A Christmas Bride

CHAPTER TEN

I’M NOT SLEEPING at all,” Lina complained as she sat on the stone bench in the garden.

Thank you.”

It took her a moment to realize what Hassan meant. She laughed. “All right. Yes, you’re a part of my exhaustion, but not the only part. Playing matchmaker is hard work. I feel guilty in a way. I started all this. I brought them together.”

You introduced them and then removed yourself from the situation. You did not lock them in a room together and insist they become intimate. They chose that course themselves.”

I agree, in theory. But I planned this from the beginning. I thought Kayleen would be good for As’ad and that she secretly longed for more than teaching at the convent school. But what if I was wrong? What if I messed up both their lives?”

Hassan leaned in and kissed her. “You worry too much.”

I’m very good at it.”

Perhaps it is not a gift one should cultivate.”

She smiled. “You don’t actually expect me to change, do you?”

Not really.”

Good.” Her smile faded. “I just wish I knew I’d done the right thing.”

Why would it be otherwise? As’ad proposed and Kayleen agreed. Now they will be thrown together even more. Who knows what might happen.”

He was so confident the outcome would be positive, but Lina wasn’t so sure. What if As’ad couldn’t open his heart to Kayleen? What if she stopped falling in love with him?

I can see I do not have your full attention,” Hassan complained. “I forbid it to be so.”

She laughed. “You are not king here, sir. You are my guest.”

His dark eyes brightened with humor. “I have enjoyed being your guest. Spending time with you makes it difficult for me to consider going home. But I must.”

She didn’t want to think about that. “You have many sons to rule in your place.”

For a time, but the ultimate responsibility is mine. I must also consider my people. I do not want them to believe I have abandoned them.”

I know.” She didn’t want to think about that. She didn’t want Hassan to leave, but couldn’t ask him to stay. She looked at him. “I will miss you.”

As I will miss you.” He squeezed her hand. “I suppose it would be presumptuous to ask that you could come with me to Bahania.”

She steeled herself against hope. “As a visit?”

He smiled. “No, my love. Not as a visit. It has been so long, I’m doing this badly.” He kissed her. “Lina, you are an unexpected treasure in my life. I did not think I would find love again. I certainly never expected to find such a beautiful, enticing woman such as yourself. Your physical perfection is only matched by the gloriousness of your spirit and your mind. You have bewitched me and I wish to be with you always. I love you and would be most honored if you would consider becoming my wife.”

Kayleen stood frozen on the garden path. She’d been walking as she did each morning, only to accidentally stumble into a personal moment.

At first she’d only heard the low rumble of voices and had thought nothing of them. There were often other people in the garden. Then she’d heard King Hassan say something about his people. The next thing she knew, he’d proposed.

Now she held her breath and looked desperately for a way to escape so they could be alone. She turned slowly, intent on creeping away, when Hassan spoke again.

Tears are unexpected, Lina.”

They’re happy tears. I love you so much. I never dreamed, either, that I could fall in love.”

So you will be my queen.”

Oh, dear. A queen. I never thought of that.”

My people will adore you nearly as much I do. I have the added delight of knowing every part of you.”

There was a soft giggle and silence. Kayleen took advantage of their attention to each other and quietly moved away.

So Lina and the king had fallen in love. She was happy for them. The thought of her friend moving to Bahania was a little sad, but also exciting. Kayleen had never known a queen before.

She made her way back to her suite. As she climbed the wide staircase leading to the second floor, she paused, remembering the king’s emotional proposal and how happy Lina had been. Even from several feet away, Kayleen had felt the love they shared.

I want to be in love,” Kayleen whispered. “With As’ad.”

She wanted to love the man she would marry and she wanted him to love her back. Could it happen? Was it possible? Or was she like a child, hoping to catch the moon?

* * *

AS’AD WALKED INTO the suite Saturday morning. “Are you ready?” he asked.

The girls all called out that they were, while Kayleen hovered behind them. For some reason, she felt shy with As’ad. How strange. She’d never felt awkward with him before. Perhaps it was because they were engaged now. Everything was different, yet it was oddly the same.

You never said what we were going to do,” Dana told him.

I know. It’s a surprise.”

He crossed to Kayleen and smiled at her. “You are quiet.”

I’m caught up in the moment.”

You don’t know what the moment will be.”

I’m sure it will be wonderful.”

Such faith.” He captured her hand in his, then glanced down. “You do not wear my ring.”

She pulled her hand free and hid it behind her back. “I, um, thought it was best. After talking to Fayza and all.”

Who is Fayza?”

From the protocol office. I think that’s where she’s from. She wanted to talk to me about the wedding and how to behave, now that I’m going to be, you know, a princess.”

She could speak the word, but it was hardly real to her. It was the same as saying she was going to wake up an aardvark. A princess? Her? Not possible.

I see,” As’ad murmured. “What were her instructions?”

Kayleen tried to remember them all. “I shouldn’t go out by myself. I shouldn’t talk to any man who isn’t staff or a member of the royal family. I shouldn’t wear my ring until the engagement is officially announced. I shouldn’t talk to the press, dress inappropriately.” She paused. “There’s more. I wrote it all down.”

He touched her cheek, then lightly kissed her. “It seems there are many things you should not do. Perhaps it would have been easier to give you a list of what is allowed.”

That’s what I thought.”

His dark gaze settled on her face. “Kayleen, you may do whatever pleases you. In all things. I would ask that you not travel outside of the palace walls without a bodyguard, but you may come and go as you wish. You are my fiancée, not my slave.”

She liked the sound of that. “But Fayza was very insistent.”

I assure you, she will not be again. Would it please you to wear your engagement ring?”

She nodded. Somehow wearing the ring made her feel as if she belonged.

I would like you to wear it, as well.”

She went into her bedroom and slipped on the ring. When she turned, she found As’ad behind her. He pulled her close and settled his mouth

on hers.

His kiss was warm and insistent, with just enough passion to make her breath catch. She liked the feel of him next to her, the way he held her as if he would never let her go. She liked the taste and scent of him, the fire that burst to life inside of her.

What are they doing?” Nadine asked in what Kayleen guessed was supposed to be a whisper.

They’re kissin’,” Pepper told her.

As’ad straightened. “There are issues with children I would not have guessed,” he told her. “Such as privacy.”

She smiled. “It’s because they’re excited about the surprise. You never said what it was.”

You’re right. I did not.” He led her back into the living room and faced the girls. “We are going shopping. All three of you need new wardrobes, now that you are to be my daughters.”

Nadine spun in place. “Pretty dresses and party shoes?”

Of course. Riding clothes, as well. Play clothes and whatever else Kayleen thinks you require.”

I want a crown,” Pepper announced.

As’ad laughed. “I am not sure the store carries crowns, but we will ask.”

Kayleen laughed. “Maybe we can make one here.” She turned to him. “Thank you. The girls will love getting new things. They’re all growing so quickly.”

You will be shopping, as well,” he told her.

What? I’m fine.”

You need a wardrobe that befits your new position.” He shook his head. “What you have will not do.”

She felt herself flush and tried to tell herself that it made sense a prince wouldn’t be impressed by her plain, inexpensive wardrobe.

I’ve never been much of a shopper,” she admitted. Growing up, she’d made do with hand-me-downs and donations. When she started working, she’d never made a lot of money and her clothing budget had been modest at best.

You will have to learn,” he told her. “You are a beautiful woman and you deserve to wear beautiful things. Silks and lace with jewels that glitter. You will sparkle like the stars in the sky.”

She’d never heard him talk like this before, she thought happily. She liked it.

The store was like nothing she’d ever seen before. It was on a quiet street with pale buildings that had striped awnings at all the windows. There was no sign overhead. Just discreet gold lettering on the door.

I have called ahead,” As’ad told her as they got out of the limo. “Wardrobes have been collected for each of the girls.”

How did you know the sizes?” she asked, wishing she’d had something nicer to wear into the store. She felt frumpy.

Neil phoned the laundry and asked them to check. A selection has been made for each of them but the final decision is yours. If something has been forgotten, it will be ordered.”

Kayleen had a feeling this was going to be a different experience than the sixty-percent-off sales at the discount stores she usually frequented.

A tall, slender woman greeted them graciously. She was beautifully dressed and smiled as she bowed to Prince As’ad.

Sir, you are always welcome here. How delighted we are to be of service.”

Glenda, this is Kayleen James, my fiancée. These three young ladies are my daughters. Dana, Nadine and Pepper, this is Miss Glenda.”

The girls smiled shyly and stayed close to him.

A perfect family,” Glenda told him. “Although a son would be a lovely addition.”

You speak as my father does,” As’ad told her. “You are prepared?”

We have dozens of things to show everyone. I think you will be pleased.” She turned to the girls. “Come on. I’ll show you.” Glenda took

Dana’s hand and introduced her to the clerks who were hovering. Each gathered a girl and led her off. Then Glenda turned to Kayleen.

Such beautiful hair,” she said with a sigh. “And a natural color.” She slowly walked around Kayleen. “Good structure, excellent posture, clear skin. Prince As’ad, you’re a fortunate man.”

I think so.”

All right. Let the fun begin. The dressing rooms are this way.” She glanced back at As’ad. “You will find magazines, drinks and a television waiting for you.”

Thanks.” He smiled at Kayleen. “Enjoy yourself.”

Kayleen nodded because she couldn’t speak. Nothing about this experience was real to her. None of it had any basis in reality. In her world, boutique owners didn’t act this way. They weren’t so accommodating or friendly. At least, Kayleen thought the woman was being friendly. She could have just been acting nice because of the money that would be spent, but Kayleen hoped not.

She followed Glenda to the dressing room where the girls were giddily trying on clothes.

I have socks with kittens!” Pepper yelled. “Can I have socks with puppies?”

Yes,” the woman helping her said with a laugh. “We even have giraffes.”

I love giraffes.”

For Nadine there were dance clothes and frilly dresses, for Dana, clothes that were slightly less girly, but still pretty. Pepper ran to Kayleen and thrust kitten socks in her hand.

Aren’t they the best?” she asked breathlessly.

They are.”

I love shopping!”

So you’re starting them young,” Glenda murmured.

Apparently.”

She was taken into her own dressing room where dozens of items hung. There were dresses and jeans and blouses and skirts and suits. In the corner, three towers of shoe boxes stood nearly four feet high.

We’ll start with the basics,” Glenda told her. “The prince mentioned you didn’t have much of an appropriate wardrobe.” She laughed. “Hardly something he had to mention. Not many of us have clothing fit for royal duty. Of course you’d be starting over. And isn’t that the best place to be?”

Kayleen fingered her plain dress. “I’ve never been into fashion before.”

That is about to change. Fortunately you can learn a lot fairly quickly. Pay attention to what looks good on you rather than what’s in style, go with classics and coordinates. And expect to be tortured by pretty shoes on formal evenings. All right, dear, let’s see what you’ve got.”

Glenda waited patiently until Kayleen figured out she was expected to undress.

Kayleen reluctantly unzipped her dress and stepped out of it. Glenda nodded.

Excellent. Not too curvy, so you can dazzle in evening wear. That’s good. No offense, dear, but you have very ugly underwear. If you’re going to marry a prince, you need sexy and pretty. You want to keep him interested.”

She began making notes, then motioned to the rack on the right. “We’ll start there.”

An hour later Kayleen realized she’d underestimated women who shopped for sport. It was exhausting. Trying on, walking out for As’ad’s approval, then getting pinned and poked so everything fit perfectly, finding the right shoes, walking around in them, getting another nod from As’ad, then starting the whole thing over with a different dress.

She was zipping up a simple day dress when Dana walked into the dressing room.

We’re finished,” she said. “As’ad said to tell you Aunt Lina is coming by to take us to the movies.”

Kayleen smiled. “Are you as tired as I am?”

Dana nodded. “It was fun, but work.”

I didn’t get to see half of what any of you bought. We’ll have to have a fashion show when the clothes are delivered.”

But instead of agreeing, Dana moved close, put her arms around Kayleen’s waist and started to cry.

Kayleen sat down and pulled the girl onto her lap. “What’s wrong?”

I miss my mom and my dad,” she said as she cried. “I know it’s wrong, but I do.”

Kayleen hugged her tight. “It’s not wrong to miss them. Of course you do. This is all new and different. You want to share what’s happening and you want the comfort of what’s familiar. I don’t blame you at all. You’ve been so brave, sometimes I forget you’re not all grown-up.”

I get scared.”

Because all this is different?”

Dana buried her face in Kayleen’s shoulder. “We don’t want you to go away.”

I won’t.”

Promise? Not ever? No matter what?”

We will always be together. As’ad and I are getting married. We’re going to be a family.”

Dana looked at her. “If you leave him, you’ll take us with you?”

Kayleen smiled. “I’m not leaving.”

You could. People leave.”

I won’t, but if something happens and I do, I’ll take all three of you with me. I promise.”

Dana wiped her face. “Okay. I trust you.”

Good, because I love you.”

Dana sniffed. “Really?”

Really. You and Nadine and Pepper. I love you all so much. I always wanted girls and now I have three.”

Dana hugged her hard. Kayleen held her, willing her to feel safe, to know she, Kayleen, would always protect her. At last Dana straightened.

I’m better,” she said as she slid to her feet.

I’m glad. I’m always here, if you need to talk or anything. Just tell me. Okay?”

Dana nodded and left. Kayleen stood and smoothed the front of the dress. “We know it wrinkles,” she said to herself.

As’ad stepped into the dressing room. He stood behind her and put his hands on her shoulders.

I heard your conversation with Dana,” he told her, meeting her gaze in the mirror.

Do you disapprove?” she asked.

Not at all. You reassured her and she will reassure her sisters.” One corner of his mouth turned up. “Perhaps you could have hesitated before agreeing you would probably leave me.”

I never said that. I won’t. Marriage is forever for me.”

As it is for me,” he told her, then turned her to face him. “You are an excellent mother. That pleases me. For the girls and the sons to follow.”

You do realize that you’re technically responsible for the gender of any children we have. That if I have girls, it’s your fault?”

He smiled. “Yes, I know. Although I would remind you I am one of six brothers. So the odds are in my favor.”

She wanted to mention that a healthy child should be enough, regardless of gender. But what was the point? As’ad was a prince and a sheik. He was arrogant, but he was also kind and charming and she didn’t want to change anything about him.

Are you enjoying shopping?” he asked.

It’s a lot of work. I’m not really used to this level of service.”

You will become accustomed to it.”

Maybe. Do I really need all these clothes? It seems excessive.”

You are my wife.”

I get that, but still...”

You represent El Deharia. The people have expectations.”

Oh. Right. How long would that take to get used to? “Then it’s fine,” she told him.

So you will do what is necessary for my people but not for me.”

Pretty much.”

He bent down and kissed the side of her neck. Her insides clenched in response.

I see I have to teach you to respect me,” he murmured, his mouth moving against her skin.

He wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her back against him. He was warm and hard and she loved the feel of him so close.

She wanted this to be real—all of it. The girls as her family and As’ad as the man she loved more than anyone else. She wanted him to feel the same way. She wanted to make him weak at the knees and be all to him. If only...

He turned her to face him. “When we return to the palace I wish to discuss finances with you,” he told her. “You and the girls will always be taken care of. Even if something should happen to me, you will be financially secure. The palace will always be your home, but should you wish to live elsewhere, money would be made available.”

He didn’t have to do that. She wasn’t marrying him for the money. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

Neither do I. Regardless, you are protected. Now that we are engaged, I have opened a bank account for you. As you spend money, more will be provided. I will give you credit cards, as well.” He touched her face. “I want you to be happy, Kayleen. Go shopping as you like.”

I don’t need much.”

Then you will be embarrassed by your excesses. Life is different now. You are different.”

He kissed her, his mouth moving lazily over hers. When she parted, he slipped his tongue inside, teasing hers until she couldn’t catch her breath.

She wanted him to touch her everywhere. She wanted them to make love. She wanted to know the wonder of a release, his body so close to hers, their hearts beating together.

He pulled back slightly. “Although I would prefer you didn’t change too much,” he whispered as he lowered the zipper on her dress.

She felt his hands on her bare skin. He pulled the dress down to her waist, then moved aside the cup of her bra. His fingers were warm on her breast. He brushed against her hard nipple, making her gasp, then lowered his head and sucked on her.

Aware they were in a dressing room with a very flimsy door, she did her best to keep quiet, but it was difficult as his tongue circled her. Heat blossomed between her legs. Heat and an ache that made her squirm for more.

So impatient,” he whispered, then unfastened her bra.

She pushed the scrap of lace away and ran her hands across his head, then his shoulders. More. She needed more.

He chuckled before moving to her other breast and teasing it until her breath came in pants.

She felt one of his hands on her leg. The material of her dress was drawn up and up, then he moved between her legs.

She knew she should stop him. The girls were gone, but there were other people out there. Clerks and Glenda and maybe customers. They couldn’t do this.

Except she didn’t want him to stop. Not when he pushed down her panties and urged her to step out of them. Especially not when he slipped his hand between her thighs and began to rub.

He found her center immediately. Back and forth, back and forth, the steady pressure of his fingers on her slick flesh. She was so ready, she thought as she held in another groan. He eased her backward, then raised her leg until her foot rested on the bench.

Lean on me,” he whispered.

She did as he asked because to do otherwise was to risk him stopping. He supported her with one arm around her waist and eased the other under her dress, back between her legs.

She clung to him as he carried her higher and higher. The pleasure was so intense, she could think of nothing else. He knew exactly how to touch her, how to push her closer and closer until her release was in sight.

She felt the tension in every part of her body. She began to shake, holding on to him to keep from falling. Her breath came in pants. Suddenly she was there...on the edge and aching for him to push her over.

He circled her once, twice, and then she was coming and coming and it was as intense and glorious as she remembered. He leaned in and kissed her, silencing her gasps. He continued to touch her, flying with her, down and down, as the ripples of release eased through her. She was still shuddering in aftershocks when he swore softly and let her go.

What’s wrong?” she whispered.

This was supposed to be for you,” he muttered as he bent down and grabbed her bra. “Here. Put this on.”

I don’t understand.”

He looked at her, passion flaring in his eyes. “I must take you back to the palace at once. To my bed. We will finish the shopping later.”

She smiled. “That’s a good plan.”

* * *

IT WAS NEARLY midnight when Kayleen dialed the familiar number and, when the call connected, ask to speak to the woman in charge.

Kayleen? Is that you?”

Kayleen smiled. “Yes. It’s been too long since I last called. I’m sorry.”

If you’ve been off having adventures, I forgive you at once. How are you? How is life at the palace? You must tell me everything.”

The familiar voice, rich with affection and a life energy that inspired those around her, made Kayleen wish to be back in the convent, sitting in the room with her Mother Superior, instead of half a world away.

I’m well. Very busy. I... The girls are adjusting well.” She’d already called and talked about As’ad adopting the girls and her becoming their nanny.

I worry about them. There have been so many upheavals. So much pain for those so young. You’re with them and that must help.”

I hope so.” Kayleen cleared her throat. “I have something to tell you. I’m not sure what you’ll think.” She drew in a deep breath. “It’s about Prince As’ad. He arranged for us to have a Thanksgiving dinner a few weeks ago. It was lovely. But then...”

The Mother said nothing. Kayleen suspected she had long ago learned that silence was powerful motivation for the other person to keep talking.

It was late and we were alone,” Kayleen said, then told her everything. When she’d finished explaining about the proposal, she paused, waiting for whatever judgment might follow.

He is a good man?” the other woman asked at last.

It wasn’t the question Kayleen had expected. “Um, yes. A very good man. A little too used to getting his way, but that must come with being royal.”

He takes care of you and the girls?”

Yes. Very well.”

Can you love him?”

An interesting question. “Yes, I can. I want to.”

Then I am pleased. I always wanted a husband and a family for you, Kayleen. I know you longed to return here, to the familiar, but sometimes we find our happiness in unexpected places. To love and be loved is a great blessing. Enjoy what you have and know I am always thinking of you.”

Thank you,” Kayleen whispered, feeling the words wash over her like a blessing.

Follow your heart and you will never be led astray. Follow your heart, child.”

Kayleen nodded. She could already feel her heart drawing her toward As’ad. As he was the man she would marry, it was a journey she longed to make. To a place where she would finally belong.