Helena, our daughter, takes her small shovel and places sand on top of the sandcastle we’re building together.
“You’re building the next Acropolis over there,” Nick says.
I turn back and see him and Sophia sitting in the shade eating sandwiches.
It’s our summer holiday and we’re on the island of Milos. It’s the best island I’ve ever been too. So many different beaches to explore and still untouched by man in many parts.
And there’s nothing better than exploring it by day with my family and being touched by my man at night. I laugh at my cheeky thought and go back to building our castle.
It’s been three years since Nick and I tied the knot on the island of Mykonos. Since then we’ve explored so many of the beautiful islands the country has to offer. And I’ve used all these experiences to learn a bit of the language, not to mention I need it for my work…our work.
Nick handles all the face-to-face of the wine and olive oil business now. I’m in the background handling the books and setting up his schedule. It works perfectly that way. He has all the contacts, trust, and can speak with them. I can be at home with our two kids but still contribute to the business while contributing to our family. Plus, the four hours a day I work on everything frees him up so much more and makes him way less stressed out…at least that’s what he tells me.
But I’ve never seen him stressed. How could he be in such an amazing place like this?
Sure the hustle and bustle of the city can be tiresome at times, but most of our time is spent home where it should be. I love how the Greek culture values family so, so much and I certainly don’t mind how many people take an entire month off during the summer for holidays. I’ve definitely come to enjoy that.
And with Helena starting preschool soon and Sophia already in elementary school I think it’s time to add a new member to our family. I know Nick wants it too. How would it be to be conceived in such an amazing and tranquil place? If it happens I’ll be sure to tell our child…when they’re like thirty! I laugh at the thought.
But there really is something about the tranquility here that just washes all the stress away and makes you realize what’s important.
In a couple days my family will fly in for a visit. They’re definitely loving having a free place to stay in paradise.
And after they depart my best friend Emily arrives. It’s nice to have my support system still come and visit me every summer, and Nick and I always fly back for the holidays. Helena and Sophia are fascinated by the snow and I like it too…for ten days at a time.
Who knows. Maybe this visit Emily will find her own Greek God. I certainly found my one-and-only.
And in finding him I found true love, and because of that I have the love of my life…my family.
EXTENDED EPILOGUE
Nick
Ten years later
“Goal!” I yell.
Jackie, Sophia, Helena and I jump up and down along the sidelines.
Our son Giorgios, or George, has passed the football to Alexandros, or Alex, for the winning goal in their youth football game.
They work so well together on the field, as our family does in every aspect of life.
Life is all about balance and I’ve finally found it.
I have two daughters and two sons. And of course it’s only possible because of my amazing wife. Even after four kids I still get excited to see her every day when I’m driving home from the daily business meetings. And I can’t wait to kick around the football with my boys to unwind.
I’ve even tried playing house with my daughters. I have to admit it’s fun, but I don’t have much of an idea of what’s going on. Jackie is way better at that than me, plus I’m way, way too tall and big to fit into those little chairs. It doesn’t matter though. What matters is the time I spend with them and the fun we have, even if I am clueless about how a tea party really works.
And that’s where Jackie comes in. Looking back now it’s crazy to think I could raise a daughter alone. I mean sure, I could have done it but it would have cheated Sophia out of so much in life. She’s completely adopted Jackie as her mother, but their bond is so much more than that. It’s something more of a mutual respect mother daughter relationship but also a friendship. I can’t even remember a time Jackie had to discipline her. Sophia has too much respect and love for her to even think of doing something against her wishes, not that Sophia would want to in the first place.
And there’s nothing Sophia loves more than her new sister and brothers. She demonstrates it once again as she runs onto the football pitch to give her brothers hugs. I’m right there behind her to give them high fives.
The boys tell me the entire team is headed to the city beach now to celebrate the championship. About half of the parents are going to.
It’s a tough choice. One the one hand I’d love to go, but on the other a few hours at home with my wife couldn’t be better.
But when in doubt the choice is always easiest. Family comes first.
And nothing will make both my wife and I happier than to celebrate a sporting achievement with our sons. They’ve put a lot into this season and the effort has paid off. It’s a lesson I hope they’ll carry with them throughout their lives, just like the other lessons they’ve been instilled with.
Be kind to others. Respect and protect your sisters and all women. One day you will become a man, best to act like one now.
My boys are strong but silent, except when they’re home. There, anything goes. We play and laugh and enjoy as much as we can. Out of the home it’s a different story. They wear button down white shirts and treat everyone with respect, patience, and empathy. Our family has been fortunate and it’s important to spread that goodwill and positivity with everyone.
And they do and I know who I have to thank.
Her. My wife. The woman who shuttles them to all their practices. The incredible mother who makes all their lunches, helps them with their homework, and runs the home during the day when I’m not around.
Without her nothing would be possible. She has truly embraced the idea of the strong Greek woman. The goddess.
And that’s exactly what she is. My goddess.
“We did it,” she says as she hugs me on the green grass. “All those hours you spent practicing with the boys paid off.”
“That was just us having fun. You did it. You look after them every day and make sure they’re eating right and are good people and good citizens. That’s what’s most important. This is just icing on the cake, and that means that we did it. Together.”
I squeeze her tight as her head comes into my chest.
“We’re getting a cake,” George says.
“No son,” I say. “This win is just icing on the cake.”
“No dad. We’re really getting a cake. A championship cake.”
I feel Jackie’s head come up off my chest. “Where? I haven’t eaten all day.”
And I haven’t either. We’ve been so focused on preparing our boys for this day we totally forgot. And that’s one of the beauties of family.
Family always comes first. Especially the one I created with my one and only true love.
“Should we get a piece?” I ask.
“Maybe two?” she jokes…I think.
“I love the way you think,” I say.
“And I love you.”
“Not as much as I love you,” I say.
I lean in and we kiss. Suddenly I feel a pinch on my butt and she takes off towards the victory cake.
“Last one there’s a rotten egg!” she yells as she turns to look back at me.
I’m still learning some of these fun sayings, but there’s one thing I already know.
She was meant for me and I was meant for her. Forever.
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She has a way with my daughter, and it's doing a number on me.
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