The Sheik and the Slave

“Everything has been such a nightmare,” she said. “I thought you had another child and were married. That’s why I couldn’t bear to see you. I thought you wanted me as a second wife. I was so deeply unhappy when I received that letter. It was a horror. And then you were here, kissing me, and I didn’t understand why. I wanted nothing to do with you.”

“I know,” he said. He kissed her mouth and his arms held her tightly. “I didn’t understand anything until today, when I was speaking with your father. Then everything fell into place. Abdullah has been behind everything. But nothing matters now. You are in my arms as you should be. I don’t intend to let you go. Ever.” The last word he said was spoken against her ear and she smiled. She was safe at last.

Katharine looked up into his dark handsome face.

“Don’t.”

“I have traveled so long and so far to have this one moment with you,” he said as he held her tightly against his chest. “My love.”

“It isn’t over yet. There is someone you must meet,” she said, smiling widely.

They traveled back to the townhouse, and Edward greeted them both warmly. They quietly went upstairs to the nursery.

Asleep in his crib lay the little son that they had created. His rosebud mouth made a sucking noise in his sleep, and his dark hair was a sharp contrast against his white blanket.

“Katharine, he’s…he’s beautiful,” Mohammed said. His voice cracked as he looked at his son.

She met his eyes across the crib.

“He is. And wait until you see his eyes. They are blue!” she whispered back.

“Oh, Katharine,” he said when he came across the room to hold her. “My heart is so full.” His palm caressed her cheek. “You have given me so much. I intend to spend my life making sure yours is full of love and joy.”

“This moment, you, our son, this is all I need. This is my joy,” she whispered.

They stayed together, staring down at their sleeping child.

***

Katharine was lovely in a light mint green dress with elbow-length sleeves and silver threading decorating the stomacher and skirt. She wore her favorite pearl-colored heels on her feet. She wore diamonds at her ears and no other jewelry.

Mohammed wore a cream waistcoat, a light brown frock coat, and breeches with silk stockings and shoes. His hair was clubbed and unpowdered.

The candle lights flickered in the chapel as the early morning began. Behind them stood Lord Edward, Sarah and Charles, Francie and Thomas, and Abigail holding their son. Edward had wanted Katharine’s day to be filled with joy and surrounded by love. He had asked Anne to attend the wedding if she could hold her tongue. She had scoffed and made a snide comment before declining the invitation.

It was almost a month since Katharine and Mohammed had finally been reconciled. Katharine had taken Thomas aside to kindly explain everything that had happened. Though he had thought she might one day be his, he knew well enough that she loved Mohammed. He had been with her when she had received the note and it had been devastating. Now that it was resolved, he was happy to stand aside and watch them marry.

Francie had come to town specially to see her friend marry, and Abigail was happily restored to them from the Abbey. Francie and Thomas had grown close once Katharine was reunited with Mohammed. Thomas was attentive and kind, and Francie adored the young man. It was a joyous group that gathered together for the wedding.

The clergyman stood in front of the small assembly as Katharine and Mohammed stood apart, looking at each other.

The elderly man looked solemnly at Mohammed and asked, “Will you have this woman as your wife? To love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health? And forsaking all others, keep only to her as long as you both shall live?”

Mohammed locked eyes with Katharine.

“I will,” he vowed.

The elderly man looked at Katharine and asked, “Will you have this man as your husband? To obey him and serve him, to love, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health? And forsaking all other, keep only to him as long as you both shall live?”

“I will,” she vowed.

They exchanged rings. A simple prayer was said, and a Bible verse was spoken. Mohammed looked at Katharine as the clergyman spoke and could not take his eyes off his beautiful bride.

Afterwards, the wedding party returned to the townhouse for cake and refreshments.

Mohammed had enjoyed meeting Abigail, as he knew she was a nurturing woman who loved their son greatly. He knew that the older woman filled a gap that Katharine did not have with her own mother.

Katharine caught Mohammed staring at her and she smiled.