Page 37 of Slightly Married (Irresistible #2)

“ I f anyone knows how to throw a party, it’s the Greeks,” I whispered to Simone as I prepared to join the baptismal procession about to enter Saint Sophia’s Cathedral.

The ancient church was transformed into a floral wonderland under my direction. White roses and baby’s breath cascaded from every pillar, while gold ribbon accents caught the light from hundreds of candles.

“You certainly didn’t hold back,” Simone replied, adjusting the delicate flower crown on my head as we stood in the vestibule. “This makes my sweet sixteen look like a backyard barbecue.”

“It’s not every day my daughter gets baptized,” I replied, smoothing down my cream-colored dress. I’d chosen the flowing design for elegance, and to hide the remnants of pregnancy.

I took my place beside Konstantin at the front of the procession, while Santo carried TJ just behind us.

My heart swelled with pride as we began our walk down the center aisle.

All eyes were on our daughter, resplendent in her christening gown.

The delicate lace had been restored by hand, and I’d added a tiny satin ribbon in pale pink.

Santo carried her with surprising confidence. As godfather, he’d taken his responsibilities with unexpected seriousness. Tia walked beside him as godmother, radiant in a fuchsia dress.

She’d returned to Greece specifically for the occasion. When she caught my eye, she winked.

Across the church, my father shifted uncomfortably in the front pew, his gaze steadfastly avoiding Irida, who sat five people away from him. The tension between them was like static electricity before a storm.

“Daddy looks like he’d rather be anywhere else,” I whispered to Konstantin as we reached the front and took our places.

“Can you blame him?” he murmured back. “He left her to raise their son alone without a backward glance. If I were in his shoes, I would be embarrassed.”

“At least they’re being civil,” I replied. “For TJ’s sake.”

From the corner of my eye, I caught Matthaios glaring across the church, his jaw clenched so tight I worried for his dental work.

I followed his gaze to where Simone had taken her seat next to Yiorgos.

Matthaios had been throwing daggers with his eyes since they’d walked in together, but thankfully kept his distance.

The priest stepped forward, his ornate robes gleaming in the candlelight, and the ceremony began. Despite my fears that TJ might scream when immersed in the holy water, she merely looked surprised as she was lifted from the font, water streaming from her curls.

I hadn’t expected to be so emotional, but watching Santo and Tia make their promises, hearing the ancient words spoken over my daughter, the tears came unbidden. Konstantin’s arm slid around my waist.

“She’s officially Thalia Jeanette Christakis,” he whispered against my hair.

“Perfect,” I replied, squeezing his hand.

The reception at the Christakis estate was in full swing by early evening. The gardens had been transformed into an enchanted wonderland, with twinkling lights strung through the trees and tables draped in white linen scattered across the lawn.

A band played softly in the background, and the air was filled with the aromas of lamb, fresh seafood, and the honeyed sweetness of baklava.

I made my way through the crowd, stopping to chat with each guest, accepting congratulations and compliments on both the beautiful ceremony and my even more beautiful daughter.

“The flowers are divine,” Lauren gushed. She kept her manicured hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “And that cake! Kayla, you’ve outdone yourself.”

“Wait until you taste it,” I replied, proud of the five-tiered creation I’d ordered. Each layer was a different flavor, decorated with hand-crafted sugar flowers that matched the church arrangements exactly.

“Lauren, can I please have the first slice?” Her daughter Gianna drawled. Her complexion, like mine, revealed her mixed heritage. “It’s the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen, I swear.”

“Mind your manners, sweetie,” Lauren reminded her with a gentle squeeze of her shoulder. “But yes, I reckon your godmother might save you a special piece.”

Despite the warm smile on her face, I could see the strain around Lauren’s eyes. Her mother had given her an ultimatum—move back to the family farm in Texas for a year to prove she could handle full-time motherhood, or fight them in court for custody.

Determined to make her daughter’s transition from grandparents’ care to hers as smooth as possible, Lauren had recently packed up her entire life in New York and returned to her childhood home.

“I absolutely will,” I promised with a smile. “First slice for my favorite ten-year-old.”

As Lauren moved on to greet other guests, I scanned the party. Simone and Yiorgos were dancing, her head thrown back in laughter at something he’d said. Nearby, Matthaios stood alone, nursing a whiskey, his expression dark as he watched them.

On the other side of the garden, my father was engaged in what appeared to be a polite but strained conversation with Domna. Irida hovered at the periphery of their circle, talking to Yiorgos’ father.

“Disaster waiting to happen?” Konstantin appeared at my side, TJ cradled against his shoulder. Her little face was peaceful in sleep despite the music and chatter surrounding us.

“Surprisingly, no,” I replied. “Everyone’s behaving. Even Matthaios is keeping his brooding to a minimum.”

“She needs changing,” Konstantin said, nodding toward our daughter. “Shall we?”

I followed him inside, grateful for a moment away from the festivities. The nursery was a vision of soft pink luxury—from the ornate crystal chandelier to the elaborate canopy draping regally over TJ’s round white crib.

The walls were painted a delicate blush pink with intricate crown molding, complemented by flowing silk curtains framing the tall windows. Plush teddy bears occupied their own dedicated armchair, while fresh flowers adorned both the mantelpiece and the base of the crib.

The antique white dresser and changing table maintained the classical esthetic, and the hand-tufted floral rug tied the entire fairytale nursery together.

“Hand me the wipes,” I said, efficiently unbuttoning TJ’s christening outfit. “And grab a fresh onesie.”

He handed me each item exactly when needed, as though we were surgeons in an operating theater rather than parents changing a diaper.

“Today went perfectly,” he said, passing me the clean onesie. “Your planning was impeccable.”

“Our planning,” I corrected, smiling up at him. “You interviewed three different priests.”

“I wanted the best for her,” he replied without a hint of embarrassment. His fingers brushed mine as he helped secure the snaps on TJ’s outfit.

“Of course you did.” I leaned over to kiss his cheek. “That’s why you’re such a great father.”

He caught my hand as I pulled away, his expression suddenly serious. “Are you certain about Thalassía? We could easily make our primary residence Athens or Corfu.”

I scooped up our freshly changed daughter, inhaling her sweet baby scent. “I’ve never been more certain of anything. Thalassía is the reason we’re married, and it’s where TJ was born. It’s home.”

“You’re sure?”

“Absolutely positive,” I assured him. “I want to raise our children there.”

“Children?” he repeated, his eyebrow quirking upward.

I bit my lip, suppressing a smile. This wasn’t how I’d planned to tell him, but the moment felt right. “Yes, children.”

He stared at me, confusion slowly giving way to understanding. “Michaila, are you saying...?”

“I’m pregnant,” I confirmed, unable to hold back my grin any longer. “Found out yesterday. It’s early. Only about six weeks.”

The color drained from K’s face. “But... TJ is only three months old.”

“I know!” I laughed, giddy with the absurdity of it all. “Apparently we’re exceptionally fertile when not doing IUI procedures. According to my doctor, it’s completely safe. Unexpected, but safe.”

I bounced on my toes, unable to contain my energy.

“I had this whole surprise planned for tonight, which included a cute outfit for TJ, but I just couldn’t wait another minute to tell you.

Are you happy? I’m happy. I mean, I freaked out for about twenty minutes when I saw the test results, but then I just started laughing because—”

“Michaila,” he interrupted my rambling, with a stunned expression still frozen on his face.

He swayed, and for a moment I thought he might faint.

“You’re unhappy?” I asked suddenly uncertain, my excitement dimming as I registered his shock.

“No!” he exclaimed, snapping out of his daze. “No, just... processing.”

His hands came up to frame my face, eyes searching mine. “Another child,” he whispered, wonder creeping into his voice. “Our family is growing already.”

“Is that okay?” I asked softly.

In answer, he leaned forward and captured my lips in a kiss so tender it brought tears to my eyes. Against my shoulder, TJ made a small sound of protest at being squeezed between us.

“More than okay,” Konstantin murmured when we broke apart. “Perfect, in fact. Though perhaps we should revisit the discussion about nannies.”

I laughed. “As long I get to choose who she is.”

“I love you, Michaila,” he said. “More than I ever thought possible.”

“I love you too,” I replied. “Even when you organize my makeup by color instead of type.”

His laugh rumbled through his chest. “That’s the best way to arrange it.”

“It most certainly is not,” I countered. “But I suppose I’ll keep you, anyway.”

“You have no choice,” he reminded me, his hand coming to rest on my stomach. “You’re contractually obligated.”

I smiled up at him, remembering the business arrangement that had brought us together and the love that had transformed it into something neither of us could have anticipated.

“Best contract I ever signed,” I whispered against his lips.

Outside, the party continued without us, family and friends celebrating the christening of our daughter. But in the nursery, with TJ nestled between us and the promise of another child growing inside me, we celebrated the family we created and the love we found, against all odds and expectations.

The contract might have brought us together, but it was love that would keep us that way.