Page 57 of Footprints in the Sand

“I’ve heard that,” Dimitra said. “Harry, your daughter knows her myths.”

A moment later, Ginny’s mother called them in. “We have cake and barbecue and just about everything else to eat in here!” she said. When Dimitra reached the foyer, she hugged her tightly and said, “We’re so glad to have you here. Harry needed someone like you. He deserved it.”

Dimitra was touched, so much so that she had to take a break in the bathroom to cry into a tissue. When she emerged, she met everyone else: Harry’s mother and father, his ex-wife’s new husband, who seemed like a great guy, Ginny’s best friend Mac, plus their friends and neighbors, all of whom were grateful to have Harry back.

Dimitra wondered what it would be like when she got back to Paros. Would people welcome her like this? Or would they be angry with her for what had happened with Kostos, for bringing down Nico and the drug ring, for exposing their family secrets?

She shivered. She didn’t know if she was strong enough.

But it was later that evening that Harry suggested a resolution.

“Stay in the United States with me,” Harry whispered, kissing her hand. “Stay in South Carolina. Get to know us. Learn to love barbecue.”

Dimitra’s heart opened. “Harry, you know how the visa rules are.”

“We’re going to get married as soon as we can, if you want that,” he said. “We’re going to apply for a green card. We’re going to make this work.”

Dimitra threw her arms around him and let him swirl her in the air. She felt the nightmares of the previous few years drift away from her. She felt the dying South Carolina sun on her back. She felt open and free.