She rests her cheek against my chest, and I just hold her, so thankful I didn’t accidentally kill the women I want to spend the rest of my life with.
“I need to help Nisa prepare dinner,” she murmurs.
“Okay.” I free her from my arms, and I walk with her to the kitchen.
Emre’s sitting at the kitchen table, shoving Baklava into his mouth.
“When will you find a nice woman to settle down with?” Nisa asks.
“Never,” he mutters around a mouthful. “I plan on becoming the most eligible bachelor in Seattle now that Gabriel’s off the market.”
“Allah Allah,” Nisa exclaims, throwing her hands in the air.
It’s good to see my cousin at home, getting some well-deserved rest.
I grab a slice of Baklava, and popping it into my mouth, I leave Lara with Nisa and go look for Murat and Agnieska to make sure she’s okay.
I find them by Babaanne’s rose garden just as Murat picks one to give to Agnieska. She takes it with a blushing face.
Hating to disrupt their moment, I say, “Murat, give me a moment alone with her.”
He gives her arm a squeeze, then moves out of hearing distance, still keeping an eye on her. I scowl at the man who’s quickly becoming possessive of Agnieska, before turning my attention to her.
“How are you holding up?” I ask.
“Much better.” She still struggles to meet my eyes, but she doesn’t look as terrified anymore.
“Are the therapy sessions helping?”
“Yes.” She nods quickly, glances at me, then looks at the rose.
“Are you really comfortable with Murat?”
“Yes.” This time she holds my eyes for a couple of seconds longer. “He’s… gentle and makes me feel safe.”
“Good. I’m happy to hear that.”
A nervous smile tugs at her mouth.
“I have something I’d like to ask you.” Again she glances up at me, giving me a nod to continue. I clear my throat. “Will you give me your blessing to marry your daughter?”
Her eyes widen, then emotions crash through them, and she sucks in a quivering breath. “You want to marry Lara?”
My heart starts to beat faster, and I feel a trickle of nervousness that she might not give me her blessing.
Clearing my throat again, I answer, “Yes. I love her with all my heart. I’ll keep her safe and put her happiness first.”
Agnieska looks down again, then a tear spirals over her cheek. “You have my blessing.”
Slowly, I lift my arm, and placing my hand on her shoulder, I give it a squeeze. “Thank you. It means a lot to me.”
She shakes her head, swallowing hard. “Thank you.”
“For?”
“Saving us.”
The corner of my mouth lifts. “You’re welcome.” I glance at Murat, gesturing that he can come back.
When he jogs toward us, I let out a chuckle.
Yep, the man has it bad.
The moment he sees how emotional Agnieska is, he wraps an arm around her. “Are you okay?”
She nods quickly, then explains, “The happiness is overwhelming.”
Leaving them to continue their walk, I head back to the kitchen. I feel better now that I know Murat’s there to take care of Agnieska.
I sneak up behind Lara as she sets a tray down on the counter and wrap my arms around her. She startles and lets out a chuckle before leaning back against me.
I press a kiss to the side of her neck, then spin her around. Lifting her off her feet, I hoist her over my shoulder.
“Allah Allah! We’re busy with food,” Nisa chastises me.
Hungry for something else, I mutter, “I’m kidnapping Lara.”
“She’s already yours,” Nisa calls after us as I carry a laughing Lara out of the kitchen. “Don’t be late for dinner!”
I take my woman to our bedroom and feast on her body until the early morning hours.
Chapter 51
Lara
The excitement is killing me as I open the door to the bedroom and step inside.
The women kept me busy, taking me to a spa for my birthday. We also had our hair and makeup done by professionals.
Mom looks so pretty, and she seemed to really enjoy today. I’m so thankful for everyone going out of their way to make her feel like she’s part of the family.
My feet come to a sudden stop when I see a breathtaking ballgown hanging in the walk-in closet.
Oh. My. God.
It’s made of satin, the color a dusky rose.
Slowly, I step closer, and lifting a hand, I caress the luxurious fabric.
Wow.
Gabriel said my gift would be waiting in the room, but I never thought it would be such a beautiful dress. Slipping it from the hanger, I carry it to the bed, and lay it over the covers.
I hurry to strip out of my clothes, and remembering Gabriel’s order to not wear any underwear tonight, I carefully step into the satin fabric. It falls softly around my body. I adjust the straps over my shoulders and the plunging, sweetheart neckline.
Moving to the mirror in the closet, I stare at my reflection. There’s no sign of the plain girl I used to be, and as I step into my high heels, I feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.