with every step because there was no trace of Demi.
“Then the call came from Leandros telling us to get to the Leminos hospital as fast as possible because a miracle may have happened. Suddenly, out of nowhere, I find this American woman taking care of my niece as if she were her mother. I’m still not sure if I’m dreaming this or not.”
Fran kissed Demi’s curls before sitting down in the other chair. “Then we’re both having the same inexplicable dream. Day before yesterday I flew from Philadelphia to Athens to spend my vacation with Kellie. Leandros had already flown to Rhodes on business.
“At six yesterday morning, she and I left the city because we knew we had a long drive ahead of us. We’d planned to drive around new areas of Greece neither of us had visited before. She wanted me to see the Petralias’ latest resort, so we decided to stay a night at the Persphone before moving on.
“But by late afternoon a fierce storm arose and I suggested we pull off the highway in Leminos to find shelter. Kellie wanted to keep going because the resort was only twelve miles farther, but then the hail started, so we hurried inside the first hotel we came to.
“When we learned from the staff that a tornado had destroyed some suites at the Persephone, we both fell apart. Not only because we realized we might have been caught and lost our lives, too, but because she knew Leandros would be devastated to think such a thing had happened to the guests staying at the resort. He would take it very hard and he was so far away on business. There was no way to reach him by phone.”
Nik sat foward. “For a while it was chaos. Do you know about the other tornado?”
Her beautiful eyes widened. “What are you talking about?”
“There was one at the airport yesterday morning.”
“You’re kidding!”
He shook his head. “I came close to being affected. After seeing my sister and her family off around 6:30 a.m., I went over to the air cargo area to do business when a funnel cloud struck. No one was injured, but it was terrifying to see how much damage it did in the space of a short time.”
“Now I understand why it was so windy when we left, but we haven’t had any news here.”
“That’s not surprising. I was just leaving my office at the end of the day when my brother phoned and told me about a second tornado.”
“We get so many in the States, but I didn’t realize you got them, too.”
“Once in a while,” he murmured, “but yesterday’s phenomena probably won’t happen for another couple of decades or more.”
“Let’s pray not.”
“When I turned on the TV, what I heard was enough to make my blood run cold.” Just the way he said it made her chill. “My brothers and I took off in the plane for Thessalonika. By the time we reached the resort, we learned that Melina and Stavros were two of the victims. To our horror, there was no sign of Demi.”
“I don’t know how any of you are holding up.” The sadness in her voice touched him to the core.
“It’s our parents we’re worried about. That’s why it’s so important you come to the villa with me tomorrow. They love their grandchildren, but Demi has a special place in their hearts because she’s the only girl.”
“I can understand that.” Fran looked down at Demi who was cuddled in her arms, fast asleep. “This little child is too precious for words. She’ll always be a special joy to them.”
“And to me.”
A tremor rocked his body. On Melina’s birthday, she’d taken Nik aside and asked him to be Demi’s guardian if anything ever happened to her and Stavros. Without hesitation he’d told her yes, but he was unable to entertain the thought of anything ever happening to his sister and her husband. Remembering her request, the hairs lifted on the back of his neck. Had she asked him because of a premonition?
“Demi’s blessed to have such loving family.”
Nik eyed Fran speculatively. “Since you’re married and have such a close rapport with my niece, I’m wondering if you have children.”
She didn’t meet his eyes. “No.”
No?
“How does your husband let you leave him for such a long time?” The question he’d sworn not to ask left his lips before he could stop it.
“We’re divorced.”
His thoughts reeled. “How long ago?”
“A year.”
What husband in his right mind wouldn’t have held on to a woman like her? Nik sensed he’d be wandering into forbidden territory with more questions, yet he was intrigued by her. Now that he knew those pertinent facts, he was determined to learn more and no longer felt guilty about it. With time and patience, he’d get his answers. “Are you ready to let me hold her now?”
“I’m fine. I was going to suggest you go to sleep.”
“Maybe I will for a little while.”
He got to his feet to undo the cot. After taking off his shoes, he stretched out. Another heavy sigh escaped him. “This feels so good, I fear I might never get up again. You’re sure you don’t mind?”
“Positive. Holding this angel is a joy. You need sleep or you won’t be any good to your family tomorrow.”
“You’re right. If I haven’t said it already, I’m grateful you’re here for Demi.”
“I’m the one who’s grateful.”
His instincts told him those weren’t empty words. He needed to find out what emotions were driving them, but before he could ask, oblivion took over.
The next time he was aware of his surroundings, it was morning.
Nik sat up and got to his feet, removing the blanket Fran must have thrown over him. His gaze shot to her. She was asleep in the easy chair while Demi slept in the hospital crib.
He had no idea how long Fran had stayed awake, but she’d chosen not to disturb him for any reason. Unable to help himself, he looked down, studying her facial features. With no makeup and her dark blond hair somewhat disheveled, she was lovelier than most women who worked at it all day.
Since Demi was still asleep, he tiptoed out to the hall to phone his brothers. They were on their way over with a new outfit for the baby. As he talked with them, the doctor slipped inside the room. By the time Nik hung up and returned, he discovered Fran standing by the crib talking to the doctor. She’d brushed her hair and applied lipstick, looking amazingly fresh for someone who’d probably been up most of the night.
The doctor turned to him with a smile. “The lab has confirmed she’s your niece. I’m happy to say her cuts are starting to heal. She’s doing fine in every regard and can be released. Keep her hydrated. What she needs now is the love of her family which I can see isn’t going to be a problem. Just so you know, the media has been inundating the hospital for information.
“In order to make them go away, I gave a statement that I hope will satisfy them and give your family a chance to breathe before they descend on you. When you’re ready to leave, come to the desk and someone will escort you to the roof where the helicopter is waiting.”
Nik shook his hand. “Thank you for everything you’ve done, doctor. The Angelis family is indebted to you.”
The older man’s eyes flashed. “And no doubt to Kyria Myers who made the baby feel safe and loved until you arrived. We could use more like her around the ICU.” He eyed Fran. “Are you a nurse?”
“No. But I work in a hospital for patients’ rights and make certain they get the follow up care they need after they go home.”
“You