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Qazim knew the circumstances which had brought Riaz and Eva together had been unusual. But they seemed to have created a powerful bond between themselves out there in the desert.
Zaheer spoke with Qazim about his and Becca's plans for Tariq's upcoming birthday. Just like Riaz, his older brother seemed so incredibly proud of his life, obviously excited by this ordinary, yet special moment in his son's life.
Was this the kind of life that awaited Qazim? The everyday pleasures of children's birthdays and spending time getting to know the woman you had chosen to be your wife?
It all sounded good. Too good to be true. Was he about to let that slip through his grasp?
He glanced across at Grace. The talking continued. He could hear Grace explaining to Eva and Becca all about her work, and all about the time she'd spent in Qazhar. There was no hint of what had happened between Qazim and Grace.
No hint of the pregnancy.
Grace only made a few vague comments about her and Qazim being just good friends. That was an understatement. Qazim saw Eva and Becca exchange a brief look as Grace tried to make light of her friendship with Qazim. They weren't going to be fooled, Qazim told himself.
After a while, Becca announced that a light meal had been prepared and was going to be served in the dining room. Grace tried to resist that suggestion, at first. But, eventually she gave in to some gentle pressure from Eva and Becca.
They all went to the dining room and for the next hour they shared a simple meal. Qazim noticed that Grace didn't eat a whole lot. He understood why and he wondered if his family members had noticed Grace's lack of appetite.
The conversation was light. Everyone continued to make Grace feel right at home. After a while, Qazim noticed that Grace's mood had brightened noticeably.
At one point she glanced across the table at Qazim. In contrast to the stern look she'd given him on arrival, this time there was a patient, understanding look in those beautiful blue eyes. Qazim smiled back at her. In response, she smiled at him.
Qazim felt a surge of optimism. Maybe this hadn't been such a bad idea, after all, he told himself. He was proud of his family for making Grace feel so welcome.
After the meal, they all went out onto the terrace. The sun was beginning to set and the air was cooler. The gardens which surrounded Zaheer's palace looked green and beautiful in the fading light. The gardens stretched out for hundreds of yards, ending in a high wall which kept out the surrounding desert.
Drinks were brought. Grace insisted on drinking mineral water. Qazim did the same. He needed to have a clear head for what he was about to do.
Sometime later, Qazim suggested to Grace that they both take a walk in the garden. At first Grace seemed to hesitate. But, after some cajoling comments from the others, Grace relented.
Qazim and Grace headed down the wide steps and out onto the flat lawn. Nearby sprinklers spread a cool mist of spray into the air as they headed away from the terrace. Qazim was sure they were both being watched with eyes that were intent on examining every little gesture between him and Grace.
Qazim resisted the urge to wrap his arm around Grace's waist. He felt relieved once they were out of sight of the others, hidden deep within a dense cluster of trees.
They walked a little longer, saying nothing to one another. Finally they paused. Qazim faced Grace and she looked up at him. Her gaze was steady and expectant. She didn't say anything to Qazim.
Qazim was sure they were completely out of sight of the palace. All around them were the branches of low-hanging trees and straight lines of hedgerows. There was only them, now.
Finally, they were alone.
Qazim smiled at Grace. "How was that?"
Her eyes narrowed and she paused before replying. "Okay," was all she said. Her features were a still, impassive mask. She looked like she was waiting for him to say something. He'd expected more from her. Why was she being so reticent?
Grace glanced away from him. Qazim searched his mind for something he could say. Was she just blocking him off? What about the way she had looked at him at the dining table? Hadn't that been a sign of her softening attitude to him?
'Why did you bring me here?" Grace said suddenly.
Qazim frowned. "I didn't bring you here. Becca invited you, didn't she?"
Grace smiled sardonically. "Do you take me for a fool, Qazim? I know you planned this."
He froze for a few long moments, taken aback by the suddenness of her outburst.
"That's not true" he replied. "If Becca thought it was good idea to invite you, wasn't that enough?"
The corner of Grace's sweet mouth lifted with an ironic smile. She shook her head. "And I suppose Becca was just passing my apartment. With Tariq? And helper?"
Qazim tried to feign ignorance about Becca leaving the palace after he'd mentioned Grace. After he'd talked about his friendship with her. About how she might be leaving the next day and how that wasn't exactly what he wanted.
