Wanted: A Baby by the Sheikh(29)

“Did I hear my name mentioned?” he asked.

Rory grinned. “Of course. That’s all we talk about when we’re on our own—our husbands—or so you’d all like to believe.”

“Then I’ll leave again so you can enjoy talking about us.” He ignored Rory’s indignant grunt, kissed Taina on the cheek and rejoined Tariq who was watching Sahmir play with Tariq’s children.

Cara smiled and lightly placed her hand on Taina’s arm. “I’m so happy you came—Daidan’s a different man when you’re around.”

“That’s love,” said Rory with a knowing grin.

Taina’s smile faltered but she was saved from embarrassment by Cara who turned to Rory. “Let’s go into the dining room. I’m sure the kids are hungry by now. Taina, would you tell the men?”

Taina walked up the long reception room, with its thick plush carpets and lush furnishings to where Tariq and Daidan stood. “Dinner is served.”

Daidan and Taina followed Sahmir, Tariq and Tariq’s children into the dining room and for the first time in her life Taina felt she belonged to a proper family. It might be a royal family but, with all its sibling teasings, warmth and chaos, it was still a real family. And it was hers.





Taina didn’t think she’d ever seen Daidan so relaxed, despite his earlier protestations that Finland was more home to him than Ma’in. With his dark coloring and white robes, he looked both alien and familiar at the same time. While each of the brothers was different they were, without doubt, brothers. It was so strange seeing Daidan in a family setting. In Finland he’d always been the outsider. That was partly what had attracted her to him. Someone so different to everyone else she knew. He was right. That difference had been part of the initial attraction. But only initial. Now she saw him as a family man and her as part of that same family. It felt good.

Sahmir bent toward her. “A penny for your thoughts.”

She frowned.

“A quaint English expression I picked up when I visited my cousins there,” continued Sahmir.

“Ah. Well, my thoughts probably aren’t even worth a penny.”

“You are too humble.” He glanced over at Daidan, noting her focus. “I’m betting they’re centered on my handsome older brother.”

“Um.” She grinned at Sahmir. “Maybe.”

“It was strange seeing him without a woman by his side this past year. Before he left for Finland he always had a stream of women.”

She felt a stab of jealousy. “I’m sure he wasn’t short of dates.”

“I’m sure he had no interest.” He studied her for a few moments. “I hope I’m not speaking out of turn, but I’m really not sure if my brother is well versed in the emotion of love. I’ve a suspicion that if he feels something, he assumes you should know—that it doesn’t require stating.”

“Or maybe he simply doesn’t have anything to communicate?”

“Oh, he has something to communicate all right. And maybe I, as a long-time lover of women, should be the one to say it?”

“Say what?”

“That he loves you heart and soul, that you’re the only one for him. He knows it. I know. But I wonder if you know it?”

She looked at the fine white gold-edged porcelain in front of her and pursed her lips and nodded. “Deep down, I think I always have. But I didn’t trust myself.” She sighed and shook her head, looking at Sahmir ruefully. “You must think me such a fool.”

He touched her hand with his. “I think you’re anything but a fool.” He glanced at Daidan. “Well, maybe a little for getting involved with my complex brother.” He gave a short laugh. “But you’re good for each other. I can see that. And I certainly don’t think you’re a fool. I’m sure you had your reasons to do what you did. And you certainly don’t have to tell me them.”

“It would take too long.” They watched as Daidan listened to Tariq’s eldest daughter, Saarah, talk. By the looks of her animated face she was regaling him with the same tales she’d overheard her telling Rory about the antics of her favorite rock band. Things which ordinarily Daidan would have no time for, and less still have any interest in. But he was smiling kindly at his niece, letting her talk and nodding every now and then, allowing her to share her interests and enjoying her company. “Seeing Daidan here, among his family, is a bit of a revelation.”

Sahmir followed her gaze across the room. “Really, why?”

“He seems so… patient and attentive.”