LITMIR.BIZ

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      CHAPTER ONE

      “DR. SAVAKIS? Thank you for seeing me at the end of your busy day. When Dr. Creer, my doctor in Philadelphia, told me I was pregnant with twins, no one could have been more surprised than I was. You wouldn’t know that since my last visit to you before I left Athens, I filed for divorce. It will be final in a few days.”

      Her fertility doctor shook his balding head. “After such a joyous outcome, what a pity, Mrs. Petralia. I remember how excited you both were to know your allergy problem didn’t have to interfere with your ability to conceive. Now that you’re pregnant, I’m extremely sorry to hear this news.”

      No one could be sorrier than she was, but she didn’t want to discuss it. “I still need to tell my husband, but it isn’t the kind of thing he should hear over the phone. That’s why I’m here in Greece for a few days.”

      “I see.”

      “I wanted to pay you a visit to let you know the procedure worked. After all we went through together, naturally I wanted to give you my personal thanks.” Her voice caught. “It’s been a dream of mine to have a baby. Despite my failed marriage, I’m ecstatic over this pregnancy. Leandros will be thrilled, too. As you know, his first wife died carrying their unborn child, and he lost them both. Without your help, this miracle would never have happened.”

      She should have gone to Leandros first with the news, but decided that by coming to their doctor to tell him her marriage was over, it would make the divorce more real somehow and help her to face Leandros.

      Dr. Savakis eyed her soberly through his bifocals. “I’m glad for you and pleased you phoned to see me. How are you feeling?”

      “Since the doctor prescribed pills that help my nausea, I’m much better.”

      He smiled. “Good. You’ll need to take extra care of yourself now.”

      “I know. I plan to, believe me.”

      “As long as you’re here, I have information that might interest you at some later date.”

      “What is it?”

      “More medical research has been done on your condition. Did your doctor tell you?”

      “No. I’ve only seen him once.”

      “He’ll no doubt discuss this with you during one of your appointments with him.”

      Kellie thought about all the anguish she’d been through hoping to get pregnant. “It doesn’t matter now. I’m going to have my hands full raising my twins.”

      “Nothing could make me happier in that regard. But you need to keep in mind what I’m telling you for the future. You’re only twenty-eight. In time you could find yourself remarried and wanting another child.”

      She shook her head. “No, Dr. Savakis. That part of my life is over.” Though they hadn’t been able to make their marriage work, Leandros had spoiled her for other men. He’d been the great love of her life. There would never be another.

      “You say that now, but one never knows what the future will bring.”

      “I—I appreciate that,” she stammered, “but I can’t think about anything else except raising my children.”

      “I understand,” he said kindly. “If you have any problems while you’re here in Athens, call me. There’s a Dr. Hanno on staff here who’s an OB and works with high-risk patients. If you’re going to be in Greece for any length of time, I’d advise you to call him and make an appointment for a checkup. Tell him I referred you. And don’t forget. I’m always at your disposal.”

      “Thank you, Dr. Savakis. You’ve been wonderful. I want you to know I’ll always be grateful.”

      Kellie left his office in the medical building attached to the hospital and took a taxi back to the Civitel Olympic Hotel in central Athens. She was exhausted and hungry. Tomorrow morning she’d approach her soon-to-be ex-husband, wherever he happened to be. Her breath caught just thinking about seeing him again. It was better for her mind not to go there.

      Once she had dinner in her room, she’d phone her aunt and uncle to let them know she’d arrived safely.

      It was after eleven at night when the door connecting Leandros’s office with his private secretary’s opened. Everyone had gone home six hours go. It was probably one of the security guards, but he still resented the interruption. He looked up to discover his sister-in-law on her way in with a tray of food in hand.

      A scowl broke out on his face. “What are you doing here, Karmela?”

      “Mrs. Kostas told me you’d be working through the night to get ready for your mysterious trip. Is it true you’re leaving in the morning?”

      “That’s not your concern.”

      “I thought you’d like a cup of coffee and some sandwiches to help you stay awake.” She put it on his desk.

      “You should have gone home with everyone else. I’m not hungry and need total quiet to work through these specs.”

      “Well, I’m here now.” She grabbed a sandwich and sank into one of the chairs near his desk to eat. “Don’t be grumpy. I worry about you. So do Mom and Dad. They’ve tried to get you to come to dinner, but you keep turning

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