Woman in a Sheikh's World

‘Others?’ Avery glanced at Mal. ‘Who? I don’t have family.’

‘But you have friends.’ He spoke softly, his eyes gentle. ‘Many, many friends, all of whom want to wish you well and would not miss this, the most important party of your life.’

She glanced through the crowd of people, now silent and curious, and saw faces she knew. So many faces. All smiling at her.

‘You have some seriously cool friends, I’ll give you that,’ Jenny muttered under her breath. ‘Chloe is probably going to pass out.’

Mal smiled. ‘Chloe has already passed out. Twice. I have someone looking out for her.’

Jenny glanced at Avery in despair. ‘She passed out last week at the Senator’s party. Which was a great success, by the way. The doves were sweet. I hope you’re having doves.’

‘We will have doves for our fiftieth anniversary,’ Mal breathed, ‘and now, if no one objects, I’d like to marry the woman I love in the company of the people who love her.’

‘Can we walk up there together?’ Avery slipped her hand in his and he smiled down at her.

‘I would have it no other way, habibti.’

Rafiq looked desperate. ‘But Your Highness, tradition states that the bride should be brought to the groom. That is how the marriage begins.’

‘Not this marriage.’ His voice was deep and sure. ‘This marriage begins the way it will continue. With the bride and groom side by side as equals. Are you ready?’

Avery smiled. ‘I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.’