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“I hope Stevie needs an honorary aunt,” Jess said, just joining the crowd.

“And uncle,” Evan added, circling his arm around Jess, who actually blushed.

“Hold on a minute,” Alethea interrupted. “I’m officially the new Ya Ya. And I’ve always felt that Lukas is the son I’ve never had.” She beamed a maternal look at Lukas. “If you want, Joseph,” she said to Joe, “you can bePapou.”

“Um, thanks, Alethea,” he said, clearing his throat, “but being Irish and all, I’ll probably just stick with Granddad.”

“Well, it’s settled, then,” Sam said, linking her arms through theirs.

Lukas got up and put his arm around Alethea. “I’m lucky to have you, Alethea.”

She waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, you’re just saying that because I bring youbaklava.”

“I do love yourbaklavabut I love you more.” He gave her a kiss on the cheek. She really was a good woman. Determined that Stevie learn all about Greek culture, too.

“Now just go and find your long-lost brothers,” she said, patting his arm. “So you can get your family back.”

“I’m actually working on that, Alethea. You’ve inspired me.”

She clasped her hands together as if in prayer. “Oh, more Greek boys. More family. That would be a miracle!”

“Hey,” Brad said, sounding just a tad sensitive. “Don’t forget about me, Ya Yas and Granddads. I had a big influence here. I taught Sam a lot.”

“Sure did,” Sam said with a wink. “Like how to stay away from bad boys.”

“Good thing you didn’t listen,” Lukas said. Then he turned to Brad. “And may your daughters never listen either.”

“Spikonos, are you cursing me? Because if you are, I’ll wish you more daughters than you can count on one hand.”

Actually, daughters sounded good. And sons. Brothers and sisters for Stevie to grow up with.

“Now that everyone’s here, I have an announcement,” Sam said. Lukas looked over at her, startled.

“Oh my God, you’re pregnant!” Alex said.

“Nope.” Sam reached under a wicker seat cushion and pulled out a folder. “I have an update for you, Lukas. Your PI didn’t exactly find Nico, but he found your brother Roman. Roman knew where Nico was and got him to sign the papers. Congratulations. You’re officially a father.”

Lukas blinked a couple of times. It was nearly dark, and he thought he might be seeing things. He took the folder when she handed it to him, but he couldn’t speak.

Suddenly Sam was at his side, in his arms. “You did it,” she said. “Stevie’s ours now.”

“Yeah,” he said, a little dazed. “Stevie’s ours.” There was wine for everyone and congratulations all around. Lukas held Samantha tight. “Marry me tomorrow.”

She laughed. “I would, except that Meg’s ordered me this gorgeous dress and it won’t be in for six months.”

“Find another dress.” That was probably a dumb thing to say, but he was a little overwhelmed. About how he got a son and a wife—and hell, an entire big extended family. How his life was complete in ways he never would have dreamed possible. How he got another chance with the woman he never forgot.

“I love you, Sam. I’m so glad you gave me another chance. I promise I’ll do right by you this time.”

“Okay ...,” she said softly.

“Okay what?” he asked, still not letting go.

“I’ll get another dress. The sooner we’re married, the sooner I can get my name on those adoption papers.” She smiled. “Oh yeah, and I can’t wait to be your wife. I love you, too.”

“Shall we go tell our son the news?” Lukas asked Sam.

“You see? Love isn’t complicated,” Effie said to no one in particular. “It’s simple. Sometimes you just have to take a risk.”

Sam beamed at Lukas and said very quietly, “And sometimes the riskiest love turns out to be the safest one of all.”

And sometimes someone like him, who didn’t think he could ever learn to love, can hit the jackpot. “But not too safe,” he said. “I mean, safe might sound just a little boring.”

“Somehow, I don’t think we’re going to have that problem,” Sam said.

Lukas whispered, “Well, I’m glad you took a risk on me.” He stopped to kiss her softly on the lips, and whisper something else about a promise for later meant only for her ears. Then he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and they set off into the yard to find their son.