”
Not that I haven’t wanted to. If I didn’t think my grandfather would take it all back for my actions, I would have forced his ass to sign and then disposed of him. Especially after finding out he had been reaching out to Mary to gaslight her just to get me to back off.
I can’t help wondering if she fell ill because of him. He’s a fucking cancer, if there ever was one. I hate his guts.
“I’m proud of you, Tzósoua.”
“Thanks, Pappoús.”
“We will talk soon.”
I hang up with a smile on my face. I’m one more step away from being out from under this cloud. I’m going to live a normal life.
Chapter 54
This is the One
Shawna
Four months later…
“You have such a lovely home,” I say to Basil, Josh’s grandfather.
He seems to be a kind old man. He’s very handsome and still looks good for his age. His eyes are sharp, like he sees more than you want him to.
“It is your home while you are here. This smile you bring to my Joshua’s face, I never thought I’d see the day. O Tzósoua mou eínai erotevménos,” Basil says with a wide smile.
Vernice giggles and says. “Yes, he is.”
“A, katalavaíneis elliniká?” Basil says and lifts a brow.
“Nai, kai míla to ki esý.”
“Very nice. I will only speak in Greek while you are here then,” he says to Vernice.
“Actually, you can speak to all the kids in Greek,” Josh says proudly.
“Is this so?”
“Naí,” True and Cat say in unison.
“Well done, Joshua, well done. How about we have lunch? I would like to get to know you all better,” Basil says in English.
I assume because of me. My nerves settle and I almost forget that I’m missing Ven’s bachelorette party. I told her I wasn’t ready to do something like that, which wasn’t entirely a lie.
The truth is, my gut told me Josh needed me. I’m here because the look in his eyes when he asked me to come said this was something he needed to do. So here I am.
Kelex
This visit is bittersweet. I couldn’t make time before now and Pappoús insisted I come right away. My time has run out.
I had no choice but to miss Pit and Skittles’s bachelor and bachelorette weekend. You don’t refuse my grandfather when he summons you.
“I like her,” Pappoús says. “She’s a sweet girl. I can see why you are so taken.”
“She means everything to me.”
“This is real? I know she’s related to our little friend, the fireball. You wouldn’t be trying to fool me, would you?”
“Not at all. Skittles still doesn’t know about us. We’ve been keeping things private.”
“This is good. Take a lesson from Blake. Don’t be quick to let everyone into your business. Especially concerning your personal life. You understand?”
“Yeah, I hear you.”
“Good. Then tell me, why haven’t you proposed?”
I knew this was coming. I had planned to have a talk with Shawna and propose before this trip, but things didn’t work out. I had to save that deal that’s been falling apart for months and we’ve launched the film program for the kids.
“I haven’t had time to find the perfect ring,” I say.
He waves a hand at me. “This isn’t a problem. We can fix this today.”
My heart starts to race with excitement. If I had a ring, I would totally propose to Shawna. I would love nothing more than to have her under my roof and in my bed every night.
“Okay, let’s make that happen. Greece couldn’t be a better place to propose.”
“That’s my boy. I can’t wait to see the gorgeous babies she will give you.”
My smile grows. I’m going to love making those babies. I can’t wait.
Chapter 55
Dream Come True
Kelex
“Are you sure your grandfather will be okay with the kids all by himself?” Shawna asks as we pack to head to Ios.
“He’ll be fine. They’re all old buddies now. Besides, Helios will be here with him.”
The kids and Pappoús hit it off yesterday. It was like watching my grandfather with me when I was younger. They’re good kids. They’re not going to give him any trouble.
“Where are you taking me?” she asks with a bright smile.
I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her into my body. Thinking about our plans for the next few days, I take her lips in a passionate kiss. I think she’s going to love what I have planned.
“It’s a surprise. Bring a swimsuit and something to wear to dinner. We’ll be back the day after tomorrow.”
“That’s not a lot to go on.”
“You want me to pack for you?”
She laughs. “Really?”
I slap her ass playfully. “Go down to breakfast. I’ll pack your bag. No worries.”