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“That’s part of what makes all of this complicated.”
Marie’s features softened. “Rose, you’ve been alone for a while now. You’re still young. There’s time to remarry, have children, make your dreams come true. I want to see you happy again, and if this man does that, brings that light back into your eyes, then I’m all for it. I can work through the fallout with Mr. P and get another nanny. I’ve already been working on that scenario.”
Rose’s brows knit together. “I thought you were replacing me at the end of the month.”
“There are some other complications besides my foot to take care of. Plus, I could never be the permanent replacement when I’m the one running the company.”
“True.” Rose had an inkling that her sister wasn’t telling her everything but decided to let it go. “How are things at home?”
A wrinkle creased Marie’s brow. “The usual. He’s being compassionate and understanding and far too good for me, and it’s driving me up the wall. Just once I’d like to see him get angry about our infertility to see that he’s human instead of superhuman.”
Rose couldn’t help but smile. “Maybe he doesn’t show anger because you have enough for both of you.”
“Well, maybe I’d be less angry and frustrated if he’d share half of it with me instead of being the calm and reasonable one.”
“Traits I recall you admiring during the dating stage. You said he helped ground you and balance you out.” Marie had always been one to wear her heart on her sleeve.
“Yes, well.” Marie went silent. “I want a child so badly.” Her eyes brimmed with tears. “To be honest, Rose, I’m thinking of giving up the business.”
Rose was stunned into momentary silence. “Why?”
“I started the company before I married and struggled to have children. Taking care of other kids brought me joy and fulfillment, but lately, caring for other people’s children reminds me of what I don’t have, all that I’m missing.”
“I hear what you’re saying. Taking care of Nefeli and Adonis is wonderful but also reminds me of the life I lost. I actually pictured him playing with the children yesterday on the beach. Isn’t that delusional?” She gave a wry laugh.
“No, Rose. That’s natural. You expected to raise your baby.”
The women fell silent.
“What can I do to help?” Rose asked.
“Talking to you helps. Knowing I can count on you to fulfill this assignment is a great help.” Her expression turned stern. “Promise me you won’t let potential fallout keep you from discovering if there’s a relationship with Stavros worth pursuing.”
“Only if you promise to take my offer of surrogacy seriously.” Rose had offered surrogacy as an option for her sister and husband. They declined. Rose felt confident she could carry the baby to term. Her pregnancy with her own son had been uncomplicated until . . .
“Deal.” Marie’s eyes darted away. “I’ve got a meeting in a moment. I need to go. Take good care of those kids and keep me posted on Stavros.”
“I will.”
Her sister waved, and the call ended.
Rose tapped her phone against her chin as she watched the children. What would her sister do if she decided to end the business? Would she sell it off?
And there was the lingering feeling that Marie was hiding something from her. What could it be?
She stuffed the phone in the bag and pushed off from the chair to join the splashing children. She’d lounged long enough. And sitting here wouldn’t bring her any answers. At least Marie had given her the green light regarding Stavros. A smile curved Rose’s lips. That only left Mr. P’s blessing to obtain. But then, when had she cared what rich people thought when it came to her personal life?
CHAPTER NINE
Santorini
Leo tucked in his shirt. Dinner with Rose. Another official date. And this time there would be a kiss—so long as neither of them had a meltdown. He checked his reflection in the mirror. He untucked his shirt and rolled up the sleeves to stop right below his elbow. Better. He’d thought about wining and dining Rose tonight. He loved seeing her dressed up. She killed him. But Stavros had advised him on a casual approach, and he canceled the dinner reservations while Rose got the kids ready for bed.
“Don’t build up so much expectation for the kiss,” Stavros told Leo. “Otherwise you’ll both be disappointed. Let the moment flow.”
Leo snorted. “Like you’re one to give advice,” he said.
Stavros slugged him in the arm. “Just because I don’t have a love life now, doesn’t mean I’ve never had one or won’t have one in the future.”