by Leah Leonard
Uri laughed.
“Don’t you mistreat her or you’ll have me to answer to.”
“Young man, I love Stephanie and I assure you, I shall do all in my power to guarantee her happiness. She is my top priority.”
Despite his size, Buck studied him like a deer might gaze into the eyes of a hungry lion. Finally he said, “Don’t forget it.”
Without another word, Buck turned and got back into his rusted truck and rattled down the road toward the property to the east of Stephanie’s farm.
Although the man was a brute, Uri appreciated the fact that he cared for his sweet Stephanie. It spoke well of her. Knowing this man loved her so made Uri desire her all the more. She certainly had aroused great loyalty within him so far, and he could only imagine how those feelings would expand over the course of several years. He walked back to the town car and his driver popped to attention and opened his door for him. “Thank you.”
“Yes, Your Highness.” The driver closed the door, started the car again and proceeded with caution down the snow covered road.
By the time they pulled up to the house, Stephanie and her aunt were waiting for them on the porch. She wore a thick down jacket and tight jeans. She ran toward the car, and threw her arms around his neck, kissing his cheek. “I’m so happy to see you.”
“Likewise, dear.”
The driver collected and carried her bags, stuffed them into the trunk, and they were off, but not before Stephanie’s aunt also gave him a warning. “Treat her right, you hear?”
“I shall cherish her like a queen,” Uri promised.
‘You’d better,” Ellen warned him.
Stephanie slid across the back seat of the car.
Uri pulled her close and put his arm around her as they rode away.
She waved goodbye, and he noticed a few tears streaming down her face as the farm disappeared from sight.
“Are you all right?” Uri asked her.
“I will be, yes. Just so long as I’m home by Christmas.”
“I promise to return you safely by then, yes.” He chuckled.
“What?” she asked.
“You have many protectors here, dear. I find it both amusing and endearing. It is clear everyone who knows you treasures you as I do.”
“Why? What did they do?”
“Your former boyfriend met me at the gate to warn me not to do anything foolish, now your aunt. You are a lucky lady.”
“I am,” she said, “Especially now that I’ve met you.”
They shared a deep and meaningful kiss.
“I shall promise you what I told them. I will love you and care for you and want nothing more than your complete happiness.”
“I am happy,” she said.
“Indeed, as am I, my love.”
They arrived at the airstrip, boarded the plane, and after paying handsomely for a crew to come and de-ice the runway, they took off for Turkey within the hour.
Uri arranged for them to each have leather reclining seats that folded out into horizontal beds for comfort, along with the finest down pillows, blankets and toiletries. Anything Stephanie might need had already been preplanned. He hoped it was enough. “Are you comfortable?” Uri leaned across the aisle and reached for her hand as she reclined and gazed out the window.
“I am. Thank you so much! This is incredible.”
“As are you, darling.”
During the flight, his staff served hot tea to help them relax. Finally, Uri said, “So dear, want to tell me all that is happening with you and how you decided so quickly to make this trip?”
“I told you. I love you, Uri. Everybody could see that. Even Buck. I gave him his ring back. We finally had the conversation we should have had years ago. We’ve been raised together like brother and sister. I never loved him like I love you. That’s all. Please trust that.”
He reached across the aisle and took her hand. “I love you, Stephanie. I want to make you the happiest woman alive.”
Despite this, there was something troubling in her eyes. She sipped her tea and was quieter than he would have liked.
“What is it, darling?”
She sighed. “I don’t want to bother you with any of my problems. It will all work out, I’m sure.”
Uri rose from his seat and kneeled in the aisle, wrapping his arms around her. “Dear, your problems are mine, your worries are mine. I wish to assist you in any way possible. Please share with me. Allow me to be your partner in life.”
“You’re right.”
“Has your Buck been giving you a hard time about being here with me? If so, please forget about that while you’re away. I beg you.”
“No, no,” she said. “It’s not that. Actually Buck agreed I needed to come to Turkey with you and see what happens.”
“Really?” Uri was surprised, especially after the icy reception he received this afternoon.
“Yes. He did tell me he will marry me if I decide not to marry you.”
“Did he now?” Heat soared up from Uri’s core and into his fist, which he balled up. If he could see Buck again, it would be all he could do to keep from introducing that fist to his smug, oversized face.
“Aww,” she said.
“What?” Uri growled.
“You’re not jealous, are you?” she teased.
“Not in the slightest,” he lied.
“Good, because there’s no need to be.” Stephanie leaned up, kissed him. “I already told him no, just in case you’re wondering. Even if this doesn’t work out between us—”
“What do you mean speaking like that?”
“I know it will, I’m just saying…”
“You cannot talk of such things. I fully expect you to be my wife. I will marry you, Stephanie Simonton. You are mine now.”
“I know,” she gazed out the window again, and he could sense the deep trouble she carried within bubbling to the surface of her being.
“Darling, what’s wrong?”
She shook her head and refused to say.
“If it is not your former…boyfriend…then what is troubling you? Do tell.” He brushed his hand on her cheek.
She sighed again. “The farm.”
“Oh? What about it?”
“Aunt Ellen says we’re not doing well financially. It’s really bad.”
Uri chuckled.
“It’s not funny!” She looked infuriated by his flippant attitude.
“Darling, with me by your side, finances will never worry you again. How much do you need?”
“I’m not sure.”
“No matter how much, know it is yours. I am happy to help you any way I can,” he said, relieved the trouble wasn’t something that could not be fixed.
“I appreciate that, really I do, but apparently Buck’s family may want to buy the farm. Of course they all thought we were going to get married, which obviously isn’t going to happen now. Still, he’s going to talk to his parents while I’m gone to see if they are still interested in it, even if I’m not part of the picture.”
He brushed his fingers through her hair, kissed her speckled forehead. “You are certain you would sell it? I should be most pleased to settle any debts and we could keep it if you would like.”
“I thought about it and I am ready to sell it if I can. My parents are gone and as long as I could make at least a little profit, it might be best that way.”
Uri considered this a moment. “If that is possible and you do decide you want to sell, your aunt is always welcome with us.”
“You are sweet, but she has plans to go live with her sister.” After a couple moments of silence, out of the blue, Stephanie started to cry.
“What is wrong, my dear?” Uri cradled her in his arms.
“What are we doing?” she sniffled. “We barely know each other.”
“What does that matter? The heart knows what the heart wants, does it not?”
She nodded. “But to be making such big plans seems crazy to me.”
“T
o the mind, yes, but we must go with our feelings, mustn’t we?”
“For now, yes,” Stephanie leaned into him. “Let’s not talk anymore about the future until we see your family and find out whether or not they would really accept me.”
“Father already says we belong together, dear.”
“He did?”
“Yes. He encouraged me to come get you, and I assure you, once he gets to know you, he will love you as much as I do.”
“I hope so,” she said.
“Darling, there is no doubt in my mind that you and I belong together, and whether my family approved of you or not makes no matter to me. You are destined to be my wife and stand by my side in life. The more I am with you, the more certain I am of that fact.” Uri was so sure, he would proceed to locate possible wedding venues as soon as they landed in Istanbul. He would never allow this lovely lady out of his sight ever again.
Thirty
The private jet landed at a small airport outside of Istanbul the following day. Stephanie was excited about the trip, seeing more of Turkey and getting to know Uri’s father better.
Uri’s driver helped them into the waiting limo and they drove around the hilly area to a palatial structure that sat high on a cliff overlooking the Bosporus River. A thick white stucco wall protected the property. Twenty foot tall golden gates opened with a code the limo driver inserted into a keypad. The distance between the gate and the house seemed to take forever compared to her farm.
“How many acres is this property?” Stephanie asked.
“I do not know, dear. It is rather large though. Hundreds, perhaps? Do you like it?”
“I do.”
When they arrived at the front, the driver parked the limo in a circular drive. A staff of half a dozen servants stood at attention when they walked up to the front of the house.
“Good morning, everyone,” Uri said.
“Welcome home, Sheikh,” everyone replied in unison.
“This is my dear Stephanie who shall be staying with us for a week or more. She is from the United States and I hope everyone will make her feel at home here.”
To her surprise, they erupted into applause, each saying hello, bowing, and telling her they hoped she enjoyed her stay.
“Thank you,” Stephanie blushed. She definitely wasn’t used to this kind of attention.
“Come my darling. Let me show you inside,” Uri placed his arm around her shoulder and gestured her toward two gold plated doors, while the staff took their luggage and scattered.
Two tall uniformed gentlemen bowed and said welcome as they opened the double doors for her and Uri.
Once she was inside, Stephanie’s mouth about fell open. She couldn’t believe the elaborate home. The entryway led into an expansive room that looked like some kind of formal reception area, probably for hosting the many dignitaries who must visit here, she thought.
Next, she and Uri walked through a second section, which was twice as large as the first, with a dining room off to the left that had the longest table Stephanie had ever seen, and an enormous ballroom with crystal chandeliers to the right. She felt like Cinderella the night of Prince Charming’s ball, and Uri was definitely the most charming man she had ever known.
Gold textured wallpaper and ornately carved moldings offset the sparkling white marble floors. Stunning paintings and statues were tastefully placed throughout. Overall, the palace was like something out of a dream.
Uri held her hand as they wandered the vast palace. “Welcome to my world.”
“This is gorgeous!” Stephanie said.
“As are you, darling,” Uri kissed her cheek. “Come and I will show you to your room.”
She held Uri’s hand and followed him through the hall between the dining area and ballroom to a set of double doors that led into the back of the palace.
How big was this place? “My goodness,” she told him.
“Don’t worry, dear, we’re almost there,” Uri beamed.
Those doors opened to another marble tiled passage. Once they walked about the length of a football field, the hall forked off. Uri led her down the path to the left, through a door into a plush carpeted hallway. Halfway down that corridor, there was a single room on the right. A male servant stood at attention outside. He bowed and opened the double doors upon the Sheikh’s approach. “Welcome, Sheikh and Miss Stephanie.”
“Thank you,” Stephanie said, still following Uri’s lead.
“Go on in, dear,” he told her.
When the doors opened, she saw the room had the dramatic white marble floors like the front part of the palace. Inside, a full wall of glass overlooked the steep valley below. A door led out to a balcony with overstuffed furniture. A King sized canopy bed with a shear peach colored canopy draped atop a silk comforter and plush pillows stood in the middle of the room.
“What do you think?” Uri asked.
“I can’t believe this,” she told him, as she walked into the bathroom, glancing at the hot tub, dual sinks, the massive walk in closet, sauna and steam shower.
“I hope this will be to your liking,” Uri said.
“I love it.”
“Please feel free to use the closets,” Uri gestured at the walk in closet and opened the double doors. “There are plenty of hangers, hooks and the like, as you can see. Also, any clothing you might need. A robe...extra blankets and towels. Please, treat these as your own. Allow my staff to bring anything else you would want or need.”
“Thank you,” she said.
“Over here,” Uri moved toward the bathroom sinks. “I had them leave several kinds of shampoo and other toiletries for you in case you need them.”
Stephanie’s mouth about fell open. “Wow, Uri, you’ve thought of everything.”
“I try, but if I forgot, my staff will fill in the gaps. Please just promise me you will feel at home here.”
“I will be, I’m sure. Thank you.
“And let us get you anything that would make that easier for you.”
“Thank you so much!”
“Darling, it is I who should be thanking you for the pleasure of your company. It is my joy to have you in my home.”
“Anything else, Your Highness?” the manservant asked.
Uri glanced at Stephanie, “Can you think of something we may have missed?”
“No, I’m fine,” she said.
“Yes,” he turned to the servant. “Bring the lady a plate of fruit, some cheeses, breads, drinks and the like. She may be hungry after our long journey.”
The servant walked toward an alcove in another whole room Stephanie hadn’t even noticed yet. “Sheikh, those items have already been placed in the kitchen, along with a fresh pot of tea for you both.”
“Wonderful. Thank you.”
“My pleasure, Your Highness.”
“Indeed, that will be all for now,” Uri told him.
“Yes, Sheikh.” The servant bowed and exited the room.
Stephanie still couldn’t get over the fact that Uri was like a foreign prince. So exotic, so handsome. And this palace? It was absolutely to die for! If only she could show Ellen what it was like! She might take a picture later and see if Uri could help her send Ellen a couple photos by email. Ellen was a bit old school and didn’t like to text much. She would not believe the luxury Stephanie was surrounded in right now. Incredible!
“Come,” Uri took her hand and led her into the kitchen and dining area, which was larger than the other room, with a separate balcony and living area with a television and sofa. Everything she could possibly need, and then some.
“Uri this is amazing. Thank you for everything,” she leaned into his shoulder.
Uri spun her around and kissed her. His hands wandered down her back and he pulled her closer than they’d been since he arrived in Iowa. “Anything for my future wife. Sit and allow me to get you some tea.”
Still shivering from his touch, she took a seat and watched while he poured two steaming cups of tea and brought the
m to the table.
He sat next to her. “Here you are, dear.”
She took a sip, “Thanks.”
“My pleasure.”
She studied him. The reality was, she couldn’t stop staring, he was so beautiful. She noticed he was still wearing the same grey dress shirt he wore to come see her, and his same slacks, but despite the long flight, he looked good enough to eat. Stephanie reached over, brushing her fingernails through his thick black curls. “This is wonderful.”
“My staff sees to it all. There should never be any reason to want for anything here.”
“I can see why. This suite is amazing. I especially love the colors.” She gestured toward the peach comforter and canopy on her bed.
“Do you?” he smiled.
“Oh yes, peace is one of my favorites.”
“You have no idea how much this pleases me to hear that. This suite once belonged to my mother,” he said with a faraway look in his eye. “She selected everything in here, the colors especially.”
“I had no idea this was her room. Thank you. It means a lot to me,” she said. “Thank you for entrusting me with the space. I promise I’ll take good care of it.”
“Of course you will, dear.” He reached over and kissed her. “It was hers long ago, and yet one day soon, this shall all belong to you. Of course, while you are here, I should like you to join me in my room whenever you wish. You decide what you feel comfortable with. As you know, I am a patient man.” He kissed her fingertips.
“You,” Stephanie wrapped her arms around his shoulders, “…are anything but patient, from what I can tell.”
“You know me too well, dear.” Uri released her, finished off his tea and placed the cup in the sink. “Settle in, then come join me in the main hall for brunch. If you cannot find me, or you get lost, pick up the phone, dial zero, and one of my staff will assist. We will assign a house maid to tend to you exclusively, however we don’t have that all in place yet.”
“That’s fine,” Stephanie got up to walk him to the door.
He wrapped his arms around her. “You surprised me by being so agreeable. I thought we would be here tomorrow at the earliest, so in the meantime, call on any and all for assistance. Shall we meet in say…thirty minutes?”