Page 23 of Sheikh's Accidental Pregnancy

“She has been under the weather for the past few days,” Amir said.

Sara put her hand over her mouth and ran from the table. She burst into the building, found the closest restroom, and just made it to the toilet before throwing up. She felt a hand patting her on the back.

“It’s all right dear,” a soothing voice said. Fiddah had followed her. She handed Sara a damp paper towel. Sara wiped her face and caught her breath.

“I’m so sorry,” she said. “I hate that I disrupted lunch that way.”

“How far along are you?” Fiddah asked.

“What?” Sara was confused. Did she mean in her work? What an odd time to ask about that.

“Ah, my mistake. Come, let’s get you to the doctor. I’m sure my personal physician will see you. I’ll just make our excuses to the boys while you get your things. I doubt you’ll be coming back to work today.”

Fiddah, it turned out, was just as stubborn and unbending as Tariq. Sara went along with her, certain that the best way to deal with this was to humor Fiddah and let the doctor explain that she was all right and had probably just eaten too adventurously. Once she had a clean bill of health, she could go back to work and carry on with her many tasks.

The doctor’s office was warm and welcoming with soothing landscapes on the walls and comfortable furniture. They were shown to an exam room immediately. Once there, she was able to sit in a regular armchair rather than on an exam table. A nurse asked a few questions, took some blood, and then Sara and Fiddah were left alone.

Sara wanted to leave and be called with the results of the blood tests, but Fiddah insisted that they wait. The doctor came into the room ten minutes later.

“Are you all right with having Sheikha Botros here for your results?” the doctor asked Sara.

“Yeah, it’s fine. It’s probably something I ate, right?” she asked.

The doctor shook his head and smiled. “Congratulations, you are going to have a baby,” he said. Sara’s jaw dropped. Fiddah took her hand and squeezed it.

“No! That’s not possible. I can’t be pregnant,” Sara cried, shaking her head.

“It’s good news, isn’t it, dear?” Fiddah asked.

Sara laughed nervously. There was no way she was pregnant.

Well, there was one way.

Crap.

“This can’t be happening.” Sara stood up and shook her head. This would ruin everything. She’d have to go home. “I’m only twenty-three and not married,” she added, starting to panic.

“It’s still a blessing,” Fiddah said.

“It would be under different circumstances. I’ve always wanted to be a mother and planned to be. Someday. When I was married.”

“It’s okay, dear. I’m sure the father will be overjoyed.”

Sara froze. Dammit! Tariq! She was pretty sure he wouldnotbe overjoyed. She didn’t think he was constitutionally capable of joy, let alone beingoverjoyed.

“Sara? Won’t the father be happy?” Fiddah turned to the doctor. “Could we have some privacy please?” He nodded and immediately left the room.

Sara looked at Fiddah in panic as her hands started shaking. “It’ll be fine,” Sara said. “It has to be.” She touched her belly and managed a shaky smile. She couldn’t believe that she was going to be a mother.

Fiddah stood and hugged her. “If you need anything, I am here for you,” she told her. “And if the father doesn’t step up, just let me know. I’ll make sure he fulfills his responsibilities.”

Sara almost laughed. Yes, she was absolutely certain Fiddah would have words with Tariq if he didn’t do his part to support this baby. But she wasn’t sure she could—or should—tell him. Somehow, he’d blame this whole thing on her, as if she’d managed to trip and fall into his sperm. He’d probably say getting pregnant wasn’t ladylike.

She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

16

Tariq drummed his fingers on the dining table in his family home. He’d moved out a year ago, but it still felt as close to home as any place could. His family milled around the room, snacking on the mezze platter and chatting with each other.

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