The Sheikh’s Sham Engagement (The Safar Sheikhs 3)

oment in time. Probably a year ago, I was looking into moving abroad. But I didn’t know what I was doing. I was just curious.”

His mouth rounded, and then he nodded. “Okay. Yeah. Let’s do everything in that folder, then.”

Finally, a giggle erupted from her, some of the heavy emotions beginning to clear. “We’ll have plenty of time.”

“A whole lifetime,” Nasser confirmed and then surged forward to capture her lips in a kiss.

Epilogue

ONE YEAR LATER

Willow closed her eyes and smiled into the sun. The Caribbean breeze was like a balm for everything and anything. Feeling down? Get outside. Feeling bloated? Also get outside.

Feeling like getting married?

Take it to the Caribbean.

Nasser squeezed her hand, bringing her back to reality. She inhaled deeply, looking up at him, finding pure joy written on his features.

This getaway cruise/wedding had been partially her idea, partially his. The Caribbean cruise theme had been lifted from her escape folder. Waiting until their baby girl Daliah joined the world before tying the knot—that was Nasser’s idea.

Because this daddy couldn’t do a damn thing without his baby girl at his side. A fact he caught onto pretty quickly once Willow’s belly started popping and the whole thing became real. And now that she was here, the wriggling, happy-go-lucky six-month-old, Nasser was attached at the hip to his little girl.

Just as Willow had planned.

“Everyone is waiting for us,” Nasser said, the wind whipping through his longish hair as he hoisted Daliah in his arms. She cooed, reaching for his chin. “We should get down there.”

“Okay.” She squeezed her arms around him, pressing a kiss to Daliah’s cheek. “Let’s go celebrate our marriage.”

The three of them wandered down from the top deck, where they’d been contemplating the impending sunset. The sun still blazed red and bloated on the horizon, but it wouldn’t be long before it sank out of view. They’d wanted their wedding to happen just like this. Wild and free and sexy. A moment of contemplation after the hullabaloo of exchanging vows and making it official. The diamond ring sparkled on her left hand, and she couldn’t believe she was finally Mrs. Nasser Safar.

Three and a half years ago, she couldn’t have imagined their love story actually working out.

But here it was. The most inspiring love story she’d ever heard.

“You look incredible,” Nasser said for probably the fifth time that evening. She’d made sure of it too, with the help of Calla and Vanessa handling the dress and make-up respectively. No longer did she look like the frumpy school administrator she sometimes felt like. Because filling one of her own school vacancies, taking on a long-term role with the school, sometimes left her feeling as harried as any of the teachers. But out here, on the open sea, having just married the love of her life? She felt every inch a sheikha.

The trio went to the lower deck, where the festivities had already begun. The chairs and altar had been cleared away and replaced with small tables for dining. A trio of violins played music—currently, it was a rendition of Ariana Grande, which made Willow smile.

Fatim and Calla were there with their three children, dancing to the music. Amad and Vanessa hung off to the side with their little girl; Vanessa’s growing belly threatened to pop any day now. The due date was so near they’d brought the royal midwife along. Just in case.

Willow’s own family had made the trip—her parents and her younger sister, who had been cancer-free for a full two years now. They looked happier than she’d ever seen them. Caribbean winds could make anyone feel better. A small handful of family friends littered the occasion as well. A champagne bottle popped, and cheers erupted as Willow and Nasser joined the fray.

“To the newlyweds!” someone cried out, and everyone lifted their champagne glasses. Willow giggled, picking up a champagne glass as well. She was still breastfeeding, but a little sip wouldn’t hurt. Not on this special day, surrounded by her family and friends.

“To the forever-weds,” Nasser added, grinning at her as he lifted his glass.

“To my only love,” Willow whispered, and she folded forward to find the sweetest, most delicate kiss waiting for her on Nasser’s lips.

This was what was it was about.

True love.

Real compromise.

And being supported every inch of the way by family and friends.

Could a girl be any luckier? She grinned as Nasser raised his glass and demanded everyone tap on their glasses again with the forks, so he could lean back in and kiss her some more.