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Note: I am sorry if I got anything wrong here on the Nikah side of things. I tried my best to pave a way for Amir and Luna to marry the legal, Islamic way, and I pray this is as accurate as I could write it. If not, well, they are finally united as One by the end of this scene.

*Amir*

I knew she was somewhere behind me; I could feel her essence. Her and Mr. Carlyle's steps were very light, so light, I almost wanted to look up and turn around to make sure I wasn't dreaming. My soulmate was close to me, and I couldn't wait to see her beautiful soul. I turned around immediately after Sarah finished tossing the flowers to the ground. Luckily, Ahmed was videotaping this moment for us, because I would like to see what I'd missed.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed two extra guests sitting in the back row, holding hands and waving. Cyrus and Gabi, looking delighted to see our wedding. I hadn't been able to talk to Cyrus for the last few days, but I was glad he and Gabi showed up. He wore a dark black suit, with a red tie in the front, and she wore a long red dress as her dark hair was curled to the side.

Bhatti Sahib prayed for our ceremony and our life together as one, including Sarah. As she heard her name being spoken, she giggled in my mother's lap. My parents were ready to spoil her rotten right now.

As I stood here, the guys brought a long drape that will cover my side while I'm ushered to sit on my side of the small stage. From the sunlight casting against the window of the house, I could see her shadow on the other side, taking a seat. Irfan asked Luna's wali to come forward, and I watched Mr. Carlyle step in front of our drape to stand at attention.

He was very welcoming when we met each other in person moments ago.

"You're tall, son. You're taller than I thought," Lawrence said after shaking my hand.

"Thank you, Mr. Carlyle," I told him, gazing at my father as he walked around the living room and met Darren and Sue.

"Lawrence, Amir. You are welcome to call me by my name," he insisted. It was a force of habit of mine to be courteous. "So, how do you feel? Your nerves still shaken?"

I chuckled and nodded. "I'll feel better once we get all of this started. I wonder how your daughter is doing up there."

"Well, Elizabeth went up there to check on everyone. They're all getting their makeup and hair done, I suppose." He paused for a moment and then gave me a stern look. "I had a question for you about your faith."

"Sure. Ask away."

"It's about Luna. She is more spiritual than religious. Would that be something that may bother you down the line? Like, would you insist for her to convert to Islam?"

I inhaled a deep breath and exhaled it as I scratched the back of my neck. Then Adnan walked up toward us and stood next to him on the same side of the counter.

Looking back at Lawrence, I shook my head. "I wouldn't, sir. I have explained it to her that I would never ask her to believe in the things I do. I knew she wasn't a Christian when we met, and our religious beliefs never hindered us. I love her no matter what. I love Sarah."

"I see that, but would you want her to cover her hair or body while out in public?"

Adnan's eyebrows rose, and he stepped to the side and shortly joined my parents in the living room, talking to Darren and Sue about New Zealand. Lawrence was laying many questions on me that I was prepared to answer. Luna or Sarah would never have to do anything they didn't feel comfortable doing. Not all the ladies in our faith or in my country have their head covered, but I'd be lying if I didn't hope for Luna to wear a covering sometimes. But I could sense that she wouldn't mind it if we were able to go out shopping or anything like that. Right now, we were more worried about our lives and getting through what we had to so we could survive. The hunters could be anywhere. And we were definitely worried about whoever the main hunter is. They collect other tethered souls and harm them. So-

"Amir?" Lawrence murmured, bringing my attention back to him.

"Sorry, sir. I was thinking... I apologize. The answer is no. She can look however she wants to. But to a certain degree. I wouldn't feel comfortable if she were wearing skin-tight pants and a tiny tank top." He chuckled.

"That was her high school days. She has evolved into a more classy woman." I smiled and nodded. "Thank you for your candor. I appreciate you for doing your absolute best to make my daughter and granddaughter happy. And you know, Ahmed and I had the same conversation a few weeks ago. He believes in Hinduism, and Liberty doesn't believe in anything. But both of my daughters' have chosen great men in their lives. So, I am a proud father. Welcome to our family, Amir Khan from Islamabad, Pakistan."

I smiled at him as he opened his arms to embrace me as his new son. This day couldn't get any better.

"Mr. Carlyle. As Luna's wali, you have read over the Nikah and agree to it?" Bhatti Sahib asked Lawrence. My heart was pounding, standing so close to my soon-to-be-father-in-law.

"Yes, I have," he answered, and sweat was imminent on my neck.

"Do you give your daughter, Luna Reneé Carlyle, to Amir Ibrahim Khan in marriage?"

"Yes. I do. I, Lawrence Nathaniel Carlyle, give my daughter, Luna Reneé Carlyle, to Amir Ibrahim Khan, the son of Nasir and Maryam Khan, in front of all these witnesses and with the agreed upon document, as Allah is our best witness."

He then turned my way and gestured for me to speak. "And I, Amir Ibrahim Khan, accept your daughter, Luna Reneé Carlyle, in marriage, as Allah is our best witness."

My mother stood up and handed my envelope with my check to Luna on the other side of the sheet. I heard my baby murmur "Shukria" as she laid it on her lap. I was so glad there was a shadow casting beside her. I could see her amazing silhouette right here, and I loved it when she spoke our language. Irfan then began the Nikah proceeding and said a few prayers and passages from the Qur'an. After a few moments, he walked around and asked Luna if she was consenting to our marriage free willingly. I'm sure she had been asked that already, but it needed to be heard by our witnesses.

"Qubool hai."

"Qubool hai."

"Qubool hai!"

Luna yelled loudly with that last bit. She just announced her acceptance for my hand in marriage and repeated it loud and clear. My heart throbbed when I heard her speak. I am then handed the Nikah contract by Bhatti Sahib, and I signed everywhere necessary. I was beyond ready to begin our lives together. I glanced over and saw from the shadow of her hand signing her sections, too. I couldn't wait to see how she looked today. I'm sure Mera fixed her up nice and beautifully. Henna would definitely look good on her gorgeous fair skin.

Bhatti Sahib called for Raul, Mera, Faisal, and my family to stand up and look over at the both of us while we remain separated, hidden, signing our marriage contracts.

After we signed our names on the dotted lines, he recited a few paragraphs from The Qur'an that were equivalent to marriage vows. He mentioned we didn't have to recite any vows since we will be doing that during the Christian part of the ceremony, but I really didn't know what I would say. I'll just speak from my heart and hope I won't mess it up.

After a brief announcement from Bhatti Sahib prouncing us as one under Islamic Law, I heard loud cheers and encouragement from our witnesses. Even my mother was shedding a few tears for her son. And Adnan looked shocked, but then he joined the group and started clapping for us. Now that all of this was over and our marriage was solemnized, it was time to see my bride. I memorized her precious face since day one, but seeing her now, in this moment, will feel like I'm seeing her for the first time all over again.

My nerves were almost overtaking me.

Not all Muslim families do this during their Nikah ceremony, but ours does where my parents will bring out a long mirror, placing it across both of our laps. The drape was still covering our faces, but it will be lifted up just enough to lay our eyes upon each other through the reflection of the mirror.

Shortly after it was placed across us, Raul and Faisal lifted the drape up a little, and I could see her beautiful eyes staring into mine. It was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. Bhatti Sahib laid the Holy Qur'an on the mirror, and I placed my right hand over it, then felt her hand on top of mine. He prayed over our union in Urdu, and I lightly squeezed her hand.

We were now joined as one and have followed the traditions of the Nikah to the best of our ability. She is mine, and I am hers, finally. Shukria, Allah.

***

*Luna*

When I first saw Amir's face through the reflection, it was like I saw myself. I saw myself from his eyes, and boy, his eyes were beautiful. After the Imam finished one last prayer to Allah, Amir and I came together and stood in front of the stage. Then Reverend McDaniels began his part.

"Dearly beloved," he said as Irfan Bhatti stood on the other side of Amir. I couldn't keep my eyes off him. However, I did glance back and notice two people I was unfamiliar with sitting back there. I think it was Cyrus and his partner, Gabi, which surprised me. I then brought my attention back to the reverend. "We are gathered here today to witness the joining of this lovely young couple in Holy Matrimony. I would like to begin-"

"Can you just pronounce my mommy and papa are married already?" Sarah blurted out, causing the crowd to laugh. She was dressed in a formal white flower girl dress, with white sandles and a lime green bouquet in her hands. My mother tried to shush her, and Maryam scooted over to Sarah, holding her hand. Sarah peered up to her new grandmother and grinned. "I love my papa."

Everyone laughed again. My daughter had a mind of her own, and Amir laid his hand over his heart, feeling loved by us. We turned our attention back to Reverend McDaniels, and I just gaze at Amir as he looked so handsome in his suit. The white really brought out his bronze skin tone, and his eyes sparkled in the evening sunset.

The reverend continued as he read a passage from the Book of Geneses about creation and how our lives started. I wasn't capable of listening or looking anywhere else but into Amir's eyes. His body was frozen; not able to move or much less, breathe. His face was trimmed just right, and his shoes made him seem taller than he already was. He wasn't showing any signs of fear; just happiness.

I'm sure my eyes were darting all over the place, and I was surely a nervous wreck.

Unlike him, my nervous kicked in tenfold. The attention was almost too much for me to handle. Good thing I could stand still when my father took my hand and placed it into Amir's. He quickly gave him a soft hug and nodded with his chin. Amir's eyes didn't look away from mine as we stood in front of the reverend. The world just seemed to slip away, and it was only the two of us.

Reverend McDaniels then asked, "Who gives this woman to this man in marriage?"

My father looked back at my family and back at me. "Her family and I do," he said, standing still. The reverend gestured with his hand for him to sit down.

Before my father walked away, he patted Amir on the shoulder. That was his way of showing everyone he was welcoming Amir into our lives and having a place in our family. Standing next to my love was exhilarating.

Reverend McDaniels quoted a few things about love and family and life, and he continued on about how our Creator made us in pairs. Mr. Bhatti grinned at that. Then we were both asked if we would like to make a speech. Both Amir and I nodded, even though I was unprepared. I'm positive Amir was. He was a planner, after all.

Amir went first as he held both of my hands in his.

"Luna Reneé Carlyle, from the moment I first saw you, I knew I found my companion. I knew then that I was granted with happiness that our Creator had given me. When I saw Sarah for the first time, I immediately cared for her like she was my own. And no matter what, she will always come first. I will protect her, her mother, and our family to the best of my ability. I will honor you for the rest of my days, and I will always treat you with kindness and love. You are without a doubt the only one for me, and I thank Allah for sending you my way. You and Sarah are my girls, and my family. I love you both."

Standing, shaking like crazy, my body wanted to tumble over. He had always been great about speaking from the heart, but his speech just caused my heart to melt. I glanced over and watched as Cami, Sue, and Cassie passed a box of kleenex back and forth. I take it that they were also moved by Amir's words. Focusing back on the love of my life, I took a deep breath and spoke from my heart.

"Amir Ibrahim Khan, when I first looked into your eyes, my heart fluttered, and then my soul shortly followed. I knew in that moment that you would turn my life around in the best way possible. I knew that our lives were going to stay connected, but I knew then I couldn't imagine my life without you. And what made me love the soul you possess even more was seeing how you accepted my daughter right away. Our daughter. I saw how good you were with her, and you never failed to ask about her during times that were a mess for me. You have always cared about my feelings, and you put Sarah's needs above your own. You love her just as much as I do, and you care for her like a father. You are truly special, Amir Khan. You will always be the only one for me, and I cannot wait to explore this life together with you by our side."

The reverend cleared his throat as Amir and I glanced at the crowd who were in tears and full of emotion for us. Then he spoke again. "And now I ask you, in the presence of God and this assembly: Do you, Amir, take this woman, Luna, to be your lawfully wedded wife, in joy and in sorrow, to respect, and to cherish her for as long as you both shall live?"

"Absolutely!" Amir yelled out. But then he cleared his throat and gripped my hand. "I'm sorry. I sure do. I do, Luna Carlyle!"

"And do you, Luna, take this man, Amir, to be your lawfully wedded husband, in joy and in sorrow, to respect, and to cherish him for as long as you both shall live?"

"Hmm. Let me think about that for a moment." Amir started laughing, biting his lower lip. But I straightened up and smiled at him. I felt so small compared to him; he felt like a giant. "I do. I will forever love and cherish this man for as long as my heart continues to keep beating!"

A tear fell from his eyes as I felt his heartbeat speeding up.

"And now, Amir and Luna, it is time to exchange your vows. Amir, when you're ready."

Amir took a moment and let out a soft breath. He was just as nervous as I was. "I, Amir Khan, choose you, Luna Carlyle, to be my friend, my love, and the mother of our children. I will be yours in plenty and in want, in sickness and in health, in failure and in triumph. I will cherish you and respect you, comfort you and encourage you, and together we shall live free and bound by our love. I will always be the man that you first fell in love with, and my soul will never change."

I squeezed his hands and tried to stop myself from shaking.

"I, Luna Carlyle, cherish you, Amir Khan, for all that you are, for all that you are not, and all that you can be. Know that I am here for you, that your pain will be mine, and your joy will be mine as well. I take you to be my lifelong companion, to build dreams together, and to live together as one. I will support you in times of need and be the strength you can count on. I will honor you and respect the man that you are. I will honor your beliefs and compromise things with you. I choose you to be my husband, here on Earth, and in the afterlife."

Whew. That was a lot to get out, but I wanted to make it loud and clear to everyone who was watching-Allah included-that I meant what I said. My vows to Amir were small, but they came from my heart.

Faisal came forward and presented the rings. I looked at mine, and my clever husband remade his hair strand for me. I take his off the soft flush pillow and placed Amir's ring on first. A moment later, he placed both rings on my finger. It felt good to have his hair strand around my finger again. I do have him wrapped around my finger.

The reverend then wrapped it up. Finally.

"If there are any objections to this union, speak now, or forever hold your peace." No one blurted anything out, not like they would, but deep down, I was thrilled no one from the hospital had ruined this moment for us.

He asked us again if we take each other as lifelong spouses, and Amir and I both said, "We do", together.

Then, Reverend McDaniels said loudly, "With the power invested in me by the State of Louisiana, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Amir leaned forward and cupped his hand around my neck, bringing me to meet his lips. We kissed like we were the only ones out here, massaging our tongues into each other's mouth, so softly and passionately. I enjoyed his peppermint taste and his lips pressing against mine. We could hear our guests clapping and cheering for us, but neither of us paid any attention to them. He pulled back for a moment and gazed into my eyes passionately, then he reached for my waist, pulling me against his body and kissed me once more. He needed more, and so did I.

Reverend McDaniels' clap startled us near our ear, and we pulled back, holding hands. He gave a few final ceremonial speeches and then announced that it was time to do the candle lighting. But Amir and I discussed earlier to do a blood oath instead.

Amir pulled the reverend to the side and whispered into his ear. He gave Amir a funny look, but then he nodded back. Amir nodded for Faisal to pull out their medical kit, and he opened it up, bringing out a small needle. The crowd murmured and whispered between each other, but Amir's eyes stayed locked on mine.

"Mr. and Mrs. Amir Khan have decided to orchestrate a different kind of unity symbol," the reverend said, explaining what was about to happen. I nodded for Liberty to take Sarah inside and then focused back on Amir as he held the needle in his hand. "Instead of using the recommended lighting of the unity candle, Amir and Luna have chosen to do a blood oath. I don't recommend this method, but I see no problem in them doing it. So, Amir, you can begin when ready."

Amir pricked the tip of his third left finger, and then he proceeded to do the same to mine. We brought up our fingers with our rings on them, placing our tips together and whispered, "One. Just one."

And that was it. We didn't have it planned on what we would declare while doing the unity oath, but we felt what was inside each other's souls, and are now... One.

We were free to live together through thick and thin.

***

"I have found the one whom my soul loves." Song of Solomon 3:4 (Luna)

Amir and Luna have officially tied the knot, legally. They are now a happily married COUPLE! 👏 👏👏
The both of them can't wait to begin their new life together. Soon will be their honeymoon at the house. 💕

Thank you all for being a part of their journey together. 🙏

A huge thank you, and Shoutout, to Muaazics for all his help in this part of the storyline. I feel like I annoyed him to the bone, and he will probably say I didn't, but he answered so many questions and scenes for Aluna to get married. I even included Cyrus and Gabi at the wedding. Cyrus is Muaaz's character inspiration. I am beyond grateful for crossing paths with you on Wattpad. And Elemorts is so wonderful. I hope to see your book flourish and become something spectacular.

Next is the Walima/Reception... Loads of new information comes out. And this reception is not like most. I'll leave it like that. *wink* 😉

Congratulations, Amir and Luna! 💍