“If there is no other business on the agenda,” Khalil said, “could someone move for the adjournment of this meeting?”
All the men shouted a resounding, “Aye.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Aziza didn’t think it was possible to love Ryan more than she had a day, hour, minute, or second ago. But it was.
They stood in the gardens of the royal palace in the middle of a fairy-tale wedding. Ryan was handsome and debonair in a white suit, paired with a navy shirt and white silk tie.
Shaz stood by his side, dressed similarly. He had flown in for a director’s meeting with the Kings of the Castle, and according to him their wedding was the icing on the cake.
Aziza was delighted to see his wife and their daughter, who represented home. An obviously pregnant and radiant Camilla made Aziza’s mind veer off to what she would look like in the same state, and how soon that might happen.
They spent another week in Durabia. Much of the time, Aziza was in the company of the Royals—the Sheikh’s wife and her niece, Blair—organizing their wedding. Once Ryan floated the idea of them marrying in Durabia, the Royals were on board, putting every aspect in place in the shortest possible time. For Ryan’s part in the rescue, they insisted on footing the bill for the wedding.
Aziza spent the rest of her time at the crisis center with Amanda’s team. They worked feverishly to reunite the women she had been confined with, with their families. Some cases were more challenging, as their families had sold them. Those individuals opted to stay in Durabia, if they could find jobs and shelter.
Rae and Linda, both colleagues of Amanda, dedicated themselves to making that happen.
The way Ryan had explained their extended stay was that he and the Kings were closing the assignment given by the Sheikh. He also insisted that it made sense for them to get married now, since there wouldn’t be a better opportunity. They conversed for days about how they would divide their time. When they left Durabia, she would return to Paradise Island with him. They still had to make plans to accommodate Sunita, who was burrowing deeper into Aziza’s heart by the day.
Ryan asked Aziza’s parents for permission to marry her via a video call and promised they would also have a reception in Evanston. Now, both families viewed their wedding via the Internet.
Aziza stopped musing when Khalil Germaine Maharaj spoke in his quiet but authoritative voice. “I understand you have written vows for each other.”
Ryan smoothed the back of Aziza’s hand with his thumb. “Yes, we have.”
While the breeze ruffled the white hair at his widow’s peak, Khalil said, “Please, speak your hearts to each other.”
Ryan faced her, and joined their hands. The affection in his gaze made her feel as if she was the only woman in the world.
“Aziza Mariah Hampton, from day one you made an impact that no one could erase. Time and distance have affected us for years, but having you forever means it’s been well worth the wait.”
His earnest confession brought tears to her eyes as a few “Aaaawws” came from their guests.
“No matter where you go in this world, I’ll be by your side. I promise to love and cherish you until death separates us.”
Aziza tipped her head back to avoid smearing her makeup and breathed through her mouth to prevent an undignified sniffle.
“Dorian Emory Bostwick, I didn’t know what it meant to be in love until I met you,” she said, “You’ve taught me how to love selflessly, to act for the higher good of our loved ones, and to function as part of a team. My experience in Durabia has taught me that you’re a keeper.” At this point she chuckled. “I’m giving you fair warning that you’re never getting rid of me.”
Khalil and those around them laughed after her declaration.
With her fingers, Aziza caressed his palms. “Thank you for loving me, even when I drive you to distraction.”
She could have sworn his eyes were moist, but Ryan cleared his throat and leaned toward her, his intention clear.
“No, sir,” Khalil moved one finger back and forth. “Just one more moment. By the power vested in me by the City of Chicago, and the country of Durabia, I declare you man and wife.”
With an indulgent smile, he said, “You may now kiss the bride.”
Ryan lifted her veil, and his hands settled on her waist as their lips met. The hunger in his kiss was enough for Aziza to forget where they stood. When her arms encircled his neck, a familiar voice intruded on their passion.
“Leave some for later,” Shaz said, “The longer you keep this up, the less time we’ll have to eat.”
Ryan cut his cousin a bad look. “All you think about is food, and there’s no evidence of where you’re putting it.”
“Mind ya business,” Shaz shot back, “and while you’re at it, be thankful you’re not the one feeding me.”
A wave of laughter rose among the guests, which included a few Kings.
After she threw the bouquet, which one of the Sheikh’s female relatives caught, they left the gazebo that was decorated with a cloud of white roses and baby’s breath.
Sunita walked ahead of them, swinging the empty basket at her side. She had made a beautiful flower girl with her hair braided into a corona and threaded with miniature white roses.
Her future worried Aziza, but she put it to the back of her mind for now, confident that her situation would work out for the best. At the garden’s entrance, she exchanged a kiss with Ryan before the men got his attention.
They surrounded him, giving congratulatory hugs and advice about marriage.
Julene and Naima escorted Aziza back to the room in the palace where she had dressed for the wedding. Sunita shadowed them, still hanging on to the basket where she sat on a loveseat across the room.
Aziza stood
