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• Luna •

Luna's stomach dropped. Time stood still. And her body felt like she was running up and down mountains as Amir proposed and suggested five days from now to be married. She couldn't speak. She knew she stared at him for too long when she noticed a single brow rise.

"Moon . . ." He tipped his head, looking at her as she stayed quiet. A few of his strands fell across his forehead, and he brought her hands up, laying soft kisses on the tips of her knuckles. "Is everything alright?"

Was I? She wasn't sure. All she could do was say nothing and stare at him. He couldn't have suggested what she thought he had. What do you say about getting married this Friday? The question she was pretty sure came out of left field made her speechless.

On top of that, he'd spoken to her father, his family back home, definitely Vikram and most likely Liberty, about he proposed to her? He proposed to her differently than he would if we were in his country. Was I dreaming? 

Luna slid off the ring Vikram gave her, and stood up to breathe, laying it down on the dresser so she could relax.

"Okay. Your silence has stretched out further than I thought." 

Luna gulped. "Sorry. I just . . . Do you want to get married this Friday? Five days from now?" 

His lips spread into a thin smile as he reached over, threading his fingers through Luna's. "I care about you. And I care about Sarah, so yeah, we could." 

Sucking in a deep breath, she smiled back and squeezed his hand. "Wouldn't that be too soon for us?"

"No. Not at all."

"Did you speak to our families about this?" 

He barked out a laugh. "Yes. I did. You don't believe me?" 

"I do. It's just that weddings take time to plan. I can't believe you want to marry me now."

"Is it bad that I want to spend the rest of my life with you? With Sarah being her 'papa'?"

He knew what she was thinking.

"Yes, I heard what you were thinking, Moon," Amir said. "It was pleasant, and I'm sorry if this was a surprise. I just assumed that if nothing goes wrong and everything calms down, we might seal the deal soon."

His eyes narrowed when he looked down.

"Using our new names wouldn't be legal, but it would feel real to us. But if we marry using our real names, it could be legal under Islamic law," he explained. "Raul and Mera will help by asking an Islamic official to do a Nikah, and Colin said he wouldn't mind acting as your wali. That's a Christian who can stand up for you."

Amir stopped for a moment and then exhaled.

"If all of this is too much, we can have an old-fashioned American wedding here and then a Pakistani wedding in my homeland. Both are possible. I want to marry you."

"On Friday?" she asked in a raspy voice.

"Yes. Friday. That's a great day for us."

"But wait, there's . . ." Luna realized that they were not ready. She knew that marrying a Muslim man was more than just saying "I do," and that they had to make preparations. Mera talked to her about a few things a while ago, but she didn't want to marry him until the right moment. She had always thought she would marry him in Pakistan.

But they didn't know what would happen next. It wasn't like other couples' daily uncertainty over the future. Nobody knew the next day. They were on the yucky, twisted side of things not working in their favor. How long would it take to prepare a wedding? All they needed to do at the moment was prepare for whatever they wanted to do in life.

"What is it?" Amir asked softly, still kneeling in front of her.

She didn't want to doubt the years they could spend together, but something about the sudden need to get married so soon didn't feel right to her. It would be a dream come true to finally be his wife, but the decision wasn't straightforward. There had to be a reason for this proposal of his.

"Luna?"

"Are you wanting to do this because we may not have a month from now? Are you as scared as I am and trying to hide it?"

He moved to the other knee and took a deep breath. "Can I say that those possibilities have nothing to do with this proposal? No. It's true. But that's not the only reason, and it's not even the biggest reason. I was able to get our families' blessing for our marriage, and I can't stop thinking about that moment."

"Before it's already too late?" Luna responded.

He shook his head. "No. Even if the world ended right now, I would still want to marry you in an instant. I'm not worried about the risks we face in the future."

She said, "But I'm sure this isn't what you had in mind."

"Well, no. But it's what I have to offer. We can't just leave, but when we do, we'll go together. As long as I can breathe, I will protect you and Sarah. But I'm also not stupid enough to ignore the obstacles that surround us. It would kill me if either of you were hurt by something I couldn't control. And, dammit, I don't want to look back on this moment and regret that I didn't take advantage of it. I love you no matter what. I want to marry my best friend and companion."

The air hitched in her throat as her eyes burned. His speech left her breathless; motionless.

"Because I love you, I want to call you my wife. I want to be the father of Sarah's dreams, and I want to have many moments with both of you as a family. Even if we were to lose each other right now, my love for you both will never change. That won't change today, tomorrow, next month, or in ten years. I will be just as happy and in love with you many years from now as I am tonight." He let go of Luna's hands, stood up, and pulled her up with him. "That's why I want to marry you. Nothing else."

She blinked away a few tears, even though some got away as he tried to catch them. "Do these tears mean something?"

"It's just that . . . I've never heard of a more beautiful confession in my life." Luna wiped her face with the sleeve of her dress, feeling like an emotional fool on the edge of another nervous breakdown. "So you think that Friday is plenty of time?"

"It is."

"What about the venue and preparations?"

His head tipped back, and he let out a soft chuckle. "I can't believe you're okay with wanting an Islamic wedding."

"Why shouldn't I? Your faith is very important to you, and what's important to you is important to me. But I'd be lying if I didn't have my concerns."

"Tell me what's on your mind."

"It's more about my faith. I am just learning about Islam, but I haven't exactly converted, and I'm more spiritual than being a Christian."

Amir gave her a soft smile. "You cease to amaze me. You believe in God, right?" he asked, and she nodded. "Then that's enough for me. It doesn't matter if you call God Allah or not, you believe in something. That's the only thing that matters."

"What if I . . ." Luna started to say, what if she converted and began believing in everything he believed in, would he still want her. But he silenced her lips by pressing a padded thumb over her mouth.

"Don't worry about that. You can slowly ease into our customs and gradually learn our faith. You don't have to change your beliefs, and I wouldn't force you to if you didn't want to. As soon as we met, I knew you weren't exactly a Christian, but our different beliefs have never stopped us from growing closer."

"True. It hasn't."

He cupped her cheeks and smiled. "On Friday, we will be joined as one?"

Her heart did a backflip as she nodded.

On July 12th, she'll officially be married to the man of her dreams. She almost laughed because they would be one in a million who got married so quickly.

"If you aren't ready, just let me know," he told her, sensing her emotions. "I won't be upset if you feel you need more time. You don't even have to explain yourself. Just tell me now, so tomorrow I can cancel my plans to prepare everything I need to do." He took a breath.

She took a deep breath and smiled at him, nodding in reply. "Friday is okay. It would be perfect if you could get everything for us."

His eyes opened up, staring at her in wonder. "Really?"

She nodded cheerfully. "Yes! I will marry you later today if that were possible. I would marry you anytime you wanted, Amir Ibrahim Khan. I am so in love with you."

His smile grew, and he grabbed her and held her quickly. Like a summer camper, he twirled her around. Before she knew it, he kissed her deeply. His kiss was more of a claim to what was in his heart, and he was serious about it.

She gripped him after taking a breath. Moonlight illuminated his complexion. His eyes and gorgeous brown skin were captivating. She often felt in heaven when she peered into his eyes.

"Luna . . ."

"Hm?"

"Friday is very special to us. We met seven years ago that day."

"We did." Luna gaped.

Amir swooped down and kissed her cheek. "Yep. Friday can't get here quick enough."

"Nope. And Luna Khan can't wait."

• • •

Both of them lay in bed together for two hours, with Amir running his hand up and down Luna's arms and legs, slowly putting her to sleep. When she woke up, it was after ten in the morning and he wasn't in the room. 

Luna quickly took a shower and changed into a pair of blue jeans and a red tank top from the luggage Liberty brought her. As she walked into the kitchen, Cami was making an early lunch while folding a slice of ham over her whole wheat bread. She crept up to her friend and smiled at Cami.

"Are you making something for yourself and Faisal?"

"No, not really. He doesn't eat sandwiches. Would you like one? Ham? Turkey?"

"Turkey, please. I haven't eaten a sandwich in a long time."

"I get what you mean." Cami grabbed a few plates from the cabinet and put two turkey sandwiches on each one. A burst of male laughter came from the outside, and she glanced over her shoulder, shaking her head.

"What?" Luna asked, glancing through the blinds, catching Sergeant Decker and Darren playing a ball game in the courtyard.

"I was just surprised that Faisal wasn't there. He and Darren bet on a game with Sergeant Decker. Faisal bet his night post that he would win, and tonight is his turn." Cami smiled. "We all came up with a plan to make our little operation work around here. Two men will guard every night. Tonight's Raul and Faisal's duty, but they're praying with Amir."

"Right."

Cami chuckled. "Worried about your man already?"

"Always. I woke up, and he wasn't there."

"Oh, well, some of the guys are praying now. Vikram is in the drawing room on the third floor with Liberty and Sarah. And there are two guys outside. Sue is still asleep in her room. She has a hard time with New Zealand's time zone. And we're here."

"Where's Mera?"

"She is gardening."

Luna glanced around and snickered. "We have a full house."

"You think? But seriously, the whole neighborhood could stay in this house and we'd still have enough room."

They both laughed. Then Luna grabbed two cans of soda from the fridge. "How have things been between you and Faisal?"

"Going well. He is so . . . unlike the men I've ever dated."

"You're right. It's because he is from Pakistan. Tall, dark, and courageous." Luna bit her lip and thought about Amir with the last statement. "Faisal is courageous. He came here for you."

Cami shook her head a little and put mayo on her bread. "It's horrible and insane what they're doing to people at St. Matthew's and the other hospitals on the planet."

"It was awful being there. On the plus side, I did meet my best friend."

"Right?" she said, laughing. "We're Tethered Sisters."

Luna grinned. "What are yours and Faisal's new identities? We were all so busy lately that I forgot to ask you."

"His name is Adil Malik. It's so cute, and he looks like the name, Adil. And mine is Maya Sinclair."

"I like them. What does your name mean?"

Cami beamed. "My aunt's last name is Sinclair, and the name Maya has always been one of my favorites. Like Maya Angelou."

"The name suits you."

After a few moments of making their sandwiches, they heard a group of males speaking in Urdu in the hallway. Luna knew recognized one of their voices was Amir's, and she couldn't stop grinning and wishing it was Friday.

"Wow, you seem to be in a good mood today." Cami elbowed her. "Has Amir proposed?"

Luna laughed and shook her head. "Faisal. He talks a lot. Something happened, but I'll tell you more about it later."

She handed Luna her sandwich but withdrew it before she could take a bite. "Okay, but I'll have your behind if you said no to Mr. Tall, Dark, and Beautiful. That man shouldn't be on the market."

"Don't worry. Amir and I sorted something out."

"That's more like it."

"Good morning," Mera said, walking into the kitchen with dirty overalls. "I'm making Chicken Karahi later. Don't overeat girls. Faisal and Amir want you to eat some." She winked as she proceeded to the hallway.

Cami sliced her sandwich in two and chewed a bite.

"You must have worked up an appetite last night," Luna replied, holding her sandwich.

She winked. "Maybe."

Luna giggled, staring at her best friend.

"Honestly, Faisal and I haven't explored that aspect of our relationship. The . . . physical stuff."

"Oh."

"Yeah. We've only stayed up the last few nights talking. We've also watched several episodes of Supernatural from Season Four or maybe Five. I forget. We are waiting until we're both ready to go further. You know, our story would be different if I had never met you."

A few weeks ago seemed like months ago to Luna. Cami and Faisal would not have met if neither of them had not been institutionalized. They'd still be in there right now.

Cami stared at her and exhaled a breath. "I wanted to tell you something sooner, but I never did, Luna. I'm proud of you for being the fierce and determined woman you are. You inspire me."

"Thanks, Cami. You inspire me, too. Glad we met."

"Me too, Moon."

Luna chuckled when Cami called her Amir's pet name for her.

Male laughter was coming from another part of the house and the girls glanced down the hall and saw Amir, Faisal, and Raul take a seat in the great room. Then the outside guys ran in with water bottles.

"So, who won?" Luna asked.

"It was a close game between us," Darren stated, wiping his sweat on a white cotton towel. "I won. Colin will cover my night shift. If Faisal wins, I'll work his shift."

"You guys make interesting bets." Cami sipped her water.

Luna caught a glimpse of Amir walking with Sarah toward the kitchen, holding her hand.

He smiled gently at Luna as she fluffed his bushy hair.

"I found our little princess running through the hall," he said.

When he labeled her daughter princess, Luna's heart leaped.

"I was looking for a bathroom," Sarah said, looking up at him.

"I can show you where it's at," Luna said, and she took Sarah's hand. She gave her daughter a quick hug and began strolling toward a bathroom, glancing at him while staying in his view.

Amir kissed the finger with his ring on it. Luna clutched the ring he gave her and smiled as she and Sarah stepped into the bathroom. She knew some ladies preferred to wear their ring on any finger as a symbol of companionship, but she liked it on her left finger.

Friday was days away yet taking forever to come.

• • •

Once Luna and Sarah we're finished in the restroom, Raul and his mother traveled with Darren to pick up Cassie, who informed the group that she was in town. Luna thought it was unique to have three pairings in one house. That was never supposed to happen.

Faisal waited for Cassie in the farthest room on the top floor. He claimed that they literally sat next to each other once during their friendship, but no one wanted to take any chances. They had no idea what had changed or if the occasion was a fluke.

"Hi, Luna," Cassie said, hugging her. "Great meeting you."

"It's good to meet you, Cassie," Luna sniffed her apple-scented cologne. "How was the trip?"

"The flight was dreadful. I felt better when I got off and saw Raul and Mera at the airport. Where's Faisal?"

"He's upstairs," Luna said. "We don't want you both getting sick being so close."

"I understand. What do I do?"

Amir waved at her in the foyer. "It's nice to meet you, Cassie."

"Wow. You're so tall, Amir. Like a basketball player's height."

Luna and Amir laughed and glanced at his head after she said that. He stood well over six feet tall.

"Thanks. Let's go to the dining table and I'll give you the serum," he said, smiling.

"Sure," Cassie replied. "Let's do this."

Laughing, they all stood around the table as Amir tightened her arm with a rubber band and filled up a syringe with the antidote in it. "Wow. This doesn't seem as complicated as I thought it would be."

Luna shook her head and exhaled a deep breath.

Amir injected Cassie's vein and then went upstairs to inject Faisal moments later. Faisal and Cassie had to avoid physical contact for twelve hours. Luna wondered if the serum would fix everything. All three pairs would be immune.

Could it really be working?

If this serum is successful, it has the potential to change all tethered pairs. Faisal alone created this medical breakthrough. Dr. Bankole, the Nigerian chemist he and Amir knew, hadn't found an antidote for pairs.

Amir's memories of Dr. Bankole convinced Luna to keep the serum to themselves. He was similar to Dr. Kim but not as awful. He was kind to his patients, but his last injection left a Filipino man named Vincent in a coma. Here they were, a group of united souls who might have a treatment for their race.

Darren and Cami were the first test subjects who were no longer in danger. Now, it was Faisal and Cassie's turn. Cami had a wife and children in Canada, and Faisal had his family. Each had plenty to lose.

Before Luna and Amir said goodnight and decided to sleep in separate rooms, they held one another under the stars, connecting with each other's minds, thanking Allah at the same time for this day. Holding her soulmate for her birthday was the greatest blessing. Amir was the best thing to have come into her life. They were truly brought together for a reason. 

━━━─── • ───━━━

Tethered Souls, the fantasy love-story of Amir and Luna, with Sarah. 💫