Better Late Than Never

46

Breakfast with the Bellos the next morning, for Ayra, turned out better than all the breakfasts they'd shared in Spain combined.

Just like her family, each Bello was relieved that everything had been sorted out, happy for both her and Ayman, and excited for what was to come as nearly everyone had a partner they were willing to settle down with.

Naila and Omar heartily welcomed Ayra into their immediate family, and Aabidah went on about how amazing it was that they'd gotten two best friends romantically involved with the family. Ayra and Ibtihaj exchanged smiles at that while Ayman and Adil wore expressions that were clearly smug.

No one mentioned Zahra, and Ayman was beyond grateful. Like he'd told Aneesa, Zahra was his past and he was determined to leave it that way so he could focus on a future that had Ayra in it. That was all he wanted.

They took their time eating, laughing, and talking. When the plates were cleared and teas were being finished, Bisan's smile fell and she narrowed her eyes at Amna and Aabidah. She pointed from one to the other. "Amna and Elham, you two should tell Hayder and Hammad to call Isha and Bahr down from Qatar to properly ask for your hands in marriage. We should get you all out of the way so we can focus on Ayman and Ayra."

Hiba nodded. "I agree." She turned to her daughter. "You too, Aneesa. Hurry up and get married to Mahmoud so we can tick you off the list too."

Aneesa, Amna, and Aabidah could only sputter; three of them wide-eyed and speechless. Amna found her voice first. "Excuse me?!" She screeched. "We told you we're taking things slow."

Bisan didn't want to hear it. "And you also said you want to get married by the time Ibty and Adil have their baby. Ibty's due date is in December. That's not as long as you think it is, especially if you two plan to have a double wedding."

Aabidah's eyes couldn't get any wider. "B-but –"

Naila backed her cousin up. "And don't forget that there's a lot to do in those condos Hayder and Hammad own." She shuddered. "They're nowhere close to being homes. Do you have any idea how long the interior work will take? The earlier, the better."

Amna and Aabidah, like twins, nodded slowly and then stated that their mothers had a point. Aneesa wasn't having it. She pointed at herself. "What then does this all have to do with me? I have a fiancé and a wedding date and –"

Malik cut her off, his smile painfully sweet. "And no concrete plans have been implemented because you and Mahmoud prefer to be all lovey-dovey."

It was her turn to sputter. "W-we have plans! A lot of them."

Hiba gladly sipped her tea. "Whatever helps you sleep better at night, my darling Aneesa."

Aneesa nearly screamed. Smiling just as sweetly as Malik had done, Naila turned to the two couples that sat close to each other. "Ayra and Ayman, dears, please take your time and whenever you two are ready to settle, we'll be here for you In Shaa Allah. Adil and Ibty, the same goes for the both of you. If you need any help, we're here."

Bisan nodded. "We are."

Ayra, who'd actually enjoyed how the entire scene had played out, sipped her tea and then nodded. "Thank you."

Naila shook her head. "There's no need to do that. We're grateful to have you in our family. You too, Ibty."

Ibtihaj grinned. "Na me na. You can't find another me anywhere."

Adil rolled his eyes, clearly itching for a dramatic fight. "Ibty, please."

She glared at him. "Séyé, walai!"