The Sheikh's Impossible Girl - completed.

Chapter Thirty-One

Once Ashley had calmed down, Tarazi suggested she went for a ride while he talked to her mother. Standing on the veranda, hands in pocket, Tarazi watched as Ashley galloped off on her prized stallion into the distance, hair bouncing behind her, Yasser at her side at his insistence.

After all, she was going to be a princess, and that meant she had to be protected at all costs. Ashley hadn't argued too much, in fact too compliant, making him wonder why.

He believed his bride-to-be was planning something behind his back, shrugging it off mentally. Whatever it was, it would be a special treat for him, one he was looking forward to. As for her horse, that would have to ship to the palace, stabled at the royal stables. 

He was going to make the transition into his life as easy as possible.

Not that much seemed to overwhelm her.

"She loves to ride," another joined him, her mother, sipping water.

"That she does."

"I'm surprised you're not with my daughter."

Tarazi glanced down. "I thought we could have time alone and you can ask me anything you want, Mrs. Cosgrove. I want to reassure you, your daughter means the world to me, and I will do everything in my power to keep her safe."

"Ashley's safety isn't my concern. I have seen the way you are around each other, the way she looks at you. You are her world. I just don't want to see her hurt."

His gaze rested on her serious face. "I would never hurt your daughter. I love her too much for that." Soberly she nodded. "Also, I promise you, we will come back as much as possible. You are always welcome to stay at the palace. There is plenty of room for your entire family. I will foot the bill, of course, even send in our plane to collect you. I will do what I have to do, to give Ashley peace of mind, which won't happen if you are not happy about us. However, one thing I will not do is give her up, not even for you."

"Yes, I can see that. I guess there is only one thing to say." He waited with bated breath, heart pounding in his tight chest. "Welcome to the family, your highness."

Relief washed through him like a tidal wave. "Please Tarazi, after all, we will be family."

Riding home, Ashley jumped off her horse, handing over the reins, needing to get back to Tarazi, who was still standing on the veranda, where she had left him, running towards him, up the stairs into his waiting arms, kissing him.

Gwen had seen enough to know her daughter was in excellent hands, no matter the distance.

When the rest of the family joined them, it was a relaxing time of fun and games. The children took to Tarazi like ducks to water, also fascinated by the stranger who was going to join their family. The elder ones understood who he was in the scheme of things.

Thinking it was very cool to have a prince in the family.

By the end of the weekend, they already saw Tarazi as part of the family

By the middle of the week, they were back at the palace, where the wedding was in full steam ahead mode. Ashley moved into the bridal suite, where her time was taken up with decisions, many meetings with the queen, setting dates, and organising her family's arrival who will move into the bridal suite as well, large enough to accommodate them all.

Her wedding dress arrived from Paris, having the final fittings. Layla, a part of the whole wedding, was very helpful when her family arrived, settling them in. Also involved the princesses in the wedding, waiting to bring the parties altogether and the only thing she missed was Tarazi.