Page 11 of Mine to Keep

Betsy went to the refrigerator and pulled bowls and a platter from it. She brought it to the counter. “Where would you like to eat?”

He looked down at Laila. “Do you have a preference?”

“Would we be in the way if we sat in here with you?” Laila asked.

“That’s fine, dear. Have a seat at the counter, and I’ll show you what I brought from the refrigerator. If you don’t like any of it, I’ve got more.”

“I’m sure I’ll like anything you make.”

Laila heard her stomach growl and blushed when theother two chuckled.

Laila couldn’t remember laughing so much. She loved watching Roland and Betsy tease each other. She could tell they’d been friends for a long time and loved and respected each other.

After the meal, Roland took her into the office. “Would you like to go to your room and nap, stay in here and watch TV, or find a book while I get a few things done?”

“I think I’ll find something on TV to watch while you work.”

“That’s fine.” He got her set up on the sofa with the remote before sitting behind his desk.

Several times over the next few hours, she caught him staring at her, and it always made her body grow hot and her pussy wet. She didn’t understand how he could affect her so much just by looking at her.

Laila listened to him on the phone but couldn’t hear what was said. She was startled when he came, crouched by her, and took her hand.

“I talked to that friend that can marry us. He can come tomorrow morning.”

Her mind jumped from idea to idea. Things were going so fast, but she couldn’t help feeling it was the right move.

He caressed her hand with his thumb as he waited for her to decide.

“What will happen after?” she asked.

“Whatever you want, Love.”

Oh, wow. She liked it when he said that. “You don’t think we’re going too fast? You don’t know me at all.”

“No. I don’t think we’re rushing things. A lot of different cultures have the fathers decide on a mate for their sons and daughters. Some women don’t see their husbands until they are at the altar. The fact that we’ll be spending several hourstogether should help you get used to me.”

“I’ve heard of that.” Her mind spun as different things popped into her head. “I … I think I’d like to marry you tomorrow.”

She was glad she decided on it because Roland’s smile made her feel light and happy that she’d done something to please him. They had a light dinner before he took her to her door and lightly kissed her lips.

“Sleep well, Pet.”

She nodded and closed the door behind her.

That night, she slept restlessly. It was not only her mind that kept her awake, but the way he made her body feel—just one kiss at her bedroom door made her feel achy and needy.

The next morning, she woke with equal parts anxiousness and excitement about being Roland’s wife. She still hadn’t decided how to act around him, and it was harder than she thought to act like she had damage done to her from the fall from the horse. She found she had to remind herself to act more childish, and she was pretty sure he knew something was up.

Laila looked at herself one more time in the mirror. She wore a white lacy dress she had always loved, curled her hair, and put a white ribbon in her hair. She added a bit of makeup to add color to her pale cheeks.

“I can do this,” she told herself as her anxiousness grew, making her hands shake. She glanced at the clock.

She took a few breaths and then walked out of her room. The descent of the stairs made her feel like she was stepping into a different phase of her life. One that had so much potential and might just give her the adoring husband and children she always wanted.

Warren, Roland’s father, stood outside of Roland’s office.

“Oh, my. Don’t you look beautiful, dear,” he said.

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