“Sofia,” he warned. “What did I say about asking for presents?”
“I forgot.” She eyed the gaily colored package with guilty, puppy-dog eyes.
Olivia set her parcels on a table and held out her arms. “Happy birthday, sweetheart.”
Sofia ran to hug her.
Then Olivia whispered something in Sofia’s ear that caused his daughter’s face to light up.
“It’s for me?” she asked.
“Well, you’re the only birthday girl here, right?”
Olivia handed her the package, then rose and picked up the other box. “This is for you, Mrs. Reed. I know you’ve made a lot of wonderful food, but I wanted to contribute something. It’s a batch of cookies I made this morning.”
His mother accepted the package with a smile. “That’s so nice. You didn’t have to bring anything.” She looped her arm around Olivia’s waist. “Come to the kitchen where we women can talk.”
“Wait a minute, Mamá.” Darius followed. “Give Olivia time to get used to everyone.”
But his mother just waved a hand of dismissal.
Olivia looked over one shoulder, a hint of panic in her eyes.
“I’ll be right outside the door if you need me,” he said before the swinging doors swallowed her up.
“Daddy.” Sofia tugged on his sleeve. “When can I open my present?”
He released a breath and turned his attention to his daughter. “When Olivia and your grandmother come back out.” He glanced at the door and bent to look her in the eye. “Or . . . you could take the present into the kitchen and ask Miss Olivia if you can open it.”
Maybe Sofia would provide enough of a distraction to save Olivia from his mother’s interrogation.
She went to skip off, but Darius put a hand on her shoulder.
“And make sure Grandma’s being nice to her, Mouse.”
Sofia giggled. “You’re funny, Daddy. Yiayiá is always nice to company.” She pushed through the door into the kitchen.
Darius turned to see his father grinning at him.
“That is one pretty lady you have there, son.” Papá waggled his thick brows.
Heat ran up Darius’s neck. “Thanks, Papá. But she’s so much more than that.”
“Ah, I understand. It’s a fortunate man who finds a woman with heart, intelligence, and beauty. One would do well to keep a treasure like that.”
Darius quirked a brow. “I intend to. I just have to convince her that we belong together.”
“Once you work your charm, she will come willingly.” His father bellowed out a laugh and clapped him on the shoulder.
Darius eyed the kitchen door. How long should he give his mother alone with Olivia before he went to her rescue?
Olivia followed Mrs. Reed into a homey kitchen. The woman set Olivia’s box on the table, which was already laden with platters, pots, and jugs. The room wasn’t terribly large, but it was filled with exotic scents that reminded Olivia of her mother’s kitchen at home. A window over the sink let in the warm breeze, bringing with it the sound of children’s laughter.
“One minute while I check my sauce.” Mrs. Reed busied herself with a large pot on the stove. She was plump in stature, and her dark hair was styled in tight curls around her face. She reminded Olivia very much of her own mother.
“Miss Olivia.” Sofia burst into the room, carrying the present.
Olivia smiled on a wave of relief. “Yes, Sofia?”
“My daddy said to ask you if I could open this now.” Her eyes brimmed with hope.
Olivia glanced toward Mrs. Reed, who had paused her stirring. “If your grandmother says it’s all right, it’s fine with me.”
Mrs. Reed wiped her hands on her striped apron. “Just this one present and then you go outside with the others.”
“Thank you, Yiayiá.” Sofia set the parcel on a chair and began to tear into the wrapping. Soon ribbon and paper were scattered everywhere as the girl plucked the stuffed elephant out of the box. Olivia had found it in Woolworth’s toy department. It was gray with a large pink bow around its neck.
“An elephant!” Sofia shrieked, hugging it to her chest. “I love elephants.”
“Your daddy may have mentioned that.” Olivia laughed, delighted with the girl’s response.
Sofia threw her arms around Olivia’s waist and squeezed. “Thank you, Miss Olivia. I love it.” She pulled away to examine the treasure more closely. “I’m going to name her Penelope.”
“That’s a lovely name.”
Mrs. Reed pointed with her wooden spoon. “Sofia, pick up the paper and take it to the trash.”
“Yes, Yiayiá.” She tucked the elephant under one arm, scooped up the debris, then skipped out the door.
“She’s a delightful child,” Olivia said. “So happy and well-mannered.”
Mrs. Reed gave a snort. “You haven’t seen her when she’s having a tantrum.”
“True.” Olivia chuckled. “Can I do anything to help?” She needed something to occupy her hands and keep her nerves at bay.
“No, no. You are a guest. You sit and I get you some lemonade.”
Seeing no escape, Olivia pulled out a chair and sat down. Seconds later, Darius’s mother placed a large glass in front of her. “You have a very nice home, Mrs. Reed.”
“Thank you. We are comfortable here.” She opened the oven door, murmured something in Greek, then closed it again.
Olivia took a sip of her drink, savoring the burst of flavor on her tongue. “This is delicious.” What could she talk to this woman about? Maybe she could get her talking about the rest of her family. “Darius tells me you have three other children.”
Mrs. Reed’s features brightened. “Yes. I have another wonderful son and two daughters. And eleven grandchildren.”
“My, that’s a large family.”
“It’s nothing compared to back home. In Greece, most families have more than six children each.” She took a container from the icebox and set it on the counter. “But I think my family will be giving me many more grandchildren yet.” She fixed her dark eyes on Olivia. “I know my Darius wants brothers and sisters for Sofia.” She huffed out a long sigh. “If only God
