Page 71 of Marriage Masquerade

“She likes the chance to practice. Is it too difficult to understand her?”

“Oh, no. She has a beautiful accent, very British and all. Like yours.”

She hesitated a moment.

“Ah, but there is something.”

“What could we talk about, Nikos? You know I’m not good at small talk, and she and I have nothing in common.”

“You can discuss children. She has raised several and would be delighted to offer suggestions. She hesitates to intrude, however.”

Gemma swung around and stared at him. “You told them about the baby?”

Chapter Ten

Nikos nodded. “It is not something that can be kept a secret, you know.”

“What did they say? Are they horrified? Oh, Nikos, I wish you'd waited until after we returned home.”

“They're my parents, Gemma. I couldn't keep such an event from them. Besides, my mother guessed.”

“What did they say?”

He drew a deep breath, remembering the scene with his father. He wouldn't like to repeat such conversation, but what was done was done.

“My mother loves babies. She'll be delighted.”

“Will be? When? Obviously not now.”

“Well, they're concerned because the baby is not mine.”

“I bet your father threw a fit.”

He smiled slightly and shook his head.

“Not precisely. He's not one given to throwing fits.”

But his temper was not something Nikos liked to run up against often.

“You know what I mean,” she said impatiently. “I bet they're furious. Do they want me to leave?”

“Gemma, they are hosting a reception tonight for the express purpose of introducing you to our friends and other family members. How could they want you to leave?”

“I feel funny seeing them again. I bet they wish the baby was yours.”

“Yes, they do. I won’t hide that from you.”

“Well, I don’t blame them, I wish—”

She halted and looked horrified.

“What? Is something wrong?”

Without thinking, he reached for her, drawing her into his embrace.

“What is it, Gemma?”

“Nothing. The baby gave an odd kick, that’s all.”

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