by Debby Mayne
She couldn't have said anything more shocking if she'd told him his pants were on fire. "What?"
"I think you heard me."
"Are you serious?"
"As a heart attack."
Nick sucked in some air. He didn't know what to do, but he did know that this was an opportunity he couldn't let go. "That does it. I'm definitely getting out of the Air Force. I didn't expect a proposal to go this way, but now that you've asked, I'm all over it."
"Oh, that wasn't a proposal," she said with a coy expression. "You still have to get down on one knee and do the traditional proposal thingy. But I've never been all that good at subtle hints, and I wanted to make sure we were on the same page."
Nick chuckled. "Okay." He started to get down on one knee, but she stopped him.
"We still have to talk about something before you do this. You're not leaving the Air Force—at least not yet."
"But I don't understand."
"I want to know what it's like to be a military wife."
"Huh? What are you talking about, Paula? You have your business, and you said—"
"That's why I'm here. I wanted to tell you my plan in person. I think it's an excellent one, but I can't take credit for it. Alexa and Steph helped me."
Nick had no doubt his cousins would do whatever it took to get Paula in the family—and as long as a scheme was involved, they were part of it. "Okay, so tell me your plan."
They found a bench on the trail and sat down. Paula explained how Alexa had shown her competence in running the shop and now Steph, Amanda, and Kate were working there. She wouldn't give up the shop, but she didn't have to be there all the time.
"How much longer do you have to reenlist for?" she asked.
"Four years."
"How long before you can retire?"
"Twelve years at the earliest."
Paula held out her hands. "That's not very long. We can go wherever the Air Force takes us—that is, if it's what you still want—and I can do my work long-distance. Alexa is capable of handling almost anything that comes up, and I can fly back if needed." She grinned before adding, "The way the business is growing, I can certainly afford it."
Nick was impressed. "Are you sure you wanna do this?"
"Positive. After the last time I saw my mother, I realized how selfish I was being."
Nick hung his head. "I guess I was being selfish too. It started a long time ago with me, though."
"Both of us had dreams, but there's no reason we can't still follow them. We just have to figure out a way to merge them."
Nick was practically speechless at how much thought had gone into Paula's plan. "I like your thinking," he finally managed to mumble.
"We still have some details to iron out," she said, "but I want you to be as involved in the planning as I am."
"Are you sure you're up to moving every couple of years?" he asked. "Because when the Air Force tells me I have to be somewhere, I don't have a choice. I know how important it is for you to have a home."
She nodded. "My home will be wherever you are, Nick." She looked into his eyes. "That is, if you want me there."
His heart pounded so hard he thought it might explode. "I love you, Paula. I do want you with me."
She reached up, cupped his face, stood on her tiptoes, and planted a kiss on his lips. "I've learned that if there's something you want, you can't wait around. You have to go for it. And I want you any way I can have you, even if it means moving every time we turn around."
Paula was right. He got down on one knee, took her hand in his, and looked up into her eyes. "Paula, I've loved you for as long as I've known you. Will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?"
She snickered. "Of course I will. I didn't go to all this trouble for nothing."
30
Paula had only been back to Tarpon Springs for a couple of days when the biggest wholesale order she'd ever received came in. As soon as she saw the numbers on the order form, her eyes bugged.
"Hey, don't worry about it," Alexa said in her increasingly calm voice. "It's all under control. This is what we've been working on for weeks, and it finally came through."
"I had no idea it would be this big," Paula admitted.
Alexa smiled as she patted Paula's shoulder. "That's because your mind has been elsewhere. Oh, by the way, Steph said she wants to go ahead and move some of her stuff into your house, if you don't mind."
"That's fine. I'm just thankful you and Steph will rent from me. It's one less thing I have to worry about."
"It's a win-win situation for all of us. You don't have to sell your house or let it sit there vacant, and we'll have a nice place to stay without having to move back in with our parents."
"That wouldn't be so bad, though, would it?" Paula asked.
Alexa gave one of her you've-got-to-be-kidding looks. They both laughed.
"I still can't believe I'm getting married in a couple of months," Paula said. "Everything just seems to be falling into place."
"My family is thrilled to have a project."
"And trust me," Paula said, "I don't mind being their project, as long as it involves food."
"Oh, that reminds me. You need to stop by the bakery sometime this afternoon. Mama wants you to taste one of her new cake flavors."
"I think I can sacrifice the time," Paula said, her mouth watering. "But I think I'll probably go with the almond."
"You haven't tasted the amaretto yet. It's amazing."
"Everything they bake is amazing. By the way, I told your dad I'd let him know what I want on the buffet."
"Let me guess. Avgolemono soup, spanakopita, and lamb stew."
"You know me too well." Paula grabbed her purse and headed for the door. "Mildred called and said she needed me, so I guess I better head on over there."
Alexa's lips twitched, but she didn't smile. "Yeah, I guess you better."
Mildred was up to something, but Paula had been in too big of a hurry to ask what it was. The instant she pulled into the parking lot of their new facility, she had an inkling. All the spots were taken except one by the door with a makeshift sign, her name printed in large block letters.
Paula ran a comb through her hair then got out and headed toward the door. She'd barely reached the top step when the door flew open and a raucous cry of "Surprise!" accosted her. A table with a homemade cake stood off in the corner. Gift-wrapped packages covered the rest of the table and were piled high in the surrounding chairs.
Her eyes misted as she looked around the room at all the senior citizens who worked for her company. These were the people who didn't mind working hard to provide the product for her customers. They never let her down.
"Y'all shouldn't have," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"You've been so good to us, Paula," Mildred said. "We're happy to do it." She rubbed her hands together. "Ready to get started? As it is, you'll be here all day."
Since Paula had been living on her own all her adult life, she didn't register for wedding gifts. But these people didn't care. They had enough life experience to know some things she'd need or want without having to be told.
Three hours later, Paula accepted help getting the gifts to her car. Afterward, she made sure she hugged every person there. They each offered some advice on marriage.
"Never go to bed angry," one woman said.
"Take some time for yourself," another offered. "It's hard to be a good wife if you're not rested."
"Communication is overrated," one of the men said. "So try not to talk too much."
Paula laughed. "I'll try to remember that."
"Don't forget to put on lipstick and brush your hair for your husband," another man said. His wife jabbed him, so he shrugged.
With a head full of advice and a car full of gifts, Paula drove home feeling that, in spite of all the unknowns before her, all was right in her world. When she pulled onto her street and spotted her mother's car in the driveway, she tensed up instantl
y. Her mother stood there shielding her eyes, watching and waiting.
"Mom," she said as she got out. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" Paula braced herself for an argument.
"Mack and I wanted to surprise you." Her mother sounded different—more relaxed.
Paula leaned over and looked in the car. "Mack's here? Where is he?"
Her mother pointed. "He went around the house to see if anything needed to be fixed. We have some stuff to give you for the house."
"You know I'm moving to Texas after the wedding, right?"
"Yes, but you also said you were keeping your house, and I know you've complained about not having any gardening tools. You can use them later, after you're settled."
Her mother didn't always make sense, but at least she was being agreeable. "I need to bring some of this stuff inside."
"Good. I'll help."
Something had definitely changed. "Thanks. It'll take more than one trip, even with your help."
"Let's put down this first load, and I'll get Mack to finish unloading. He never knows what to do, so this will keep him busy for a while."
After they dropped the packages in the living room, Paula started a pot of coffee while her mother went to talk to Mack. When she came back inside, she propped her elbow on the counter.
"We need to talk before Mack comes in."
Paula's breath caught in her throat. She hoped nothing else had gone wrong in her mother's life, but that might be too much wishful thinking.
"Okay, so what do you wanna talk about?"
Her mother beamed. "Mack and I have decided to get counseling. We've met with the therapist once, and she says we both have some issues that are hurting our relationship."
Paula could have told her that, but her mother preferred paying money to hear it from a stranger. "That sounds like a good start."
"And I want to apologize to you."
Paula's hand stilled. She slowly looked up at her mother. "For what?"
"For being such a lousy mother. I had no clue what to do with such a smart, independent girl. It sometimes felt like you were the parent and I was the child. I did things I'm not proud of."
Tears sprang to Paula's eyes again, and this time she couldn't keep them from running down her cheeks. "Mother . . ."
In a matter of seconds, her mother crossed the room and pulled her into her arms. "I love you, Paula, and I never meant to hurt you. Will you forgive me?"
"Of course I will. I love you too."
"Hey, ladies. Anything else you need me to do?"
Paula looked up at Mack, who stood in the door of her kitchen looking flustered. "Thanks, Mack. We're fine. Have a seat and I'll bring you some coffee."
"I'll get it," he said as he came toward them. "Our counselor said we both need to do things for ourselves instead of expecting the other one to do it." He turned to Paula's mother. "And while I'm getting my coffee, I'll fix yours too, Bonnie."
"No, that's okay, Mack. I can get it."
"I'll leave the two of you to decide who should get the coffee while I put some of those packages in my room." Paula walked out of the kitchen, wondering how this transformation had come about. Whatever had happened, it was a relief to know her mother was finally accepting some of the responsibility she'd neglected for so many years. And Mack obviously forgave her for not trusting him.
"Nervous?" Nick's brother Michael asked as they stood in front of the mirror.
"Not a bit." Nick adjusted his collar and turned to face his older brother. "This wedding is long overdue."
Michael nodded toward the door. "Then we better join the other guys so we can get this show on the road."
As Nick stood at the altar, he thought about how long he'd waited for Paula—and it had been worth it. No other woman could make him think or feel the way she did. And she cared so deeply about their spiritual life together.
The music started, creating a stir of excitement in the church. Everyone in the sanctuary had been waiting forever for this to happen. His cousins started the procession up the aisle—first Charlene, then Alexa. Steph was the maid of honor, so once he saw her, he knew it wouldn't be long.
Paula appeared at the door, the sun shining behind her, creating an ethereal glow around her silhouette. Her mother gave her a hug then led her slowly up the aisle. He had to bite back the tears that threatened. Once Paula and her mother got to the altar, her mother whispered something in her ear then turned to Nick and winked before being seated by the usher. Paula's goofy, crooked grin made him smile.
After they said their vows, and Nick and Paula headed up the aisle, he leaned over and whispered, "What did your mother say?"
Paula cupped her hand. "She told me to forget everything she ever taught me and just have a good time being married to the man of my dreams."
He gave his new mother-in-law a thumbs-up as he whispered, "That's the best advice I've ever heard."
Papadopoulos Family Recipes
Phoebe's Baklava
Phoebe's notes: Always have plenty on hand when Paula is around. It makes her smile.
Ingredients:
14 sheets of phyllo dough
½ lb. butter
1 cup vegetable shortening
1 cup chopped almonds
1 cup ground pecans
1 cup chopped walnuts
½ cup crushed zwieback
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Syrup:
3 cups granulated sugar
1½ cups water
1 cup honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions:
Melt the butter and shortening.
Brush a 13 x 9 baking pan with the melted butter.
Place a layer of phyllo dough to cover the bottom of the pan.
Brush with melted butter.
Repeat for 5 layers of phyllo dough.
Mix the ground almonds, pecans, walnuts, crushed zwieback, sugar, and cinnamon.
Sprinkle the phyllo layers with 1/3 of the nut mixture.
Add 3 layers of phyllo and melted butter to the top of the mixture.
Sprinkle another 1/3 of the nut mixture over the second layer of phyllo dough.
Add 3 more layers of phyllo and melted butter to the top.
Sprinkle the remaining nut mixture over the buttered phyllo.
Layer the remaining phyllo and butter mixture to the top.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for approximately 1 hour.
Remove from the oven.
Combine the syrup ingredients in a pot.
Bring the syrup mixture to a boil.
Pour over the hot baked baklava.
Allow the baklava to rest for approximately 1 hour.
Cut into squares, rectangles, or triangles.
Ophelia's Avgolemono
(chicken-egg-lemon) Soup
Ophelia's notes: Perfect recipe for a large crowd. The kids love it!
Ingredients:
3 large eggs, separated
2 skinless, boneless, shredded chicken breasts, cooked
8 cups water
6 teaspoon bouillon crystals or 6 bouillon cubes
1 cup orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
Juice of 2 to 3 lemons
Pepper to taste
Directions:
Boil water and add bouillon.
Add orzo and chicken.
Cook for about 10 minutes, until orzo is tender.
Add lemon juice to egg yolks and whisk until blended.
Add lemon and egg yolk mixture to the whites and blend on medium speed to soft peaks.
Remove the pot with chicken and orzo from the heat.
Remove 2 cups of the hot broth from the pot.
Slowly add the broth to the egg and lemon mixture, beating on low speed while adding.
Slowly pour the broth with egg and lemon into the pot, beating on low speed.
Add pepper to taste.
Phoebe's Lentil Salad
Phoebe's notes: Ladies' lunch favorit
e.
Ingredients:
3 cups of cooked lentils, drained
1½ cups crumbled feta cheese
¾ cup Greek vinaigrette salad dressing
1 sliced cucumber
1 cup of diced fresh tomatoes
1 medium diced onion
Directions:
Place lentils in a large mixing bowl.
Stir in ½ of the salad dressing.
Add feta, cucumber, tomatoes, and onion.
Cover and refrigerate for an hour or two.
Before serving, add the rest of the salad dressing and stir.
Apollo's Spanakopita (spinach pie)
Apollo's notes: Menu staple.
Popular with tourists and locals.
Ingredients:
Cooking spray
10 sheets of phyllo dough
½ cup butter, melted
1 pound fresh spinach, washed, patted dry, and chopped
2 eggs
½ cup chopped onion
2 cups ricotta or small curd cottage cheese
1 cup grated feta cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Spray a 13 x 8 baking pan with cooking spray.
Place a layer of phyllo in the pan.
Brush the first layer of phyllo with melted butter.
Repeat layering the phyllo and melted butter until there are 5 sheets in the pan.
Place the spinach in a bowl and lightly salt. Allow to stand for 10 minutes.
Beat the eggs then add onion and cheeses.
Fold the spinach into the egg, onion, and cheese mixture.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Spread the entire mixture over the phyllo.
Layer the remaining phyllo over the top, brushing each layer with melted butter.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for approximately 35 to 40 minutes.
Cut into squares.
Greek Salad – Tarpon Springs style(with potato salad)
Apollo's notes: Hide the potato salad beneath the lettuce for the surprise factor.
Ingredients:
4 large romaine lettuce leaves
8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
3 cups potato salad (recipe below)