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Christos

Weeks Later

NEW YORK

“I have a gift for you. I think I’ll even give it to you in advance as a wedding gift.”

“Cleaning day, Beau? * ?” I ask hurriedly. I know he’s telling me he found Howard.

I never had any doubts that he would. I didn’t believe the car accident story for a second. It sounded very convenient to die that way when the police were after the damn bastard.

“Yep. You know how good I am at creating rodent traps—and, in fact, at exterminating as well.”

“That’s not what we agreed.”

“Shall we agree on something, then? The cleaning company is mine, buddy. I don’t need a partner. Besides, in the current scenario, it would be impossible to do it any other way. The cleanup was not done in the United States but in Nicaragua.”

“What?”

“Enjoy your life, Christos. You have a beautiful woman at home. Your business is making money, not dealing with rodents. Let people like me handle the ugly side of life. I will always be vigilant.”

I disagree with what he’s said. I can kill without remorse for those I love; Zoe is my world.

I wish I had made Howard suffer.

What settles me is knowing that, whether his death was at the hands of Beau or his men, it would have taken hours and been painful.

To make things better, the phone rings, displaying Odin’s number.

“Your wife finally has the book of her past closed. Ready to start writing a new story?”

“Feeling poetic, cousin?” I assume he’s talking about the false marriage annulment because I don’t think he’d have any way of knowing that Beau hunted and exterminated Mike. Or would he?

“Excited, I would say. Getting the shot will allow me to follow through with my plans.”

We learned today that vaccination will start soon.

Odin doesn’t elaborate on his plans. We have never talked about it, but I know what it’s about to start. I don’t try to dissuade him, though, because if I were in his shoes, I would do the same.

“So, as soon as you get the shot, you’re going to Greece?”

“Yes. To my island.”

“Is it yours now?’

“It is, and all those who occupy it. Mainly Leandros Argyros.”

“What about the rest of his family?”

“I don’t take revenge on women.”

“Is revenge what you seek?”

“Why name it? But I would call it a reckoning.”

Who am I to judge him if I’m satisfied with Mike Howard’s death right now?

“How did you know Zoe’s past was finally tied up?”

“Just because you asked me not to intervene doesn’t mean I stopped investigating. You are my cousin. Your life is mine, too. Anyone who threatens you is my enemy.”

I feel touched by what he says. Odin has managed to be even more skittish than I am, and he is basically alone in the world. I know how much our friendship means to him.

“That goes both ways, so keep in mind I’ll be on the lookout when you travel to Greece.”

“I had no doubt about it, but don’t worry, I have it under control.”

“Are you coming to our wedding?”

“I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”

WEEKS LATER

“What else is missing?”

“Something came up, but other than that, there’s the pastry tasting. With social distancing, scheduling appointments has been chaotic.”

“Could have been worse. I didn’t imagine that the vaccine would be ready this year. Our parents will be the first to take it. As for us, I think we’re only in group four.”

“Maybe not,” she says enigmatically.

“Why do I think you’re keeping a secret?”

“Because I am, unfortunately, a terrible liar.”

I was working in my apartment’s library when she came in mysteriously. I thought it was related to the ceremony, but now I realize there’s more to that sly, beautiful smile.

“I can’t disagree,” I say, leaning back in my chair and patting my thigh.

She straddles my lap, facing me. “That I’m a terrible liar?”

“Yup. The worst in the world. You would starve if your means of living was playing poker.”

“That’s not good for my self-esteem.”

“Being a liar is not a good quality, so I’m not trying to destroy your ego; keep in mind that your eyes give you away. They shine like gemstones when you’re happy.”

“In that case, a pair of sunglasses would solve my problem. ”

She’s getting off-topic, and I’m more curious than ever.

“You said that in addition to the pastry tasting, there’s been an unforeseen event. What happened?”

“God, you don’t miss a thing.”

“No. So what?”

“There’s an issue with the dress.”

“I thought you had already decided on one. Didn’t the Vanity stylist promise to design it?”

“Yes, and he did. It’s beautiful, but it won’t fit my body.”

“What?”

She smiles. “We’re going to have to adjust it. Extend it a little.”

I stare at her without understanding at first, but then I notice the barely concealed happiness. “Have you gained weight?” I ask to be sure, but my heart is already beating hard against my rib cage.

“Yes. I’m almost five pounds, and I’m pretty sure I’ll get even bigger soon.”

“Words, Zoe. I want to hear it. I need to hear this,” I plead, cupping her face.

My hand shakes a little. It’s not easy to get me emotional, but she seems to know all the right buttons to push.

“I’m pregnant,” she says, and a tear falls down her cheek. “We’re going to have a baby. I know it wasn’t what we agreed on, but . . .”

I kiss her because there’s nothing I can say that will convey what I’m feeling.

We created a life.

My love for her is now going to be materialized in a tiny piece of both of us.

When we break the kiss, she’s smiling.

“I was afraid to tell you because we hadn’t talked about it yet, but I’m so happy! I feel like I’ve been levitating since the moment I found out earlier today.”

“You thought I wouldn’t be happy?”

“I know you love me. I feel it in every cell of my body, but a child is a never-ending responsibility.”

“I deal well with responsibilities, but this,” I say, placing my hand on her belly, “is not a responsibility; it’s our love and our future. My whole world.”

She snuggles into my arms and lays her head on my chest. I hold her tight.

I believe that everything happens for a reason. It was no coincidence but fate intervening when Beau found and eliminated Mike Howard a few weeks ago. It happened at the right moment, as if the pieces on the board of life were finally falling into place.

* ? This character will have a book in the future.