Page 63 of Marriage Masquerade

“And now you want to leave?”

“To visit Greece. I phoned my father this afternoon to let him know the negotiations were accomplished as we wanted. And to tell him I remarried. He and my mother want to meet you. Allessandros already told him about you and he insists we visit. I told him we'd leave as soon as the contracts were signed. As long as your doctor says traveling will pose no danger to you. It’s a long journey.”

She put down her spoon, butterflies suddenly dancing in her stomach.

“I don’t think I should go,” she said. “I’m not sure your parents are going to be thrilled with me as a new daughter-in-law, even a temporary one. Maybe you should explain things to them and…”

She let her words trail off at the frown on his face.

“Of course you should go. They'll love you. And we don't need to talk at all about our reasons for marriage. I thought if we get everything wound up by the end of the week, we could leave next Friday.”

She opened her mouth to protest, then closed it abruptly. That look was familiar to her. Her bossy husband would not budge on this issue.

And she couldn't help feeling some anticipation to see where Nikos grew up, to meet more of his family. It made this fake marriage seem even more real.

Though, maybe it wasn't such a fake marriage after all. He had his green card and never said a word about ending things. What he'd suggested in Washington echoed.

The next morning, Gemma awoke refreshed. The long nap and a solid night’s sleep had done wonders.

She showered and dressed quickly, trying on several outfits until she settled on a loose cotton sundress. Her jeans no longer fit comfortably. Brushing her hair, she was pleased to note the circles beneath her eyes were gone. Healthy color glowed in her cheeks.

Nikos was already at the dining room table, the remnants of his breakfast in front of him as he sipped coffee and read some papers.

How domestic, she thought as she slipped into her seat. She wished she felt more comfortable in the situation.

“Good morning,” he said. “You look much better.”

“I feel wonderful.”

“Up to shopping, then?”

“Always,” she replied as Hal entered, carrying a fresh pot of tea.

“Have you decided which room to use as a nursery?” Nikos asked.

For a moment Gemma wanted to tell him she wanted to useherroom, as it was next to his. But then he’d wonder where she planned to stay, and somehow she hadn’t figured out a way to get him to invite her back into his room, to insist she share that big bed.

She nodded. “Initially, the baby can bunk in with me. Then I thought the yellow room across the hall.”

Nikos nodded, saying nothing.

What was he thinking, she wondered. How was it possible she anticipated his needs in business so easily and yet had no clue about what he thought when they were home?

When she had finished eating, Nikos instructed Hal to have the car available in thirty minutes.

As they wandered around the infant department in a large store an hour later, Gemma realized for the first time what a difference a baby would make in her life. She felt suddenly grateful for the magnitude of Nikos' gesture in marrying her.

She appreciated the fact she wouldn't have to go through her pregnancy alone. That she'd have someone to share the difficulties with. Someone to be with her when the baby arrived.

Watching Nikos as he moved purposefully among the furniture, she suspected he'd prove to be a good father. He'd make sure any child felt secure and loved. And he'd teach him as well about honesty and honor.

She almost stopped in her tracks when she realized how fervently she wished the baby was his. She felt as if she was shortchanging the man who offered her so much.

“Something wrong?” he asked, as if attuned to her.

She looked up, searching for something that would let her continue on this path.

“No, except…”

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