Page 39 of The Sheikh's Matchmaker Bride

Chapter Thirteen

Aliyah stood at the entrance to the reception and gazed down the length of the red carpet. At the far end, she saw Shahid and Abdul standing there looking back at her, expectant expressions on their faces.

Next to Aliyah stood Nadyah. Aliyah glanced at Nadyah and squinted as if she still couldn't quite believe what she was about to do. Nadyah smiled back at Aliyah and, with a slight head movement, indicated that Aliyah could start moving. Aliyah glanced at Azim and Lucy seated at the back row of the seats. They were both smiling broadly. At least someone was enjoying this, Aliyah told herself.

She told herself it should all be so easy, just a formality, something with no significance attached to it. It would be over in a matter of minutes. So, why was it that Aliyah's feet felt rooted to the spot? Wasn't it just a case of walking up the aisle and taking her place by Shahid's side? Surely it wasn't that difficult to do such a simple thing. It should be the easiest thing in the world. But, right now, it felt like the next step might be the most momentous she would ever take.

Aliyah sighed and tightened the grip of her clasped hands. Her heart was beating faster than it had ever done; her throat was inexplicably tight, and she could feel the blood pulsing through her veins. Was this what it would feel like to marry for real? Was this how all those brides had felt as Aliyah had stood safely amongst the guests in those seats witnessing the results of some of her matchmaking handiwork?

Was this some kind of sweet revenge meted out by destiny, created just to put Aliyah through an exquisite torment?

Aliyah gazed at Shahid and saw his eyes narrowing slightly, his gaze on her, unshifting. Was he worried she was going to change her mind? Did he think she was about to embarrass them both by storming out?

Aliyah glanced at Nadyah one last time and knew she had to go through with this, knew she had to keep her word.

Aliyah smiled at Nadyah and nodded. Both women started to walk the red carpet. Aliyah's footsteps were unsteady at first, but then she looked at Shahid and saw the smile on his face. The mere fact that she was walking toward him had transformed his expression into one of relief and anticipation.

Next to Shahid, Abdul was standing erect and stiff, sternly watching Aliyah progress toward the podium. She saw Abdul nodding his head approvingly as he watched her, as if he was measuring and assessing her every move. Was this what it really felt like to get married? She had never guessed what the brides had been going through in this situation.

Now she could understand.

If it was this nerve racking even to go through a rehearsal, what would it feel like to go through the experience for real? What would it be like to have over a hundred pairs of eyes on you, watching your every move, observing every expression on your face?

Suddenly the enormity sank in of what she had done assisting all those relatives in getting married. Aliyah had been so caught up in her own world, trying to do the best for others, that she'd had literally no idea what her brothers' wives had been going through. Especially all the American women who had agreed to become brides. What had it been like for them to be in a foreign land and to go through this?

She finally arrived at the end of the red carpet. She paused and gazed up at Shahid and the official up there on the podium.

She saw Abdul lean closer to Shahid and say something. Shahid came to the edge of the podium and reached down a hand to Aliyah. His eyes were bright as he looked expectantly at her. Aliyah glanced at Nadyah who with a flick of the head, and a smile made it clear what Aliyah should do next.

Aliyah stepped forward and reached up her hand, placing it in Shahids. She felt his fingers curl gently around her hand. There were two steps up onto the podium. Aliyah took them while gazing up into Shahid's eyes. She could feel the way he was drawing her toward him as if fate were tugging on her with an invisible, unbreakable rope.

Once on the podium, she allowed Shahid to guide her toward the official. Even after he'd released her hand, not for one moment did he take his eyes from her. It was as if, for Shahid, this whole thing was for real, as if there was no pretense involved. Aliyah thought about what Shahid was about to say to her and felt a rush of excitement.

Even if Shahid did say all the words that he would say in a real wedding ceremony, none of it would be legal, because Abdul had already explained that the only thing missing would be his official declaration of the marriage's legality. That would be reserved for Azim and Lucy.

Aliyah stood facing Shahid with the official standing to her left. Shahid's gaze was unyielding and steadfast. It was as if he was completely unaware of anything except Aliyah. For her part, she suddenly felt that his presence was all that existed. She knew Abdul was next to her, she could hear what he was murmuring about the wedding procedure, what was expected of the couple and guests. But all she could think of was how wonderful Shahid looked; how incredibly handsome he was; how lucky she was to know him.

Then, with a start, she was brought back to the moment as Abdul took her hand and placed it on top of Shahid's outstretched hand. The touch of her palm on Shahid's skin sent a shiver all the way up her spine. She was sure the color of her face had changed, betraying her emotions. When she glanced up at Shahid, she saw that he had noticed the change in her. He smiled at her, and she smiled nervously back at him.

Why did this feel so strangely real?

Abdul muttered something she couldn't quite make out about the procedure to Nadyah. The man's voice seemed so far away now. The only thing Aliyah could really think about was how good it felt to have her hand resting upon Shahid's hand; how wonderful it felt to be gazed at like this; how incredibly handsome he was.

Abdul turned his attention to Aliyah and smiled. His previously stern expression had been replaced by a kinder, softer look.

"Your future husband will speak his vows first," he said. She saw his brows furrow quickly, and he looked quickly at Shahid."I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say husband. Obviously, this isn't the real wedding. What I meant to say is, His Excellency Al Mahrez will recite the vows. But not in their entirety, of course."

Aliyah saw that Abdul seemed embarrassed by his slip of the tongue. Had he forgotten this wasn't for real?

Aliyah looked at Shahid and saw his brows furrow with a hint of irritation. Aliyah saw Abdul lower his head slightly as if acknowledging his error to Shahid.

Shahid gazed at Aliyah. She saw the real emotion in that look. Didn't he know this wasn't for real? If so, how come he looked so sincere, so earnest.

Aliyah glanced toward the back of the room and saw Azim and Lucy leaning forward onto the backs of chairs. They were both watching intently.

Aliyah turned back to Shahid as he prepared to speak words he'd obviously memorized. There was a confidence in his gaze, as if there was no doubt he already knew what to say. Aliyah herself, was familiar with the necessary words. She'd heard them often enough these past few years. In fact, she'd had the habit of reciting them while she'd been watching from the safety of the guest seating.

She remembered silently mouthing the words as she'd watched her brother, her cousins and friends tie the knot. But, somehow it felt so different standing up here on the podium, even though only a few people were watching.

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