Bought for Her Innocence(31)

Her heart bursting to full, Jas finally spoke. “I would love to work on such a project. Dmitri, do you still have that license?”

Shock flaring in his gaze, he nodded slowly. “Jas—”

“I want to do it today, Dmitri. With Stavros and Leah as witnesses. I want to go to New York as your wife. I don’t want to wait. Not when I love you so much.”

When he still looked doubtful, she took his hands in hers and kissed the rough palms. “I have never wanted a big wedding or a white dress, Dmitri. I only wanted my knight. And you’re it.”

Dmitri lifted her off the floor in a bear hug that crushed her lungs. And then yelled the news at a stunned Leah and Stavros.

Their smiles and the way they instantly decided on their tasks made Jasmine as if like she had family again.

Breaking into supereffective mode, Leah called her assistant to have wedding gowns that she had ready delivered while Stavros made a few more arrangements.

That afternoon, they feasted on turkey, which had been ordered for her, honey-glazed ham for Leah and roast pork for Dmitri and Stavros with a variety of side delicacies. They ate delicious cinnamon-and-clove cookies drenched in honey and drank ouzo and coffee. And toasted to their new family.

When four o’clock came and a priest appeared, Jasmine felt as though she was floating on the clouds. The ivory gown Leah had chosen for her had a beaded bodice and wide skirt, and Jasmine thought it was the most beautiful she had ever looked.

Looking dashing in a black suit, Stavros walked her the little distance from her bedroom to the atrium which was filled with a golden glow.

And then there was Dmitri in a black tuxedo.

Drowning in the love that filled his gray gaze, Jasmine thought her heart would burst out of her chest. Reaching him, she smiled at him as the priest began the simple ceremony.

* * *

Jasmine was his wife. The thought repeated in his head in circles as Dmitri stood near the pool and stared at the Athens skyline. He turned the platinum band on his finger round and round, wondering if one could shatter out of joy.

Stavros joined him on silent feet and handed him a wine flute. Raising it, he said, “To Giannis.”

Dmitri raised his flute and said, “To Giannis.”

They remained silent, thanking the man who had made today’s happiness possible in their lives.

* * * * *