As everyone rode into camp all of the Bay family gathered to greet Fahim. He jumped from his horse and picked up his youngest two children. His wife Ghada waited for him to have a moment with their children before she went over to him. He put the two boys down and kissed Hala. Ghada looked into her husband's eyes and started to cry. She thought she would never see him again, which was very overwhelming to her, so much so, she fainted in his arms.
Zia went to her as Fahim laid her down. "She will be fine," Zia said after checking on her.
"I've always had that effect on her, mother. She just falls into my arms," Fahim said with a smile, trying to hide his worry with humor.
Ghada opened her eyes and when she realized what had happened she felt very embarrassed. "Oh my. I really didn't mean to do that. Please forgive me."
"There is nothing to be forgiven. You were overcome with joy as we all are. You just showed it in a different way," Zia said to her quietly.
Fahim helped Ghada to her feet. Hala stepped to her mother's side as Fahim went to see his mother and father. "Mother, Ardeth told me you never gave up on my returning," he told her.
"I could never give up on you," Zia said with tears in her eyes. As they started to fall Fahim wiped them from her face. He tried to hide is own tears but was unsuccessful. Zia gently reached up to remove them.
Fahim felt a strong hand on his shoulder. He turned, knowing it was his father. "It is good to see you again, father," he said, hugging him.
"It is good to have you back, my son," Harith said.
"Daddy," Hala spoke up. "Would you like to rest? I helped Mother prepare for your homecoming. She smiled up at him.
"My lovely Hala. I believe I would like to rest and visit with all of you," he answered.
"I would like to see my grandson," Mahir said in a booming voice, as he was helped through the crowd.
"Grandfather, you look as spry as ever," Fahim said as the elderly man hugged him.
"I do not know why they hold onto me. I am capable of walking on my own," Mahir said as Atiya grabbed his elbow when he swayed a bit.
"We all worry about you, Grandfather. Would you like to come to our tent? We can visit there out of the hot sun," Fahim suggested.
"No your wife and children come first. I will visit with you later. Go now and enjoy your family. I am sure they have many stories for you," Mahir said, waving him away.
*******
Zia walked over to Ardeth and Layla who were standing back away from Fahim and his family to give them some time together. "Child, you succeeded in our plan," she said to Layla.
"Yes, it was a great success. So much that Ardeth feared I had actually died," Layla said, looking up at Ardeth.
"Only for a moment," he said. "Next time, Mother, I would like to know when you change my plans."
"My child, if I had told you, the outcome may not have been the same. Your not knowing played well," Zia explained to him.
"I will not debate with you, Mother. Instead, I will thank you," he said, giving his mother a kiss on the cheek.
"You are welcome, my child," Zia said, touching his face. "I promise not to interfere with your plans in the future unless I think mine will work better." She winked at Ardeth as he chuckled.
"Very well, Mother. Layla and I are going for a walk away from camp. We have a few things to discuss."
"Go on. I have much to do for the celebration. Please make sure you are back in an hour," she stressed.
"We will be back in time for the celebration," he told her then he and Layla started their walk.
******
Ardeth and Layla walked for a long time together but kept the camp in site. They enjoyed each other's company so much they barely spoke to each other. Ardeth was trying to find the words to speak to her but was finding out it was very difficult for this Medjai chief to ask a simple question.
Finally they stopped walking when they came to the small oasis near the camp. Ardeth turned to face her. "Layla, I have something to ask you," he finally said.
"What would that be, my darling?" she asked.
"Layla, would you honor me by becoming my wife?" Ardeth kissed her hand after asking.
She noticed his hand was shaking as it held hers. "It is I who would be honored. Yes, my darling. I will be your wife."
Ardeth pulled her close to him and kissed her. His hold was so tight she found it hard to breathe. She pushed on his arms to get him to let go. "I'm sorry did I hurt you?" he asked, worriedly.
"You were taking my breath away," Layla said.
"I am sorry, sometimes I forget my own strength. I was so delighted you accepted I didn't want to let you go," he told her. "When would you like to have the uniting ceremony?"
"Whenever you would like. I do prefer for it to be soon," Layla said, blushing slightly.
"I would prefer to have the ceremony tonight but we cannot," Ardeth said.
"Yes. There is much planning and we do not want to interrupt the celebration of your brother's return."
"You are right. We will make our announcement in the morning," Ardeth stated. He ran his hands through her long black hair as he stared into her beautiful eyes. "You have captured my heart and soul."
"As you have mine." She put her arms around his waist and he did the same, gently bringing her lips to his for a very passionate kiss. "I am not sure I can wait until after the ceremony, to be with you, if you keep kissing me like that Ardeth Bay."
"I was thinking the same thing. I suggest that we head back to camp before we…" Ardeth was interrupted by another kiss. "Miss the celebration," he said to finish his statement.
Layla giggled. "I think that is a very wise suggestion." She looped her arm around his as they walked back to camp.