What The Greek's Wife Needs - Dani Collins Page 0,37
long the adoption will take.” Tanja looked to Georgiou for guidance. “Do we?”
Georgiou shook his head with regret. “A month? A year? We’ll need patience and diplomacy so the authorities on Istuval don’t make more of the irregularity than it deserves. Once they reissue the paperwork on their end, I imagine our government will be fairly accommodating.”
“You mean mine.” Tanja shot a panicked look from Georgiou to Leon. “I’m taking Illi to Canada.” Her tone brooked no argument.
As much as Leon had never wanted to be a father, the responsibility Tanja had thrust on him wasn’t one he took lightly. It was onerous, but not in the way he had always expected it to be, which confounded him. In fact, the idea of leaving the full weight of Illi’s future on Tanja felt downright wrong.
“They won’t adopt her only to you. You need my name on there. For God’s sake, Tanja. Look what I can offer her. Take advantage,” he insisted.
She might have balked, but Georgiou set aside his notepad and folded his hands on the table, drawing a breath as if he had something important to say.
Georgiou had extricated Leon from several of the tight positions his father had left him in and had listened to the situation with Illi with equanimity, but looked very serious now.
“I agree with Leon. My advice is that you take no steps toward divorce until the adoption is airtight. What we could do is negotiate a postnuptial agreement. It’s not much different from a prenup. Details will be negotiated with regards to support, division of property, and custody. That way, when the time comes, you can part amicably without any loose threads.”
“Custody isn’t up for negotiation.” Fear of betrayal was lurking in Tanja’s eyes as she looked up at Leon. And something else. A mistrust that he had earned.
The strangest clench wrapped around his lungs and squeezed, but he gave only a terse nod of agreement toward Georgiou. “Send a template. We’ll start working things out.”
Tanja looked like she wanted to argue, but Georgiou rose and flexed his back.
“Excellent.” Georgiou grimaced. “And please forgive me, Leon, but my wife will kill me if I don’t try to sell you a couple of tickets to her fundraiser next week. It’s an auction of modern art to benefit a children’s center in Athens.”
“Of course,” Leon said. Buying a couple of plates for charity was expected whether he showed up to eat whatever was served upon it or not. “Will it help for Tanja and I to circulate in public? With Illi’s situation, I mean.”
“It couldn’t hurt. The more happily married you appear, the better.”
“Oh, but—” Tanja started to protest.
“We’ll be there,” Leon confirmed, speaking over her. “Black tie?”
“White.” Georgiou took out his phone. “I’ll have her send the details, and I’ll fetch Ester so we can finalize the press release.” He slipped out, closing the door behind him.
“Hi. Remember me? Your wife?” Tanja asked tartly, rising to shake off her own tension. “I know you’re new to this parenting gig, but I’m guessing children aren’t invited to his wife’s bake sale. What do you suggest we do with Illi? Leave her in the coat check?”
“Right. We need a nanny.” He texted that to his PA.
“Leon.” He glanced up to find Tanja’s hands closed into fists, arms straight, chin lifted to a stubborn angle. “Illi has lost her entire family. Now she’s lost Kahina and the only other people who were familiar to her. She has me. I refuse to shuffle her onto a nanny.”
“I don’t expect you to.” He bit back pointing out Illi had him, too. “The gala will be in a hotel. She’ll be upstairs asleep, not even missing you. Or playing with someone who is doting on her, same as she is right now.” The crew members were determined to spoil her silly. “Wouldn’t you prefer to have someone consistent sit with her when we have social obligations? We’ll have several.”
“How many is ‘several’?” Her voice rose with panic. “I packed light for Istuval and packed even lighter when we left.”
“The stylist will ensure you have everything you need.” He pointed to the door, reminding her of the woman who’d come aboard with garment bags and makeup cases.
“She brought a handful of outfits for the photo shoot.” Tanja flung out a hand.
“She’ll arrange more,” he said with equal exasperation. “It’s her job to source your wardrobe. I presumed you understood that.”
“What will that cost? I don’t have a job, Leon!”
“I don’t expect