Ali awoke very early. In fact the sun was just starting to peek over the horizon.

She lay there snuggled close to Ardeth, watching him sleep. So much had happened in the last year and a half of her life.

She lost John and watching her pain her family had convinced her that they should go to Egypt just like she and John had talked about.

And so they made the journey. She had felt so many emotions stepping back into the country that had been her home for so many years.

Seeing Basel again was a moment she thought might not ever happen. She had missed her terribly was so happy to see her again.

Then there was the pain and uncertainty of seeing Ardeth for the first time.

Learning what had happened to their son was one of the most painful things she had ever experienced. But it explained what had happened and she was thankful to know why Ardeth had sent her away.

And then there was the decision to stay and Elizabeth accepting Jahar's proposal.

So many things had happened.

Feeling Ardeth stir brought her back to the present.

She turned in his arms to face him. He reached out and touched her face "Good morning, my love"

"Good morning"

"Today is a very important day"

Ali nodded then added "Yes it is. I was just thinking how the last year and a half led me, led us here"

Ardeth pulled her closer to him. "I have thought about that many times. I am truly sorry you had to go through losing John and will always feel the pain of losing Seduh and our child, but truly believe the Gods were leading us back together. The first days I saw you 23 years ago I knew you were to be a huge part of my life. "

Ali smiled thinking back to that day. Although she had been treated so horribly and at first been terrified of Ardeth she remembered looking into his eyes.

"The first thing I remember is how terrified I was of you. You were quite the imposing figure. But then I looked into your eyes and I knew. I knew you would protect me and be there for me. I also remember feeling drawn to you. You were the most beautiful man I had ever seen." Ali stopped then added "and I mean that in the most manly way possible."

Ardeth laughed and added "the day I brought you back here and Basel had helped you change into our clothing. Your beautiful eyes looking back at me. If you didn't already have my heart that day sealed my fate". Again he laughed

He then leaned over and kissed her softly but it quickly changed into one of passion. Ardeth growled "Allah 23 years and still what you do to me"

Ali laughed into his kiss.

Later that morning Ali sat helping Elizabeth fix her hair "You are going to be the most beautiful bride"

"Thank you Mother. I can't believe that we will be married at Sunset tonight!"

Ali hugged her daughter tightly and they continued on with the preparations.

Finally the time come and Elizabeth and Ali and the rest of the family made their way to the Oasis, the place that Elizabeth and Jahar had chosen to be married.

As ceremony started Ali watched as her daughter made her way down the aisle. First walking by herself, then meeting her Brother, then her Uncle Peter. Then she made her way to Ardeth. Ali's eyes filled with tears as Ardeth presented Elizabeth to Jahar. Ardeth then sat down beside Ali and took her hand.

She smiled as Jahar and Elizabeth shared their 1st kiss as husband and wife.

Late that night after the ceremony and feast Ardeth and Ali made their way home talking about how wonderful the ceremony had been.

Making their way into their home Ardeth pulled Ali to him. "You looked beautiful today"

"Thank you and may I say you looked very handsome"

Ardeth chuckled and then pulled her closer. Ali could feel how tightly he was holding her "Ardeth?"

Pulling back from her a bit he looked into her eyes "I'm sorry my love. I was just thinking about our conversation last night. Just how lucky we are that the Gods brought us back together."

Tears sprang to Ali's eyes. Ardeth reached out and gently wiped them away. "I love you Ali"

"Oh, Ardeth. I love you too and yes we are very lucky that our lives led us back together. I am so happy to be back here with you"

He smiled a sly smile thinking about their argument and how silly it had been to let his ego get in the way "So you will be happy here in the middle of the desert with me" Seeing the odd expression on her face he winked.

A huge smile broke out across her face "Yes, my dear husband I will be happy here with you." She rose up to her tiptoes and kissed him. Moving back down into his waiting arms she said "There is no other place I would rather be".

The End