Wedding Party Collection: Here Comes The Groom: The Bridegroom's Vow / The Billionaire Bridegroom

“At the lodge on the edge of the Dadia forest.”

“With Ms. Hamilton?”

He sucked in his breath. “Yes.”

“Mother told me I jumped to conclusions about your confiding in her. I’m sorry. It was rude of me to walk out on you like that.”

“There’s no need for apologies. It was a misunderstanding all the way around.”

“What are you doing in Dadia?”

“Reliving a memory I have of your father. I should have shared it with you years ago, but when he died, I was in so much pain, I shut off emotionally.”

“Uncle Vaso told me you two were really close.”

“Very. When your grandparents were killed, Leonides became mother, father and brother to me. After his death, I suffered. Then you were born, and it was like having my brother back. Only you were my little brother, and I could boss you around for a change.”

His nephew laughed. Dimitrios felt the dark clouds begin to disperse.

“I’d like to climb the peak with you, Leon.”

“I’d love it,” his nephew responded emotionally.

“Good. Then we’ll plan it after I get back from my honeymoon.”

“Honeymoon?”

“Yes.” Dimitrios realized that nothing less than marriage would satisfy him. “I’m going to take a long one, and I’ll need someone to run things in New York while I’m away.”

“Are you serious?”

“Of course. Who else would I ask to fill in for me? Maybe by the time I return home, you’ll know better if you want to finish college and go into business with me, or live the religious life.

“Personally, I’d like my nephew with me. Any sons or daughters I have won’t be able to help me until I’m a much older man.”

“Uncle, you’re going too fast for me.”

That’s the point, Leon. I want to fill your head with enough ideas to confuse you.

“I feel breathless these days.”

“You’re in love with Ms. Hamilton, aren’t you.”

Dimitrios’s eyes closed tightly. “Yes.”

“I knew it the moment you told me to take her to the villa with us.”

“You have all the right instincts, Leon. That’s why you’ll make it in business if that’s what you choose.”

Another long period of quiet followed before his nephew spoke again. “Have you asked her to marry you?”

“As soon as the fair is over.”

“I don’t pretend to know her, but she must be wonderful because I’ve never seen you this happy in my life.”

“She’s a gift, but you’re the only person I’ve told. I’d like to keep it a secret until we’re ready to announce our plans.”

“I won’t say anything, not even to Mother.”

“I’ve always been able to trust you. Thanks again for being willing to stand in for me at the parade. We’ll meet at the villa tomorrow before the family dinner. I want to see you in that costume.”

“She had it made for you.”

“True, but we’re blood, so it’s the same thing.”

“You’re sure you’re going to be all right?” The concern in his voice spoke volumes.

“Alexandra is better than any nurse. She won’t let anything happen to me.”

“That’s good. Just be careful. I love you, Uncle.”

“I love you, too, Leon. More than you know.”

He rang off, then sank back against the pillow.

Seeds had been sown. Only time would tell if they’d fallen on fertile ground.

As for the woman lying within touching distance, her days of being known as Ms. Hamilton were almost over.

If it weren’t for the fair, he’d snatch her away this very night to somewhere they could lose themselves in each other for days and nights on end. It was going to be a long night.

The next morning after breakfast at the lodge dining room and a quick inspection of the impeccable silk exhibits in Soufli, the flight back to Thessalonica in the helicopter provided its own set of thrills for Alex.

Under Dimitrios’s guidance, the pilot flew low over castles and churches dotting the ancient landscape, giving her a history lesson she would always cherish. But when it came in for a landing on top of the Pandakis building, Alex was the one who suddenly felt strange.

Dimitrios got out of his seat, ready to assist her. She undid her seat belt and started to stand up, then weaved in place.

His powerful arms immediately went around her. “What’s wrong?” he demanded anxiously.

“Would you believe I’m the one feeling dizzy?”

“You’re having a bout of vertigo. It sometimes happens when you’re not used to landing above ground. I’ll carry you inside.”

“No, please!” she cried in a hushed tone. Last night she’d tasted a little bit of heaven. But it was morning now, and everything had gone back to reality. “Just let me hold onto your arm and I’ll be fine in a minute.”

“Would you prefer to wait here until it subsides?”

“No— I think maybe that’s what’s wrong. Knowing we’re up so high and—”