Page 35 of The Sheikh's Matchmaker Bride

Before Aliyah had a chance to ask why Nadyah was so dressed up Nadyah exchanged an air kiss with Aliyah. "I'm so glad you could come," Nadyah said.

"Why?" Aliyah asked wide-eyed with curiosity.

Nadyah strode past Aliyah and waved a hand at the scene before her. "Isn't it beautiful?" she asked gazing across the expanse of the reception room.

"It's lovely," Aliyah agreed following Nadyah into the room.

Nadyah hooked an arm inside Aliyah's and started to lead her along the red carpet. "You wouldn't believe how much it has taken to get all of this arranged at such short notice. Two months is nothing to arrange a wedding."

"It has been done before, Nadyah. Plenty of times. My brothers, for example."

"I know. But, there're so many guests for this wedding. And it is that time of the year. People just seem to be so busy, what with one thing and another."

"I'm sure everyone is very glad they're coming. It'll be fine on the day, don't you think?" Aliyah asked.

Nadyah sighed. "I hope so. We've just got some last minute things to go over." Nadyah pulled Aliyah closer. "And that, my dear, is why I asked you to come over today."

"Really?" Aliyah asked.

Nadyah gave Aliyah one of those looks that immediately sent butterflies fluttering in Aliyah's middle. What was her friend up to? Aliyah thought about Shahid and his car parked out front. Where had Shahid gotten to? Why was he here?

Nadyah continued to lead Aliyah along the red carpet toward the podium. "There's something that needs to be done. And we would normally do it in the usual way. But then we thought about you."

Aliyah frowned at Nadyah, sensing that something was about to be said that she wouldn't necessarily approve of.

Nadyah took a few more steps and then halted in front of the podium. Aliyah gazed into Nadyah's eyes and saw a mischievous look in them.

"We have a little problem, and I was hoping you could help out," Nadyah said smiling at Aliyah.

There was a pause, and Aliyah filled in the gap in the conversation. "How can I help?" she asked, as she had done so many times these past few years. Too many times, perhaps, she told herself.

Nadyah's expression brightened even more. "I knew you'd say that," she said, sounding relieved. Nadyah hesitated a moment. "Well, you see, that's the thing. It isn't just you we need to ask for help."

"Really? Who else do you need?" Aliyah asked even though she already knew what the answer would be.

Nadyah smiled at Aliyah. "Shahid," she said evenly.

Aliyah tried not to react, forcing herself to stare blankly at Nadyah. She managed to prevent herself from blurting out Shahid's name. With every ounce of strength she had, Aliyah pasted a smile on her face and forced herself to reply. "Shahid?" she said trying to sound as casual as possible.

Nadyah's scrutiny was intense. She nodded, and there was a broad grin on her face. "It won't take too long, and I think you two would be just ideal for the task."

"What task?" Aliyah asked.

"I need you two to pretend to be bride and groom," Nadyah announced.

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