• Walima is another word for reception.

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• Luna •

Feeling like one of those cute female characters who raises her leg while being kissed by Prince Charming, Luna was overflowing with happiness and was swept off her feet as Amir continued kissing her. They quickly signed the license for the State of Louisiana and took several photographs with it in their hands. It was a piece of paper that she held tightly. A certificate of marriage between two people who can live anywhere, legally, along with their Nikah documents.

She and Sarah were now accepted in the Muslim community as one of their own, and their Nikah meant everything to her. Now, they were about to enjoy their walima.

She couldn't stop smiling, nor could she stop crying. She couldn't tell how her makeup was, but she was sure it washed away from her eyelids. Since she and Amir's speeches were spoken and they exchanged vows, Luna had been in a constant state of dizziness. This didn't feel real.

On the way in through the backdoor, Cami stopped them. "Just one more picture, Mrs. Photographer," she said, smiling. "You two are so precious. I can't help but take a million pictures of both of you." 

She flashed a photo of them and Amir peered over Luna's shoulder to look at it while he kept his arms around her waist. The photo was of their kiss, their first kiss being united for eternity. Their first kiss as a married couple. "Good grief," Luna said, her skin burning. "We were eating each other's faces off." 

Amir wiggled his eyebrows and chuckled, then whispered into her ear, "What can I say? I love your taste. I can't get enough of your . . . sugar." 

Luna's face felt warm as she looked away, grinning at the way he expressed himself. 

Cami just smiled and stepped aside so they could walk through. "You two are passionate about each other. That is the kind of love that lasts a lifetime. You guys are lucky." 

"And blessed." And at that moment, Luna knew how blessed they truly were, all things considered. 

She looked up at her husband while he gazed at the festivities going on in the kitchen and great room. She knew getting married the legal way will throw up a lot of red flags, but they'll face them together. They'll have a tough road ahead of them, but they'll figure it out as one.

For several minutes, Luna and Amir hung out inside the house and visited with their friends and family. Neither of them could let go of each other or stop eying one another. Thirty minutes went by as they did the normal "cutting of the cake" routine, which was beautifully made by the ladies. The cake was three tiers high, with buttercream icing on top and the words "Just Nikah-fied" settled on top.

Then the couple made a few toasts, drinking grape juice, and then Luna tossed her bouquet to the unmarried women of the group, which Cami caught before Liberty.

She watched as Amir snickered toward Faisal, hinting to him that it was his time.

She then visited with her new family as Sarah got to know Uncle Adnan and her grandmother. Her daughter kept playing with Maryam's hair and the jewelry around her neck. As soon as Luna saw Amir stand up and walk into the hallway, she brought her attention to Colin and Raul as they played their version of beer pong but without the beer; only water.

While gazing their way, Luna felt a hand grace her shoulder and whipped her head around, staring at her husband. She hopped up and flattened her dress, then walked wherever he led her to.

The moment they turned a corner, they were all over each other. She was so hungry for her soul to become one with him and kissing wasn't enough. She needed more and pushed them inside of an empty bedroom. 

Walking backward with Amir until his knees hit the edge of the bed, Luna straddled his lap as he sat down. Unbuttoning his shirt, she placed her hands against the ridges of his abs and ran her fingers up and down his smooth chest. He slid his hands under her dress, tracing the line of her shoulder blades while his other hand was tangled in her hair.

Breathing heavily and bobbing up and down, Luna yearned to pull her thong down and let him take her now. "Baby," he murmured against her ear, slowing her movements down. "If we don't stop, we may end up doing more in this room. This wasn't my choice of venue for our first night together." 

Luna smiled and laughed. "Let's christen the whole house. It'll be fun." 

"I want to do that, too, but let's do that later," Amir replied, and she moved over and slid off his waist, realizing they did have a full house of people there. "It would be kind of rude if we were to flake out on our friends and family after all they've done for us." 

"You're right, Prince. We'll enjoy each other later." 

Luna chuckled as she forced herself up, then fixed her dress with his arms behind her waist. 

"I noticed Cyrus and Gabi were in the audience, by the way," Luna said, gazing into Amir's eyes. "I was happy and surprised. I didn't expect them to be sitting there." 

"Yeah, they came. It was around 5 a.m. for them, so they visited early," Amir replied.

"That's sweet. I'm amazed at how gorgeous Gabi is. Her red dress was beautiful on her, and her hair was shiny and dark. Long too." 

"I think both of you would make great friends," he told her as they began walking down the hallway. "She is like you when it comes to Cyrus. She rarely lets him out of her sight."

Luna laughed, pretty sure that was true.

"Cyrus was dashing. I can see why he is a great friend to you and Faisal. He's like your brother."

Amir nodded and kissed Luna's temple. "We wouldn't be where we are now if I'd never spoken to him last fall. He was my wingman and shipped us like Cami."

Luna inhaled a breath as they came close to the kitchen. 

"How did they connect here, though? What about the lead domes that protect us?"

Amir shrugged. "I think Faisal moved a few domes to the back of the house so Cyrus and Gabi could attend our wedding. The domes work, but they have to be around us at all times." 

"Oh. I get it. We have such wonderful family and friends." Luna smiled at him. "Nine months ago seems so long ago."

"It does, but now we can start a new life together, my wife." Luna's stomach flopped like a twig as he uttered those words. "I love you, Luna Khan." 

"And I love you, Amir Khan. We are two souls, who share one connection, and are linked forever." 

They smiled at one another for a moment near the door.

"What have you lovebirds been up to?" Liberty said, licking off chocolate icing from her spoon. 

"We just needed a moment to ourselves," Amir said, kissing Luna's palm.

"I'll probably be the same way once I marry Vikram." She smiled and wiggled her dark brows at her sister. 

Luna peeked around at Amir, gazing at him holding their wedding license in his hand, smiling down at it. "This still seems so unreal." 

"Well, it is, Mrs. Khan," Vikram said, appearing in the archway. "You and Mr. Khan are officially married. So run along now. I'm sure Liberty has been dying for you guys to make some Aluna babies for her."

Liberty choked on her slice of cake, then marched over to him, playfully slapping his arm. 

"That's not a bad idea, Vikram. Thank you for your suggestion," Luna agreed. 

She then took off her lead ring and immediately stiffened in her spot. Her head felt like the world was spinning, and her brain was going in circles. Was I drugged? Did Chase find us?

She gazed over at the Khans. Mr. Khan was sitting on one couch, and Mrs. Khan was sitting across from him, engaging in a conversation with Elizabeth. 

Then Luna didn't know what happened next. An overwhelming feeling came over her, and she could sense Amir's parent's aura.

It can't be.

"Luna?" Liberty said, standing near her side.

Luna's eyes shifted toward her sister, unable to make them stop from scattering. "I don't believe it . . ."

"Believe what, sis?"

"Amir's parents."

"What about them?"

"They're . . . they're Tethered Souls. They're paired."

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Oop-
Amir's parents are Tethered Souls and paired for each other? What does that mean for Amir and Adnan? Many more revelations to come! 💫