The minutes slipped by until Sunita was calm enough for Aziza to continue their conversation.
“Sweetie, do you understand what we are asking you?”
“Yes, Auntie.”
“Do you want us to be your parents? We’d love to have you.”
“That would make me very happy,” she said, wiping tears from her cheeks. She caught her breath, then added, “Are we leaving Durabia?”
“Ryan and I will have to go to America to see my family. Then we have to visit his home on Paradise Island, before we come back to Durabia.”
Sunita blew her nose, then asked, “I am coming with you to those places?”
“The answer is yes, if you would like to travel with us. If you don’t trust us enough yet, we can ask that you stay in the palace until we return.”
She answered without hesitation. “No, I would like to come with you.”
“That’s settled then.”
“How soon will we leave?” Excitement colored Sunita’s voice as her eyes sparkled.
Aziza looked at Ryan, who said, “We’ll be here for as long as it takes to get a passport for Sunita and a visa, if necessary, so she can travel.”
Hugging Sunita, Aziza said, “I’m excited about going home. We’ll have to do some more shopping to get you ready for the trip.”
Aziza removed the used tissues from Sunita’s hand and handed then to Ryan, who left the room. When he returned, Sunita smiled at him. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” he said.
Assured that Sunita felt better and was back to exploring her book, Aziza tugged Ryan’s hand and walked him to the balcony. She stood in his embrace as evening turned to night and the calm river glinted below. The city lights flickered on as darkness fell, sealing them in a cocoon of contentment. Her heart was full, and her gratitude spilled from her lips, “Father God, we want to thank You for everything You’ve done for us and the gift of a daughter You’ve given us. Help us to continue to look up to You for help as we navigate the beginning of the rest of our lives. We give You thanks and praise.”
Ryan joined her in a resounding “Amen.”
“Sounds to me like you’ve decided what we’re doing,” he said, as she turned to face the starry sky.
She moved the back of her head against his chest. “You kinda led the way by telling me your plans.”
“They weren’t final before you approved them.” He chuckled and turned her to face him. “I’m no fool. My mama raised me right.”
Aziza slid both arms around his neck as love for him stole her breath. “Thing is, Ryan, you’ve ruined me for anyone else, so wherever you go, I go.”
His teeth flashed in a wide grin. “So, you love me like that, huh?”
“Don’t go getting big-headed. You love me the same.” Laughter spilled from her lips as her hands slid down to his chest. “I’d go even further and say you adore me.”
He rained kisses on her forehead and sealed her in his arms as if he had no intention of releasing her. With his lips nuzzling her ear, he whispered, “I do, Mrs. Bostwick. I do.”
About the Knights of the Castle Series
Don’t miss the hot new standalone series. The Kings of the Castle made them family, but the Knights will transform the world.
Book 1 - King of Durabia – Naleighna Kai
No good deed goes unpunished, or that’s how Ellena Kiley feels after she rescues a child and the former Crown Prince of Durabia offers to marry her.
Kamran learns of a nefarious plot to undermine his position with the Sheikh and jeopardize his ascent to the throne. He’s unsure how Ellena, the fiery American seductress, fits into the plan but she’s a secret weapon he’s unwilling to relinquish.
Ellena is considered a sister by the Kings of the Castle and her connection to Kamran challenges her ideals, her freedoms, and her heart. Plus, loving him makes her a potential target for his enemies. When Ellena is kidnapped, Kamran is forced to bring in the Kings.
In the race against time to rescue his woman and defeat his enemies, the kingdom of Durabia will never be the same.
Book 2 - Knight of Bronzeville – Naleighna Kai and Stephanie M. Freeman
Chaz Maharaj thought he could maintain the lie of a perfect marriage for his adoring fans … until he met Amanda. The connection between them should have ended with that unconditional “hall pass” which led to one night of unbridled passion. But once would never satisfy his hunger for a woman who could never be his. When Amanda walked out of his life, it was supposed to be forever. Neither of them could have anticipated fate’s plan.
Chaz wants to explore his feelings for Amanda, but Susan has other ideas. Prepared to fight for his budding romance and navigate a plot that’s been laid to crush them, an unexpected twist threatens his love and her life. When Amanda’s past comes back to haunt them, Chaz enlists the Kings of the Castle to save his newfound love in a daring escape.
Book 3 - Knight of South Holland – Karen D. Bradley
He’s a brilliant inventor, but he’ll decimate anyone who threatens his woman.
When the Kings of the Castle recommend Calvin Atwood, strategic defense inventor, to create a security shield for the kingdom of Durabia, it's the opportunity of a lifetime. The only problem—it’s a two-year assignment and he promised his fiancée they would step away from their dangerous lifestyle and start a family.
Security specialist, Mia Jakob, adores Calvin with all her heart, but his last assignment put both of their lives at risk. She understands how important this new role is to the man she loves, but the thought that he may be avoiding commitment does cross her mind.
Calvin was sure he’d made the best decision for his and Mia’s future, until enemies
