The Sheikh's Surprise Bride (Matchmaking the Sheikhs of Al-Fatha Book 2) by Leslie North

Author:Leslie North [North, Leslie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-08-18T16:00:00+00:00

11

Two nights later, excitement buzzed around the dining room table. Chatter filled the air along with the delicious smells wafting from the roasted lamb and vegetables on the table. Yusef and Zara sat in their usual spots on the side of the table, opposite Salah and Aziza. The only people not present yet were Kadir and Stella. They’d set this boisterous meal in motion by announcing they had big news to share, and everyone was quick to speculate about what that news might be.

“I think it’s about his new construction project downtown,” Ibrahim said as he spooned some roasted squash with chickpeas and herbs onto his plate. The mezze platter had long since been emptied. “Kadir’s been meeting with the city council several times a week for months, trying to get those permits pushed through.”

“Maybe.” Salah shrugged, digging into the roasted lamb. “Or it could be Stella’s new game. She’s been working on the designs for months.”

“I would have heard it in the legal office if the permits had gone through,” Yusef said. He was betting on a diplomatic trip somewhere exotic. He’d caught Stella flipping through catalogs and making lists the other day.

Aziza simply smiled cryptically, as if she knew something but wasn’t sharing.

Zara sipped her wine, her arm brushing Yusef’s and sending a pleasant rush of awareness through him. “They’re both so busy,” she said, lifting one shoulder. The red dress she’d chosen for tonight fit her like a glove, and the color set off her dark hair and eyes. Yusef couldn’t wait to strip it off her later. As if reading his thoughts, Zara met his gaze over the rim of her glass then looked away fast, cheeks pink. “I mean, I thought Yusef and I were burning the candle at both ends these days, but they put us to shame.”

“Speaking of burning…” Salah said, glancing at Yusef and Zara. “How are things with the newlyweds?”

Yusef’s gut knotted. He loved his little brother, but there would be no more stirring that pot. He’d yet to talk with him about his past with Zara, but he vowed to do that as soon as possible.

“All is well, thank you,” he answered, hoping to nip that topic in the bud.

“Is your play coming along well, Zara?” Ibrahim asked, coming to their rescue. Yusef gave his father a grateful look.

“Oh, wonderful, thank you for asking. The children are doing so well, and everything seems to be coming together nicely. Don’t you think, Yusef?”

“I do,” he agreed. “I feel kind of bad for the kids who didn’t get big parts, though. They’re spending a lot of time at rehearsals just sitting around watching the lead actors run their lines.”

“True.” Zara lit up, as she always did when she talked about the things she loved. Yusef couldn’t look away. “I’ve been thinking about that too. Maybe we could enlist their help with the costumes and scenery. I mean, I know we already have crews dedicated to that, but I’m sure they’d appreciate the extra help, and it would keep the kids from feeling left out when they’re not on stage.

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