Hers to Love

Part 51

Maria woke up to the feeling of warm hands wrapped around her. She blinked slowly, adjusting to the morning light filtering through the curtains. Her gaze settled on Amir, his face peaceful in sleep. She couldn't help but admire him—his long lashes, full lips, and strong, masculine features. He looked so serene, so impossibly handsome that she found herself unable to resist.

Leaning in, she kissed him softly, her lips brushing against his. To her surprise, Amir's lips curved into a smile even in his sleep, and he responded to her kiss.

"Hmm," Amir murmured, his voice low and husky as he slowly opened his eyes, his smile widening. "Waking up like this is really nice," he whispered, pulling her closer.

Maria giggled softly, brushing her fingers against his stubbled jaw. "I couldn't help myself," she teased, her lips hovering close to his.

Amir's smile turned playful as he deepened the kiss, his hands tracing the curves of her body. "Don't stop," he whispered against her lips, his voice rough with sleep and desire.

Their kisses grew more passionate, and before long, one thing led to another. The heat between them intensified, their touches growing more urgent as the morning light danced around them. Amir's hands explored every inch of her, while Maria's fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, both of them lost in the moment.

Amir paused briefly, his forehead resting against hers as he whispered, "I love you, Maria. I never want to lose this—lose you."

Maria's heart swelled at his words, her breath catching as she looked into his eyes. "You won't," she promised softly. "I'm here, Amir."

With that, they let themselves get swept up in each other, the outside world fading away as they spent the entire morning wrapped in each other's arms, their love and connection stronger than ever.

Afterward, as they lay together, Amir pulled Maria close, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Mornings like this should happen more often."

Maria chuckled, resting her head against his chest. "If you keep waking up next to me, maybe they will."

Amir smiled, running his fingers through her hair. "Then I'll make sure I never leave."

——

Three days had passed since the incident, and Maria was resting at home with Amir by her side. The tension between them had finally eased, and they were enjoying their time together, feeling closer than ever.

Amir's family arrived, filling the house with warmth and a sense of reunion. His mother, father, and sisters entered with visible remorse on their faces, clearly feeling guilty about how they had handled things between Maria and Amir in the past. Amir's father, who had been the most resistant, looked particularly somber as they gathered in Maria's living room.

Amir's mother was the first to speak, her voice soft and filled with emotion. "Maria... we've come to apologize. We didn't handle things well, and we've been reflecting on everything. You've shown nothing but kindness and strength, and we are so sorry for any pain we caused."

Maria smiled warmly at her, shaking her head. "There's no need to apologize. I understand the weight of tradition and culture. It wasn't easy for any of us."

Amir's father cleared his throat, his eyes slightly misty. "Maria, I was wrong. You've proven how strong you are and how much you care for Amir and this family. We are truly blessed to have you, and I was too blind to see that."

Maria reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Amir's father's arm. "I appreciate that. It means a lot coming from you."

Then, to everyone's surprise, Maria glanced at Amir, a calm but determined look on her face. She took a deep breath before addressing the room. "I've been thinking a lot about this... and I want you all to know that I've decided to convert to Islam."

The room fell silent, shock rippling through Amir's family. Amir himself looked at her, his heart swelling with admiration and love, unable to find words for a moment. His mother was the first to react, her eyes instantly filling with tears. She stepped forward, covering her mouth in disbelief.

"Maria... are you serious?" Amir's mother asked, her voice trembling. "You are converting?"

Maria nodded with a gentle smile. "Yes. I've learned so much about your faith, your traditions, and I've come to realize it aligns with so many of my values. I want to embrace it fully—not just for Amir, but for myself. I want to be part of this family in every way."

Amir's mother burst into tears, rushing to Maria and enveloping her in a tight hug. "Oh, my dear, you don't know how much this means to us! Amir has found a precious one, indeed. We are so blessed to have you."

Amir's sisters quickly joined in, hugging Maria one by one, their eyes bright with happiness. Amir's father, though normally reserved, stepped forward with a look of pride in his eyes. "Maria, you've honored us more than words can express. You will always be part of this family."

Amir stood silently, watching the scene unfold, his chest tight with emotion. He had never imagined that things would turn out like this—that Maria, the woman he loved, would take such a monumental step.

Amir's mother wiped her tears and smiled, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Flowers are not enough to show how much you mean to us," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "We must make you a flower crown—a true symbol of our appreciation and love for you. You've accepted us, our traditions, and our family. We are blessed beyond measure."

Maria laughed softly, feeling a warmth she hadn't expected. "You don't need to go that far," she said, her tone light.

Amir's mother shook her head, determined. "No, no. It's the least we can do. We want to show how much you mean to us."

Amir finally stepped forward, pulling Maria gently into his arms, his voice thick with emotion. "You are incredible, Maria. I don't know what I did to deserve you."

Maria smiled up at him, her heart full. "You just loved me, Amir. That's all."

As they stood surrounded by Amir's family, there was a sense of unity and peace that hadn't been there before. The obstacles that had once seemed insurmountable were now behind them, and they were all moving forward—together.