Omar parked his car in front of the university hall building and for the few seconds before she could un buckle her seatbelt there was silence. She smoothened the creases of her shirt and went through a folded paper she had been reading all through the way. When she was through, she reached for the door trying to unlock and walk out when his voice stopped her.

What time will you be done?
He asked his eyes on her.

You don't have to pick me up. I've already spoken to......

I just want to know when you'll be out of the project defense.
He softened his voice making her a little bit guilty about her response.

Why?
She demanded

Is it an offence if a husband just wants to pick up his wife?
He replied her with a smile and she knew what games he was playing and didn't want to drag it.

Somewhere around 3pm
She uttered gently closing the door behind her as she stepped out.

About two pm later, Hameeda stepped out of the hall her defense having gone smoothly and found a lone seat at the far end of the cafeteria waiting for Sarrah Kofti who was supposed to be done by then too. Some few seconds passed and Sarrah emerged with a smile tossing some papers high up in the sky and letting them fall.

Glad we're done with these suckers. I wanna sleep for three days and not wake up.
She expressed giving Hameeda a hug who just smiled.

Together they walked to the parking space where Sarrah had parked her car earlier and Hameeda complained about her elated mood thus choosing to drive them home.
She was about to unlock the car when her eyes fell on his smiling face. He was standing a few feets away from them his hands in his pockets as his body rested on his car. She checked her wrist watch for the time and when she raised her head again, he had already walked over to them and she watched as Sarrah squeezed him in a hug which she tried hard to ignore telling herself that she was used to the sight afterall. Omar walked over to the driver's side and gently pushed the door she had slightly opened close and before she could move she felt his hand in hers as he smoothly caress it or that was what she thought because when she gathered the courage to look down she noticed that he had gently removed the key she was holding like taking candy out of a baby. His touch was blood drilling and just feeling him that close made her shiver down her spine.

Can I go with my wife now?
He half whispered in her ears his lips partly touching her earlobes and the things it did to her senses were absolutely "not parking space or next to Sarra proper"

Guys get a room please
Sarra chuckled as she made a funny disgusting face catching her car keys right in the air as Omar tossed them to her.

His hand didn't leave hers as he gently tugged her towards his car and like a drug infused metal, she followed him like a magnet without a word.

You waited did you? You didn't have to? We were supposed to be done by 3.

I finished early and decided to come back and wait.
He replied his eyes fixed on the road.

You didn't have to. Since we'll still be meeting at the Manor....

I wanted to surprise you.
He took his eyes off the road and then to her and he didn't miss her expression as her mouth formed an "O" and his words silenced her because she kept quiet even when he took another route instead of their usual home or Kofti Manor routes.

He parked in front of the domestic terminal outside JFK International Airport and when she raised her head he knew to talk before she starts so he rubbed his temple hard and began.

I apologised to my parents.

He watched her turn her gaze to the other side.

I've realised my mistakes and apologised.
He added.

What about Abbi?
She uttered seconds later.

We've worked things out.
He replied almost immediately.

And we're here because??
She turned around to face him.

Abbi and the family have a meeting in Philadelphia today and there's this project in New Jersey he wants me to oversee. I want you to come with me please.
He spoke placing two tickets in the space between them.

To their family meeting and project?
She questioned

No I'm totally fine with something different. I've watched you work very hard for this project and you have been working very hard ever since you came back from Nigeria. I just want to surprise you with a much needed holiday.
He stammered as he spoke most of the words.

And Hisham?

He's going to be fine at the Manor.

Hameeda if you say Yes we're going to be on the next flight leaving in 20 minutes. I can stay as far away as you want me to even if my wish is to be right next to you throughout the weekend. I just want you to have a deserving rest.  I promise you....

Khalas no promises I'll go but I haven't packed.

I think I've got everything you'll need here.
He muttered motioning at the suitcase lying at the back seat of the car.

There's only one suitcase
She mentioned as he wheeled the suitcase beside him while they walk through the waiting hall after they had checked in. And for a reply he walked ahead of her gently turning to face her thus stopping her in her track

I was hoping that for the weekend we try to become one..
He croaked his neck to the side giving her a smile which earned him a stare.

Would you at least try?
He half whispered to which she sighed.

Half an hour later, the plane came to a halt in Philadelphia and Omar waited till everyone was out before he tapped her gently on the shoulder.

We're here.
He chimed

She adjusted the loose veil that hung loosely over her head and followed him out as he walked ahead.
The terminal was flowing with a lot of  people so when he reached for her hand this time, she didn't hesitate afraid of getting lost in the swarm of different people.

She was the first to notice Abbi standing in front of a classic Ford parked at the entrance of the terminal and her face lit up with a warm smile.

Omar noticed her change in demeanour and followed her gaze to Mr Hussam who walked towards them in slow steps and he waited for them to catch up. The duo shook hands while she bowed a little to greet Abbi who caught her halfway and brought her up.

Hello binti I didn't know you were coming together.
He beamed his face showing nothing but admiration towards them.

They both reached for the door to open it for her and Abbi let Omar do it and when she was settled he came around through the other door and sat down.
Abbi took the front seat with the driver on the other side and halfway out of the airport building Abbi asked Omar.

Home or the Ritz-Carlton?

We were hoping for something more private sir.
He mused his free hand finding its way around her shoulder bringing her a little closer to him and she watched as he nearly embarrassed the poor old man as her face reddened too.

They arrived the Ritz-Carlton and dropped Abbi while he gave the driver new directions. Some few minutes later, the car was parked and when the doors open, her heart nearly lept out through her mouth at the sight when Omar announced

This is home, at least for the weekend.
And she didn't know exactly how she reached for his extended hand and placed hers in it and for the next moments she was in cloud nine as they walked hand in hand inside the house.

She covered her mouth as she squeals in delight when her eyes fell on the sea.

Omar it's a beach house. How did you know I've always wished I'd be in one? How? How?
She spoke without pausing to catch her breath.

He took her to the two rooms and she mentally claimed one.

The view was exquisite.

Next he walked her to the backdoor.

Ya Rabbi they have a beach as a backyard.
She chimed and all he did was smile a certain warmth of happiness settling in his chest .

I wanna live here forever.
She chimed obliviously as she stared into space.

Hameeda's face still held a broad smile as she finished praying. She retraced her steps back to the first room she had left Omar and found him getting dressed. She almost silently left unnoticed but the door decided to creak a little gaining his attention and in a swift, his eyes were on her.

Need anything?
He asked

No
She lied

So you just happen to enjoy watching people get dressed?

And he knew the ways to get her to talk as she furrowed her eyebrows in protest.

No I just wanted to know if I can use your cell to call and speak to Hisham. No one at the Manor is picking my calls.

Hisham is fine. I called them while you're praying. He's barely noticed your absence and I think you should use the opportunity and have a good rest.
He smiled.

Okay.
She agreed knowing he had said the truth.

The meeting at the Ritz Carlton.... Would you like to come. ?

No
She nodded.

Then can we have dinner together at 8 please?

Okay.
She nodded.

I'll pick you up at 8. It's at the Bay. Some walking distance away from here.

You'll be late for your meeting
She expressed.

She waited for the sound of the vehicle to disappear before running wild inside the house to explore more. First she picked the suitcase he had brought with the intention of taking her stuff and keeping them in the next bedroom. Her face fell when she saw the first content of what he had packed for her.
There were three set of lingerie in different colours probably from her never worn collection and her face flushed imagining him going through her closet and getting the first thing he set his eyes on. Next was a bright red floral knee length beach gown with matching studded sandals to go, there was also a pair of jeans and top to go, an ankle length beach gown and some nighties from the later collection. She made a mental note to order something online like a jacket or veil.

She had already chosen the room with the sliding doors overlooking the beach and she went in to place her clothes when she abruptly stopped in her track. On the bed, there was a coral green beach  gown and lying next to it were some accessories and a note that says
"Wear me for dinner please"

Her heart rate raced as she ran her hand through the scented fabric of the most beautiful gown she's ever set eyes on and her eyes began to water.

She recalled how in a span of just weeks everything was changing. Omar and his parents, Omar and the Kofti's, and even though she was proving to be a bit stubborn he was steadily finding his way to her heart. Is this even real??

The meeting ended as the Kofti brothers part ways with an agreement. Omar who sat there his mind obviously elsewhere as he gaze at his wristwatch every now and then got interrupted by Siham Kofti who threw a piece of biscuit at him.

Anywhere you need to be?
She teased gaining her father's attention.

No why?
He replied with a poker face bringing his attention back to the papers in front of him.

Go to her.
Abbi picked up the papers in front of him as he was totally oblivious of the man standing now in front of him
And you should cancel the Jersey trip. I'll see you at home.

No I can handle it.
Omar replied trying to get the papers back from the firm grip of Abbi.

Her? Who's her?
Siham questioned

Hey it's none of your business.
Omar threw a crumbled paper at her

Come on dad what's he hiding?
Siham mused giving her father an affectionate puppy face which has never gave her out.

Ja' hina ma'a binti
He fed her curiosity to which she squeals in delight.

Aww. No wonder he was lost all through the meeting. Is she here. At The Ritz-Carlton?

No somewhere completely safe and hidden.
And Abbi I'll see you tomorrow in sha Allah.
He ignored Susan who giggled and teased him as he waited for Mr Hussam to finish his phone call.

No I'll be leaving for New Jersey early in the  morning  with Siham. You take care of her. She's been through a lot she didn't deserve. Allah yekallihum was ya7fezkum.

Ameen
Omar whispered to himself and waved at Siham as she teased loudly.

Get Hisham a baby sister while you're at it.
She screamed to which he flushed.

Seconds passed as he leaned over by the door watching her gaze onto the beach her hand resting on the rails of the porch.

Someone wants to live here forever.
He teased interrupting her thoughts and she smiled at him a smile that holds so much admiration for her view.
His heart nearly stopped when she faced him. When he saw the dress the previous day, he thought it was beautiful. Now that he's seeing it on her, beautiful was an understatement. She looked like a red carpet model.

It's a dream come true.
Her voice interrupted his stream of thoughts.

What?
He asked oblivious of what she had said.

Living here forever. It will be a dream come true.
She repeated herself.

You look breathtaking.
He expressed as he walked over to where she was standing whispering silent prayers to help restrain him from ruining dinner plans.

I'm not asthma.
She half whispered trying to get his attention off her body back to her face.

No really tonight you're cardiac failure or lung cancer breathtaking.
He chuckled mumbling a silent astaghfirullah.

He excused himself to go and change and later he came back wearing a Grey shirt over a black pair of jean and taking her hand, he led them out to the car and drove some few distance to the bay. He didn't let her hand go throughout the short drive except when he got out first to get the door for her.
He handed their keys to the valet and walked her to the entrance.

They waited a few seconds as a waiter checked their reservation and a few minutes later he came back and announced

Mr Kofti follow me please.

He led them to a confined area inside the restaurant. The place had only one table and two chairs. There were several scented candles adorning the table and everywhere on the floor. Arab themed lanterns hung above them and the exit was a glass door overlooking the sea. He watched as her face lit up in a smile and when their eyes met, she mumbled a "thank you" at him to which he nodded and smiled.

The first course was Jelapeno chicken salad with olives and lot of pickles served with cucumbers and yogurt dip. Then came the main dish of Cordon bléu, fish fajitas and fillets served with mashed potatoes and garlic bread. She took a little from the desserts of red velvet cupcakes, banana mousse and scoops of vanilla ice cream and drained it with freshly squeezed lemonade.

Dinner ended partly in silence as they only talked about her school where he told her a little about his and then about Hisham.

He led her through the back door after they were done and together they walked side by side on the beach.

They both took off their shoes and the touch of sand and the cold water splashed on their feets ever so heartwarming and he watched her close her eyes inhaling the natural sensation. She was carefree, like nothing mattered in the world. And he was there, alone with her. She took little steps forward with her eyes closed and in turn he stood infront of her walking backwards as he watch her smile.

Their eyes met when she opened her eyes and her smile was not missed.

I've always wanted to do this.
She beamed.
Can I sit here for a while?

Well I heard that crabs crawl up people's clothes at night....
And he watched her face shocked as she started checking where she stood.

Hey I'm kidding. We're almost home so you can use the beach chairs. It's more comfortable than the sand.
I didn't know you were afraid of anything tho.
He chuckled.

Not funny.
She grimaced.

They walked back to the restaurant where he took the car and drove them home. She got the keys from the dash board as he stayed back to lock the car but he still met her trying to unlock the door.

Thank you for dinner.
She whispered when she felt him behind her and in a swift unlocked the door and went in. She turned and found him still standing by the door and smiling.

Aren't you going to invite me in.
He beamed

My parents are sleeping in the other room so I can't.
She whispered resting her head on the wall and returning the smile.

When someone takes you out on a date you invite him inside for the last part. What else do all the  movies you watch teach you.
He furrowed his eyebrows playfully while she just shook her head and went  inside to pray.

Minutes later Omar placed some pillows on the beach recliners placing the two side by side. He placed a glass of pinacolada on each side with a straw and waited for her.

Seconds later she appeared in a knee length floral beach gown and he found himself shutting his eyes as she walked passed him and exhaled as she lay down next to him.

This woman has no idea...
He muttered under his breath.

This is the bést day of my life.
She expressed.

You said that about al-maghreb
He reminded her as they both chuckled.

He lay down uncomfortably next to her making sure he stays on his side and having a mental battle with his hand and eyes as he gaze unto the sky.

I don't know how to start thanking you for today ...
She interrupted his battle turning to her side to face him and suddenly something soft met with her lips interrupting her statement.... his index finger.

Shshh
He nodded his head side to side indicating for her to stop.

I want to.....
She began and she felt his thumb caress her bottom lips as he bit his..

Don't make me shut you up the other ways I'm battling with myself not to.
He spoke with so much seriousness in his soft deep velvety voice.

You deserve this and more. If you ever want to live here just say it. We have an office in Philadelphia. I can transfer.

No.
She manage to utter despite the small torture she was going through by his thumb and before she could utter another word she found herself being flipped over so that she was on top of him and now she was motionless, dazed, too surprised to move.

Now do you want to let me alone talk the easy way or the hard way?
He asked and not a single word escaped her mouth.

I guess you mean the hard way then..
He chuckled às his hands came around her torso.

Ea... Easy way....
She stammered and he lay her down gently on his side with his right hand still placed on her.

Do you want to live here?

*Silence*

You can answer a question I didn't realise I scared you that much.
He said.

No.
She finally replied and he noticed that she was still tensed.

I thought you like it here.

I love home. I love being close to the Manor.
She spoke calmly and watched him massage his temple.

I want to tell you something about the manor and the Kofti's but I want you to promise me....

He opened his mouth to continue and his phone vibrated interrupting them both. He excused himself and mouthed "Abbi" at her before going on to pick the call.

He walked back to where she was minutes later and watched how she seems to be enjoying the cool breeze so he changed his mind and went back in.

About half an hour passed as he talked more on the phone with Ummu, Abbi, Siham and his lawyers and when they were done, he started packing the files that were scattered all over the bed which he was previously going through when she came in.

I was just about to come get you.
He spoke not looking at where she stood.
And I didn't mean what I said earlier about shutting you up. It's all up to you if .....

It's okay.
She interrupted dismissing the topic.

Come here.
He tapped the empty space next to him and when she didn't , he raised his head and met her hiding behind the drapes possible in her night wears.

Okay then I'll close my eyes I need to discuss something important with you.
He chuckled at her vulnerability.

He felt her slid underneath the duvet and rested her head over the headboard silently muttering
You can open your eyes now.

Next time I'd let you pack for the trip.
He smiled.

Something came up.
He sighed deeply.
There is a major set back in our case and.....
He massaged his temple.

I just want you to be strong for Hisham and I.
He whispered gently placing her head on his shoulders.
Hameeda you're what keeps me going, your my guiding light, my peace. You and Hisham are my world..

Tell me what happened.
She manage to speak.

Promise me we'll handle this with no tears. My heart will break if I see your tears again.

I'll stay strong.
She assured him.

I'm sorry I'm not the husband or perfect father to our son, I'm sorry I made decisions that ruined our lives without really thinking about you guys. I'm sorry I stayed away more than closer to you you guys.

Tell me what is going on?

When is your exams?

In two weeks, I'll be graduating by the end of march.

I want you to go home.
He exhaled loudly as he uttered the statement making her raise her head from his shoulder and turn to face him her eyes shocked.

The new district attorney assigned a new judge to the case. I have to go back in, that means no more furlough or parole. He adjourned the case to 6 months. He's ordered me to get back in two days time.
You were busy with project so I couldn't tell you.

He spoke his head down not meeting her gaze.

I can't ask you to stay anymore or make decisions for you. It's not fair. You're my wife and you have rights over me too.

She used her hand to raise his head to face her.

Please don't give me a choice to leave you.
A lone tear escaped her eye as he wiped it with his finger.

I'll come for you after everything is over.
He assured.

I'm giving you a choice because I don't want to order you around anymore. If you feel like you want to go home after graduation please do. Because I won't be coming back as long as the final verdict is not placed.

When are you leaving?

The day after tomorrow. I want us to spend these days together. It's my graduation gift to you. I was hoping I could spend more time with Hisham too. I feel so bad missing his first birthday...

He's not going to have a birthday ....

No Hameeda I want him to have the best.....

He was born on a leap year. February 29th. His birthday will not come in the next two years. So you will be there for his birthday.

And she felt as he wrapped her around his arms and inhaled her scent.

Why do you have the answer or solution to anything.

She smiled tapping his back.

Because I'm your problem's solver.

When you thank me for material things, I feel ungrateful for all the things you did for me and I didn't get the chance to thank you. And all I can do is thank you through material things.
I want to be a better man, a better husband and a better father.

Shshh just come back home in one piece first. That's the only thank you I want from you.

And he felt his lungs close as he suffocated on her statement.

I love you.
He expressed tilting her chin to face him as his eyes bore into hers.

Come back to us. Then I'll tell you how much I feel the same way.

And his eyes searched hers looking for permission & without much ado his lips crashed into hers fueling all the bottled up emotions he had kept for a long time, there was hunger and need in the way his lips moulded hers and seconds later she gave in giving him what he had always wanted.
The much needed air interrupted the beautiful sensation as the duo inhaled and he bore in eyes into her while she smiled.

I will come home soon and I can't wait to hear from you how much you feel the same way.

And for the first time in forever, they both slept peacefully knowing that they'd always have each other as long as they lived.

****

Jumuah Mubarak to you all 💕.

Don't forget to click the star ⭐ and comment.

28.4.17