about your sister?”
“She’s always on my side. Just so you know, when I walked him out to the truck, he brought up nothing about you. If he recognized you from the newspaper, he didn’t mention it. That should tell you a lot.”
Her eyes glistened with moisture. “Then I’m glad.”
“Glad enough to come with me and get your engagement ring? When I introduce you to my parents, I want it on your finger.”
He could see her throat working. “I thought you were going to paint today.”
“I’m getting things ready, but will have to wait until tomorrow morning. The water and electricity won’t be turned on until then. Since we’ve eaten, let’s drive into Heraklion.”
Without her saying anything, she walked with him to his car. After they headed for the city she turned to him. “You mustn’t buy me anything that stands out.”
“I’ve already bought it.”
A slight gasp escaped her throat.
He smiled. “The ring does have unique significance, but don’t worry. It’s not a ten-carat blue-white diamond from Tiffany’s worth three million dollars.”
“When did you get it?”
“The day I suggested the engagement. Once I visualize an idea, I act on it. I’m afraid it’s the way I’m made.”
“You’re one amazing man.”
“Amazing as in crazy, insane, exasperating? What?”
“All three and more.”
He chuckled. “I don’t want to hear the rest. Admit you like me a little.”
She looked away.
“Why don’t you pull out your phone and we’ll compose an engagement announcement for the newspaper. The sooner it gets in, the better.”
“Danae will want to check it over first.” She pressed the note app. He watched her get started. “I think it should begin with something like Kyria Danae Rodino is pleased to announce the engagement of Lys Theron to Takis Manolis, son of Nikanor and—” She paused and turned to him. “What’s your mother’s name?”
“Hestia.”
“Goddess of the hearth. What a lovely name.” She typed it in and finished with, “Son of Nikanor and Hestia Manolis of Tylissos, Crete.”
His hands gripped the steering wheel a little tighter. “You need to add Lys Theron, daughter of Kristos and Anna Theron.”
A small cry escaped. “I didn’t know you knew my mother’s name.”
“Someone at the hotel told me after I started working there. As for the rest of the announcement, we can figure out the June date after you talk to Danae. Then end it with saying that the wedding will take place in the Greek Orthodox church in Heraklion.”
“Which one were your parents married in?”
“Agios Titos. That’s where we’ll take our vows.”
He was living for it.
TAKIS DROVE TO a specialty shop called Basil. It was located next to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion that sold Minoan replicas the tourists could afford. He parked the car and walked her inside.
“I love this place! When I first came to Crete, Danae brought me in here every time we took visiting friends of theirs through the museum. We’d always buy a few trinkets.”
He guided her past clusters of people to the counter where he asked one of the clerks to get the owner. “Basil is holding a ring for me.” Takis couldn’t wait to slide it on her finger. He wanted her in his arms and his life forever.
“A moment, please.”
“Look at this, Takis!” Lys walked over to a fresco hanging on the wall representing a Minoan prince. He stood in his horse-drawn chariot holding the reins. A warrior on the road handed him a drink from a golden cup. “I’ve seen this in the museum. It’s a splendid replica. Can’t you see it hanging over your fireplace?”
“Don’t you mean ours?”
“Yes. This is all still new to me.”
He hugged her around the waist. Her interest intrigued him. “Why do you like it so much?”
“The plain with those trees where he’s riding reminds me of the view from your terrace. Danae once took me out to the Tylissos archaeological site not far from your village. You have Cretan blood in your veins and live in a Cretan historical spot that’s over seven thousand years old.”
He smiled. “You were born in New York, which dates back ten thousand years.”
“Except that I’m half-Cretan and I don’t have part Native American blood. My mother was American through and through. Somehow it doesn’t seem the same.”
A chuckle escaped his lips, enjoying their conversation more than she would ever know. “Touché.” He gave her a brief kiss on the mouth, unable to resist tasting her whenever he could.
“Kyrie Manolis!” He turned around to see the owner come up to him.
“Kalispera, Basil.”
The older man stared in wonder at Lys like most men did, unable to help it. “You’ve brought your beautiful fiancée. Now I understand your choice of stone. Come with me.”
Takis guided her over to another counter. Basil went around behind. On the glass he set a small gold box with a B on it and took off the lid. Takis heard her sharp intake of breath when the owner handed the ring to Lys.
“This is incredible.” Her voice shook.
Takis had hoped for that reaction.
“It’s a replica of old Minoan jewelry,” Basil explained.
“I know. I’ve seen one like it in the museum.”
“Look closely. The three-quarter-inch band is intricately linked by twelve layers of tiny gold ropes, some braided, some mesh. The middle one represents the snake of the snake goddess, known for being gracious, sophisticated and intelligent.
“This ring would be identical to the one you saw in the museum, but your fiancé wanted a cut glass purple stone instead of the red garnet in the center. Put it on and we’ll see if it fits.”
After she slid it on to her ring finger, her eyes flew to Takis. He’d never seen them glow before. “This is too much. Thank you.” She kissed him on the side of his jaw.
Basil laughed. “If the ring was authentic,
