Mila had never been so happy. She watched as her father and mother had taken to Keeneston and let down their stuffy, diplomatic airs. Even her mother was embracing Keeneston. Normally, she would have refused to let loose and dance to a rap song with the Queen of Surman, but both women were busting a move together on the floor.
“Dammit, they’re all staring at us again,” Sienna murmured.
“Who are?” Mila asked as she rejoined her friends after her dance with Jackson.
“Our mothers. And don’t think you’re off the hook. You see that glint in Dani’s eyes? That’s her counting forty weeks ahead,” Sydney informed her.
“Oh no. That’s not happening,” Mila said shaking her head. “You wouldn’t believe what I had to go through to become an acceptable bride for one of Rahmi’s heirs. There were all these tests and exams to determine that I am fertile. But there is no way I am about to find out just how fertile yet.”
“Then you better take this,” Sienna said as she handed Mila and then Sydney a shot glass. “Welcome to the club.”
The women shot back the bourbon and heard the collective groan coming from the parents’ table.
Gabe slapped his hand on Zain’s back. “How does it feel to be married . . . again?”
“Two ceremonies in two weeks. I can’t wait to leave tomorrow for our honeymoon,” Zain said as he watched Mila take a shot with Sienna and Sydney.
“By our mother’s groan and Mila’s obvious alcohol intake, I’m guessing you’re not ready to follow the king’s demand to secure the line?”
“I believe something of that importance requires a great deal of practice. I want to make sure I get it right,” Zain tried to say seriously.
“Then I guess it’s a good thing I just came back from starting a fire and spreading rose petals around the cottage on the back of the property. Lots of privacy to practice for the future.”
Zain looked at his brother. “You are a romantic.”
Gabe shrugged his shoulders. “For those I love, sure. And it warms my bachelor heart to see you this happy. But I don’t think I’ll ever have this. Maybe love was meant for just one of us.”
“Maybe you should stop looking at clubs and celebrity parties.”
“But what’s the fun in that?” Gabe grinned before hugging his brother. “Seriously, though. You found a good one. Congratulations, brother.”
“Thank you. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to steal my bride away and start the honeymoon early.”
Zain tried to slowly walk to his wife, but it was useless. He ended up practically speed-walking across the dance floor, jostling people in his path.
“Have you come to take Mila away?” Sienna asked sweetly. “I can provide cover for your escape. I can pretend to faint again.”
“I don't think that will work after very publicly taking a shot of bourbon. I have a better idea.”
Mila let out a squeal as Zain reached down and scooped her up into his arms. “Throw your bouquet, love,” he whispered as the dancing stopped and the crowd hurried toward them.
He turned so her back was to the crowd and she threw the bouquet of white and red roses.
“Who caught it?” Mila asked as he spun her around so she could see the lucky lady the town was cheering for.
“Suri did,” Zain smiled at the shocked expression on his cousin’s face. “Now, Mrs. Ali Rahman, what do you say about getting out of here?”
“I say, what took you so long?”
To the cheers of the crowd, Zain carried his princess from the ballroom.
THE END