AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Grace thought about what she had just done. She had just agreed that she would honor and cherish Qazim.
Vows spoken in English.
Words of commitment.
Even as she'd said them, she'd felt almost like a fraud. She had promised to become his wife. Looking up into his dark gaze, seeing the steady appreciative look on his face, she could tell what this meant to Qazim.
She wondered how long the marriage would last.
He had spoken exactly the same vows to Grace. There had been sincerity in his voice, and his eyes were filled with genuine emotion. None of that had made it any easier for Grace to go through with the wedding ceremony.
But she had. And she felt relief when she and Qazim kissed briefly and turned to face the crowd of smiling guests. They applauded gently as Grace and Qazim stood on the low dais, hand in hand, looking every bit the perfect, happy newly-weds.
Grace's heart beat faster and she forced herself to smile as she ran her gaze across the crowd of smiling faces.
This was what it felt like to live a lie, she told herself. There was a churning sensation in her middle as Qazim led her slowly down off the dais and up the red carpet and out of the marquee.
Outside, in the hot midday sun, there were tables laid out, and servants busied themselves preparing the food for the guests.
Grace swallowed. The last thing she felt like was eating. Although the pregnancy was still early, and she wasn't really showing, she still had sudden bouts of nausea. She hoped she wouldn't feel one during the upcoming wedding reception.
A wide canopy had been erected over the expanse of tables, to protect the guests and the newly married couple from the sun. It cast a cool, dark shadow across the tables.
She steeled herself and looked up at Qazim. She would just have to do her best and get through the remainder of the afternoon, she told herself.
Qazim held onto her hand as they went to the table which was designated for them.
The top table.
He held her seat for her as she tucked her wedding gown carefully beneath herself and sat down. She felt the coolness of the air beneath the canopy and she was glad he'd thought of this for her benefit. There were so many guests at the wedding that an outdoor reception had been the only practical solution.
Qazim sat down alongside her. "Okay?" he asked.
Grace nodded. "I'm fine, Qazim," she replied.
Qazim smiled at her. "That was beautiful," he said quietly.
Grace felt a sting in her heart. This meant so much more to him than it did to her. "Yes, Qazim. It was," she said. In spite of her steely resolve not to show emotion, she felt her voice quiver slightly as she said those words.
Grace looked across at the marquee, large and brightly colored beneath the sun. Guests were streaming out of the marquee and taking their places at the various tables.
"This won't take long," Qazim explained. He leaned closer. "If you want to leave at any time, just let me know."
Grace shook her head. "We have to keep up appearances, don't we," she murmured.
Qazim's eyes narrowed. He paused, and looked as if he was about to reply sharply, but then seemed to think better of it. He smiled. "As I say. Anytime you want to leave, we will go inside."
Grace nodded. She was glad he hadn't taken the bait. She was already starting to feel slightly warm, out here in the sun.
The food was brought, and even that was an adventure in itself, Grace thought. There was a mixture of Qazhar and American dishes. Some of the American food drew puzzled looks from some of the guests. Qazim had insisted that every aspect of the wedding reflect the fact his bride was American. Even down to the mixture of music which alternated between traditional Qazhar instrumentals and American folk musicians who Qazim had flown in specially.
The next hour passed quickly. After the meal, Grace and Qazim shared a solitary dance on the makeshift dance floor. That drew gasps of appreciation and a ripple of applause from the guests. Qazim held Grace gently in his arms and gazed down lovingly into her eyes.
In spite of everything, despite all her doubts and hesitation, she found herself smiling up at him, appreciative of all the care he'd put in to this hastily arranged affair.
For a while Grace allowed herself to settle against Qazim's body. There was a tenderness in the way he held her that genuinely affected her. It was almost as if he was determined that from now on, during every waking moment, he would be dedicated to making everything perfect for her.
That was what it meant to be truly married, wasn't it? Grace felt guilty as she leaned against Qazim's shoulder, thoughts whirling through her mind. Real marriage meant wanting to take care of the other with every part of your soul.
