“They were at the safe house.”
“And you thought that you’d put them up?”
“Yes.”
“Does father know?”
“Not yet. We got in this morning, and he’s not here.”
“This morning?” Jarik whistled and looked around. “You’ve been busy.”
“The servants were more than happy to help out.”
The tense conversation ended, and Samir held his breath. Finally, Jarik’s features softened. “I’d forgotten how beautiful everything was. You did good, brother. Want to explain the blonde under your arm?”
“Want to explain the brunette under yours?” Samir countered.
Poppy broke away from Samir’s grasp and shook her head. “Why don’t we relax and have a drink,” she said with a chuckle. “I’m sure you two have some catching up to do, and we still need to trim the tree.”
“Oh, I’d love to help!” the brunette offered with a big smile. The two women linked arms and wandered away as they chatted about the decorations.
“It’s good to see you, Samir,” Jarik admitted. “It’s been awhile.”
“It has. Maybe it’s time we put an end to that.”
“Maybe it is.”
Samir put out his hand to shake his brother’s, but instead, Jarik enveloped him in a big hug. “Merry Christmas, Samir.”
“Merry Christmas, Jarik.”
Epilogue
One year later
“We’re almost there. Careful where you step,” Samir warned.
“How can I possibly know where to be careful with this blindfold on?
Poppy demanded as her feet slid on the icy walkway. Holding tight to Samir, she took cautious steps before stubbing her toe. “Ow!”
“Sorry, habibti.”
Poppy felt Samir’s arms wrap around her as he easily scooped her up, mounting the steps as though she were weightless.
Tucking her head against his neck, “Now, couldn’t you have done that sooner?” she questioned as he chuckled.
“And spoil all the fun? Never.”
She felt him pause as he fumbled with a door, swinging it open as they walked into blessed heat. Finally, she might stop shivering. If he would have told her where they were going, she might have dressed more appropriately for a walk in the snow. As it was, she was soaked through.
Setting her down, he wrapped his arms around her from behind. Nuzzling his cold nose against her collar bone, he kissed her ear. “Ready for your surprise?” he murmured against her hair.
“Very.”
Poppy closed her eyes as he loosened the knot on her blindfold and removed it. Blinking slowly, she looked down as her eyes adjusted to the light. Looking up, she gasped.
“Oh, Samir. You’ve outdone yourself.” She couldn’t keep the surprise out of her voice as she stepped into the winter wonderland. Turning slowly around in a circle, she took in the extravagant Christmas tree with its merrily twinkling lights, the over-sized wreath mounted above the fireplace, the holiday decorations tastefully placed around the living room. Slipping off her coat, she walked toward the tree and lifted one of the ornaments.