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‘There’s been a change of plan. You’re getting your marriageblessedin Greece,’ her father corrected. ‘Costa is waiting downstairs to marry you.’
‘He planned this!’
‘Yes, but we weren’t sure till last night...’
‘He’s not in Athens, then?’
‘He’s not.’ Her dad smiled. ‘I’ve got something for you...’
He took out a box and she frowned as she opened it, and then blinked in recognition, because it was her mother’s pearls.
‘I could never sell them,’ he said. ‘She wore them on our wedding day.’
He helped her put them on, but there was one more thing she needed before taking her father’s arm. Mary peeled the little magnet from the fridge and held it in her palm.
She was ready.
Or so she thought.
But as she stepped into a rather lavish room at the hotel, Mary gasped.
Yolanda had flown in for the occasion, and it was as if she had brought Anapliró with her, for she was a swirl of silver and turquoise and she was using all her energy to stand as Mary walked in.
Mary could see Yolanda’s tears, and see her hesitancy about what kind of reception she might get. And though Mary wanted to run to Costa, she went to Yolanda first—her soon-to-be mother-in-law.
Costa was standing at the front of the room, staring ahead, and she knew he was allowing his bride this moment to take in the people who were at her wedding, to know the love that surrounded her now. Such love. For as she gave Yolanda a hug she was held in return, and there was the scent of the perfume Mary had bought her.
‘I’m so sorry,’ Yolanda said. ‘I was hurt for Costa...’
‘It’s fine,’ Mary soothed. ‘Let us look to the future.’
A very handsome man came over then, only it wasn’t her groom, for Costa still stood at the front.
‘I’m Galen,’ he said, kissing Mary on both cheeks.
Galen was the most handsome robot on earth.
‘I never thought I’d be at Costa’s wedding,’ he said, by way of introduction. ‘And I deal in probabilities.’
Mary smiled. ‘I’m so glad you’re here.’
‘It’s good to be here.’ Galen nodded. ‘But we do need to get on.’ Then he smiled.‘I ora i kalee...’
The time is good...best wishes...good luck...She didn’t need her translation book to know what he meant.
‘Thank you.’
Mary returned to her father’s arm and centred herself, puffing out a soft breath as the piano that had been gently playing moved on to Wagner. A Greek celebration and Greek music were all to come, but for now the ‘Bridal Chorus’ struck its beautiful chords and everyone turned to face her.
But she had eyes only for one person now.
Costa really was tall, and he looked exceptionally so in a dark morning suit and silver tie. He was wearing a single violet orchid in his lapel, and she knew this one she would press and keep for ever. He was so beautiful.
‘You shaved,’ she said, and her hand moved to his smooth cheek and felt his strong jaw.
‘Of course,’ he said. ‘This is the most important day of my life.’
‘Today,’ the celebrant said, ‘we are here to witness the marriage of Costa and Mary... Who gives this woman?’
