His Beloved Bride (Wedded to the Sheikh Book 3)

by Holly Rayner

  They had been through so much together, and after each difficulty, they had come out stronger and closer than before. Alyssa couldn't imagine what life could throw at them that they could not somehow conquer.

  In the small clearing, the wedding guests stood as Alyssa walked by. She gazed around at the familiar faces, happiness filling her up. Other than a few close friends, it was all family. Working-class relatives from Queens and high-profile royalty from Baqar had come together to celebrate what had, at one time, seemed such an unconventional wedding. And, now…it couldn't feel more right.

  On the front row, Rashid sat in Noura’s arms. Alyssa gave him a little wave as she passed by, and his grandmother raised his chubby arm and had him wave back.

  And then, there was Ali. He stood in front of the wedding arch, which was decorated in blooms—both local and Baqari—with Kurt on one side and Lucy on the other. Slightly behind him, the officiant waited to perform the ceremony.

  A smile stretched Alyssa’s lips, and Ali’s gaze caught hers. His traditional robes hugged his legs and draped loosely over his shoulders, the burgundy and gold in the thread bringing out the warm tones in his skin. His hair was slicked back, reminding her of the day they met. She'd pulled him off the street in what she had thought then was a random act. Now, she understood it had been anything but.

  They were destined to meet. Destined to be together.

  The song ended. Alyssa stepped away from her father's arm and gave Lucy her bouquet. There was the collective sound of the guests taking their seats, and then, quiet.

  Ali’s shimmering gaze swept up and down Alyssa. Wow, he mouthed.

  Somehow, Alyssa smiled even wider.

  The officiant began talking, but Alyssa barely heard him. His voice, a faint murmuring, sounded miles away. She only kept smiling at Ali.

  Then, suddenly, Ali lifted his hand. It was time for their vows.

  “Alyssa,” he said, “we met under the most unconventional and yet exciting circumstances. Since then, it has been a wild ride. You are the love of my life. My angel. The woman who gave me a beautiful son to love and raise. You make me a better person every day, and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life by your side.”

  Tears blurred Alyssa’s vision and ran down her cheeks. There went the perfect makeup job—not that she cared. Ali loved her no matter what; whether she looked like a beauty queen or a hot mess.

  “Ali,” Alyssa said, pausing to clear her throat. “I know I can be a pain in the butt sometimes, but you are always patient and understanding. You believing in me helps me believe in myself. Thank you for being you. You are an amazing partner and an amazing father. I know that we’ll both change as the years go by, but I have faith that, because we’re together, we will always change for the better. Thank you for loving me. And thank you for accepting my love.”

  Ali’s eyes filled with tears and he blinked them away. The rings were exchanged. The officiant’s final words were said. And, just like that, they were:

  “Husband and wife,” the officiant announced.

  Alyssa and Ali fell into each other, their lips locking. Their family and friends burst into applause, and they broke apart wearing matching grins.

  “Husband and wife,” Ali said.

  Alyssa clasped his hand and laughed. “Wow.”

  The biggest whirlwind of Alyssa’s life came next. Hugs. Kisses. Congratulations. They took wedding photos with just the two of them. Wedding photos with Rashid. Wedding photos with Lucy and Kurt. Wedding photos with their families.

  They danced. Cut the cake. Made toasts and drank to the night and the rest of their lives. The white lights strung around the pavilion twinkled, and a coolness settled on the farm. The band played long into the evening, and Alyssa danced until her feet were sore. Still, she kept going.

  “Having a good time?” Ali asked as they enjoyed what had to be their tenth dance.

  “Yes.” She looked over his shoulder to check on Rashid. He slept in his carrier next to the grandparents’ table. “Looks like our little guy is knocked out.”

  Ali spun them around so he could get a look. “So he is. Hopefully he’ll sleep through the ride to the airport.”

  “You’re really not going to tell me where we’re going?” Alyssa asked.

  “You left it up to me to plan the honeymoon,” Ali reminded her. “And I have decided to keep the destination a secret.”

  “Yeah, well, if I had known you would do that, I might not have agreed to let you have full rein,” she teased.

  “You doubt my abilities?”

  “Ali.” Alyssa gave him a serious look. “After that dang island adventure, I will never doubt your abilities in anything ever again. I’m just dying from curiosity here. Give me a clue.”

  “Not a chance.”

  “Why not?” she whined.

  “Because if I give you one clue, you might figure it out.”

  “Well…yeah.” Alyssa shrugged.

  “Exactly.”

  “Is it somewhere I've been before?” she asked.

  “Mm,” he offered.

  “Somewhere warm?” she pressed.

  Ali deftly spun her. “No comment.”

  “Do I need to pack a bathing suit?”

  “What are you talking about?” Ali asked. “You know Lucy packed your bags.”

  “I know,” Alyssa said. “I'm just trying to get you to slip up.”

  “I appreciate your tenacity,” Ali said with a grin, “but there will be no slipping up when it comes to this.”

  The song ended, and Alyssa paused to catch her breath. “Wow. This really is a big deal to you.”

  One corner of Ali's mouth lifted upward.

  “What's so funny?” Alyssa asked.

  “Nothing,” he said. “I only think you will be pleasantly surprised with this honeymoon.”

  “I know I will be,” she said.

  Because of what had happened the last time they’d left Rashid, Alyssa was loath to go anywhere without him. And so, wherever it was they were headed to later, Rashid and his nanny would be coming with.

  “Something about your expression…” Alyssa trailed off, not quite sure what she reached for.

  “Cake?” Ali asked, walking for the cake table.

  Alyssa followed hot on his heels. “One little clue, Ali. Please.”

  “Okay.” He stopped before picking up a piece of cake. “You talk about this place a lot.”

  “Uh…okay.” Alyssa searched through every corner of her mind, but she couldn't come up with an answer. “That doesn't mean anything to me.”

  “That’s the only clue I will give you.”

  “That's not a fair clue!” She pointed a finger at him. “You knew that wouldn't help me out any.”

  Ali made a big scene out of taking a bite of cake. “So I did,” he agreed.

  “Not fair,” Alyssa grumbled.

  What place did she talk about a lot? Alyssa had trouble remembering. The last six months had been so crazy. Scratch that—the last year had been crazy. Ali had taken her to a lot of places since they’d met, but there were a whole lot more she wanted to go to. But, wait…

  “Ali. We're not going back to the island, are we?”

  “You know,” Ali said. “I don't remember completely where we are going. I guess I will have to be surprised, too.”

  Alyssa crossed her arms. “You're ridiculous.”

  Ali finally looked her way, a devilish smile on his face.

  “You make it so enjoyable to be this way.” He glanced at the band. “I do believe we will be wrapping up here soon. One more dance, my beautiful wife?”

  Ali offered his hand, and Alyssa couldn’t help but smile.

  “Well, when you call me that…”

  Chapter 18

  Ali

  “Paris!” Alyssa exclaimed, her nose pressed to the jet’s window. She turned to look at him with wide eyes. “That's the Eiffel Tower I see, right?”

  Ali chuckled. “Yes.”

&nb
sp; “You goofball,” Alyssa said quietly, so she would not wake Rashid and Kinsley, who slept at the back of the jet.

  She looked around herself, found a piece of paper, crumpled it up, and threw it at him. It didn’t even make it halfway to its intended mark.

  Ali laughed again. “I did give you one clue. I said it was someplace you talk about a lot.”

  “I haven’t talked about Paris in months,” Alyssa said, her eyes still shining.

  “But you did talk about it a lot, months ago.”

  “I talked about a whole bunch of things before Rashid was born,” she pointed out. “And then, my priorities shifted.” She looked back to the window. “Paris…wow. Are we staying here for the whole honeymoon?”

  “Two weeks.”

  Alyssa wiggled in her seat in excitement. “Oh my gosh.”

  Leaving his seat, Ali crossed the aisle and took the spot right next to her. Wrapping his arm around her waist, he used his free hand to sweep some stray hair from her face. She’d changed from her wedding dress into jeans and a loose sweater. Though she had been dazzling in the white gown, Ali loved this casual look on her. It spoke so much to who she was. Honest. No frills.

  “What are you looking at?” Alyssa murmured.

  Ali smiled in response. “What would you like to do in Paris?”

  “Oh, wow.” Alyssa’s eyes widened. “Everything. I want to go to every museum. Every café.”

  “I am not sure my body can handle that much espresso,” Ali said.

  Alyssa splayed her fingers across his chest. “Just the best ones, then.”

  Ali lifted her hand and kissed it. “The best ones.”

  Alyssa turned and looked back out the window. “You know, I was actually afraid of taking this trip. Of flying.”

  Though she looked away, Ali nodded in quiet understanding. Other than the trip that had gotten them home, it was their first time flying since the jet went down, and he had been nervous as well.

  “Plane crashes themselves are highly unlikely in the first place,” Ali said. “And for it to happen to someone twice…”

  “Now, that’s just funny?” Alyssa suggested.

  Ali chuckled low. “That’s not what I was planning on saying.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “Are you sure? Because it is kind of funny.”

  “You are wicked.”

  Ali pulled her closer to him and nuzzled her neck. “Do you know what the best part of this honeymoon is?”

  “Uh…it’s Paris?”

  “Other than that,” he said in between peppering kisses on her throat.

  “What?” Alyssa asked, her breathing becoming heavy.

  “We have Rashid…and Kinsley.”

  “So, time with baby.” Alyssa grinned. “And time without baby. Yeah…that was a really good idea.”

  “I do try.”

  Chapter 19

  Alyssa

  The gentle murmur of the bistro mixed with the gentle patter of rain brought on a sense of deep relaxation. Alyssa leaned back in her chair and gazed at the window. Raindrops kissed the glass and blurred the lights of passing cars.

  “You look content,” Ali commented from across the table.

  She turned to face him. “I don’t think I could be happier right now.”

  “You know…” Elbows on the table, Ali pressed his hands together. “We don’t have to live in New York. It is not necessary I stay there for business. I could always hire someone to run the operations there. Not to mention, my family would love it if we were closer to Baqar.”

  Alyssa stared at him. She’d felt close to falling asleep a minute before, but this news was a shock to the system. “Are you talking about moving to Paris?”

  “Or anywhere else we want.”

  “Oh…” Alyssa gazed around the bistro, at the people drinking wine and enjoying dessert. The pianist, on break, chatted with the bartender. A few blocks down the street, Rashid slept peacefully with Kinsley to watch over him. Whenever they felt ready, Alyssa and Ali would be able to walk back to the hotel.

  The last two weeks had been composed of glorious days followed by glorious nights. They’d gone everywhere. The Louvre. Montmartre. The Musée d’Orsay. They’d picnicked on the grounds of Versailles and toured the Tuileries Garden. They’d rented a car and driven out of the city for the day.

  Life in Paris, certainly, was grand. But it wasn’t what Alyssa needed.

  “Home is important,” she declared. “I love it here, but I think New York is where it’s at for me. The only other place I could ever see myself living is Baqar.”

  “Really?” Ali asked, his eyebrows jumping up in surprise.

  “Yeah. It’s where your family is. I don’t have any friends there yet, but I could make some, and it would be good for Rashid. I just want him to be around family, you know?”

  “I do know.” Ali smiled and squeezed her leg under the table. “Shall we order some wine?”

  Before Alyssa could answer, a wave of nausea rushed through her.

  “Are you all right?” Ali asked, noticing her cringe.

  “Yeah.” She took a sip of water and the nausea abated some. “I think I’m just tired, is all.”

  “It’s late,” Ali agreed. “Shall we call it a night?”

  “I’d love to wait and hear more from the pianist, but yeah. It’s probably time to get home.”

  Ali pulled her chair out for her. “You keep saying you will make it to the café across the street for croissants.”

  “I know,” Alyssa groaned, putting on her light jacket. “But they sell out at, like, six a.m. That’s crazy.”

  “They are some of the best in the city.”

  “Well, I have a feeling that it’s never gonna happen for me.” Alyssa walked for the bistro’s door. “Up before six if I don’t have to be at work or there’s a baby crying? Yeah, I don’t think so.”

  “Perhaps I will surprise you with a croissant breakfast in bed, tomorrow, then,” Ali said with a smile.

  “It won’t be much of a surprise now, but that does sound pretty amazing,” Alyssa replied happily.

  They left the bistro arm in arm and took their time walking back to the hotel. After this, it would be one more night in Paris, then back to New York.

  “I can’t believe you thought I was taking you to our island,” Ali said.

  “Just the fact that you call it our island shows how plausible that is.”

  The hotel’s windows glowed with warm, yellow light. Nodding to the doorman, they went through the shiny lobby and into the mirrored elevator. As they rose to the second floor, Alyssa stifled a yawn.

  Ali rubbed her shoulders. “Bedtime, huh?”

  Alyssa murmured a noise of agreement. The elevator opened onto the second floor and they walked for the suite at the end of the hall. Ali unlocked the door to their suite, and they crept inside. A night light glowed in the corner, and the ceiling fan whirred. Alyssa crept to the crib and rested her palm on Rashid’s sleeping form. His tummy rose slowly, then dropped even more slowly.

  Slipping out of her flats, Alyssa went to get changed for bed, but another wave of nausea came over her. She sat down on the end of the bed and closed her eyes.

  “You know,” she said, “I think I need some fresh air.”

  Ali came to the door. “I can open a window?”

  “No, thanks, I think I’ll go down to the courtyard. I’ll be back in a few.” Taking her key, Alyssa slipped from the room.

  The entire hotel was nice, but the courtyard was the part that made Alyssa want to move into the building permanently. It sat behind the hotel, enclosed by tall, brick walls. Lush plants ringed the walkways, and in the very middle sat a water fountain.

  Taking the elevator back down, Alyssa slipped into the courtyard. The hotel’s front desk was open all night long, and so they kept the courtyard open as well. Solar-powered lights set in the ground and along the walls illuminated the space, and the gentle sound of trickling water pulled Alyssa to the fountain.
/>   Sitting on the concrete bench, Alyssa looked at the stone mermaid. She felt better already. She wondered what might have caused the nausea; perhaps something she’d eaten?

  Except…she hadn’t had anything new that day. She loved the breakfast at the hotel, and had had the same thing every morning. And the same with the bistro. This was the third night she’d had dinner there—niçoise salad with steak frites. And this wasn’t food poisoning. She’d had that once before, and boy, when it hit you, did it hit you.

  No, this felt more like…

  Alyssa’s heart fluttered. Could it be? She frowned slightly, running the last two weeks through her mind. She had been so busy enjoying Paris that she hadn’t noticed something had been off.

  Standing, Alyssa checked her pockets. There was the key, along with…yes. She’d slipped some change into her pocket earlier that morning.

  Hurrying through the hotel, Alyssa crossed the street. There was a late-night drug store on the corner.

  Opening the store’s door, she glanced over her shoulder and caught a glimpse of the hotel. It felt weird to be so secretive, but she didn’t want to just go upstairs and announce her suspicions without having any concrete evidence.

  At the back of the store, she found what she looked for. Pregnancy tests. Grabbing one, Alyssa turned for the checkout counter. On second thought, she spun around and took a couple more. If one showed positive, it could be a fluke. Best to take a few. Especially since she wouldn’t be able to make it to a doctor for confirmation until they were home.

  Alyssa used all of the cash in her pocket to pay, then crossed the street again, her pulse pounding. Could she really be pregnant?

  They hadn’t planned on having a second child any time soon, though it had always been part of their discussions regarding the future. She and Ali both wanted several children.

  In the hotel, Alyssa went straight for one of the bathrooms in the lobby. There, she used all three tests at once. Why wait, right?