Page 35 of The Sheikh's Fake Fiancée

“I do.”

Dinner arrived then, servants carrying in dishes for Zania and Shamsa to share. Zania smiled at the wonderful cuisine that featured colorful salads and lamb skewers. She pushed to her feet, reaching for the jug of freshly squeezed juice, when she froze, her wide-eyed stare clashing with Shamsa’s.

The older woman blinked. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

“My waters just broke.” She pressed a trembling hand to her mouth. “I can’t have my baby now, not without Kain.”

Shamsa plucked her cell phone from out of her abaya’s pocket, then rang Kain even as she leaned across the table and reached for Zania’s hand, giving it a brief, reassuring squeeze. “You can and you will.” Releasing her grip, she briefed her son on the news, then hanging up, she said, “Kain is on his way.”

Zania shook her head. “He’ll never get here on time. He’s in another country.”

“He will. He’s flying home.” She looked down at her cell and scrolled through her contacts. “He asked me to ring the doctor immediately.”

Zania pressed a hand to her lower back at the sudden, burning ache springing into life. “Heneverflies.”

Shamsa arched a brow as she pressed her contact number, then smiled across the table at her. “Believe me, nothing will keep him away now, not even his fear of flying.”

What seemed like an eternity later, when it’d been—what? Two hours? Three?—Zania was pacing the birthing suite with her contractions getting closer and closer. Not even having Shamsa’s comforting presence was enough. She wanted, needed, Kain!

It wasn’t until she heard thewhomp whompof whirling rotors as a helicopter fast approached outside, that her panic subsided. As long as Kain was by her side everything would be all right. She just needed to hold his hand and have his support.

Ten minutes later he burst through the doors, his face pinched and his eyes darker than ever. “I made it, finally!” he croaked, rushing toward her. “Tell me you’re all right?” His eyes pitched left then right. “Where is the doctor?”

“Relax,” Shamsa said with a cluck of her tongue. “The doctor is dropping in and out as he needs to, as is the midwife. Zania is in good hands.”

Zania all but collapsed against him, grateful for his strong arms that wrapped around her. “I’m so glad you made it in time.” She pulled back with a tired smile. “We’ve been waiting for you.”

A little over an hour later, their tiny son was born. The midwife clucked over his birthweight even as Shamsa’s mouth dropped open and she said, “He is the spitting image of Kain.”

Zania’s mouth dried. The birth might have wrung out every drop of her endurance, but the comment was unable to stop a fizz of strong emotion. She and Kain had already broken the news to Shamsa of the baby’s real parentage! “I’d hate to disillusion you,” she said quietly, “but Kain isn’t the father.”

Shamsa shook her head. “You’re wrong. Kain looked exactly the same when he was born.” Her eyes flashed. “I’d strongly suggest a paternity test.”

The midlife carefully placed the now wrapped baby into Kain’s arms. She glanced shrewdly over at Zania. “The baby’s birthweight does suggest he’s premature.”

Hope warmed her chest, burning through her doubts. Itwaspossible that her period had been delayed all those months ago after the stress she’d endured thanks to Tabari. “What are you saying? That it really is possible Kain’s the father?”

Zania had no doubt Kain would make the birthing staff sign agreements not to disclose a word of what had been said in the birthing suite. He’d likely compensate them more than enough to keep them quiet, too.

“It is very possible,” the midwife said quietly, “assuming you and Sheikh Kain have been intimate.” She glanced at him. “But we can do a swab test to be sure.”

Kain shook his head, then turned to his wife. “I don’t need any test to know I’ll love our son, no matter who the father is,” he said gently.

Zania’s chest swelled to bursting. Her love for Kain couldn’t be any stronger. But she couldn’t be left not knowing. It wouldn’t be fair on their son, no matter how much love they gave him. “Let’s get the test done. I know you’ll love him either way. But he deserves to know the truth.”

Her husband nodded reluctantly. “Heneeds a name,” Kain said quietly as he looked down at the baby in his arms.” He smiled, then said, “I’d like to call him Zameer. It meansheart.” He looked up at Zania. “He’s already captured mine, the same way you did from the very first day.”

Tears filled her eyes, but they were happy tears. “Zameer is perfect.”

She only hoped her mother would be lucid enough to celebrate having a grandson, too. Either way, she couldn’t wait to show her Zameer and share the joy around.

Kain’s eyes glowed as he held his son in his arms. But his stare didn’t leave hers when he said, “Zameer will be my son in every way.”

Tears rolled down her cheeks, joyous, happy tears. Because she knew without question, Kain really was her one true love. A man who would always be there for her…and for their son.