Sands of Time - The Al-Hakim brothers - Javier and Amanda story - Completed

Chapter Thirteen

Settling in, wedding to be planned, Javier's working; Mandy had no idea where to even begin to look for a dress. Cairo was no London. Connie was busy with her new baby girl. Jessica time limited, suggested they make a date to go to Paris. A girl's trip. Tied down, Javier was happy with that, since Azir insisted on the protection. Monica only to happy join them in London, they would fly in and pick her up.

She really wanted Connie to join them, but was difficult with a baby. Javier had a meeting in Razul's hotel; Mandy joined him, saying she needed to talk to Razul. With a passing kiss, Javier headed off, while she headed towards the manager's office and knocked.

"Come in," Razul answered. Mandy entered, receiving a smile as he looked up. "Hello Mandy, what can I do for you?"

"I came to ask a big favour," she stepped further into the room, pushing the door close behind her. "You know Jessica insists on taking me to Paris to find a wedding dress," he nodded. "Um, what I was wondering if I can ask Connie to come as well. Of course, she would have to bring your beautiful daughter.

We will be fully protected by Jessica's guards. Azir insisted doubling it if Connie comes. It's just; I would love her to be with me. You both have been so kind and I'm rather fond of you both," she came out in a rush, finishing off with a long expelled breath, eyes wide, hoping, but understood if he rather not. He rose, circling his desk and closed the distance, cradled her face in his hands and kissed her forehead.

"Of course, Mandy. Constance was so sad not to go, but didn't want to be a burden on you with the baby."

Mandy beamed. "Burden? Never and we promise to look after your gorgeous girls."

"Have you said anything to Constance as yet?" She shook her head. "Leave it in my hands. It will be done."

"Razul, you're an angel," she threw her arms around him and kissed his cheek. "Thank you so much. It wouldn't have been the same without her. We are stopping in England first to collect Monica."

"Kamilah?" He enquired.

She eased back, lowering her head, tucking hair behind her ear. "I'm not sure she would want to. Kamilah was badly hurt by what happened. She is very close to her brother."

"You didn't do anything wrong, my dear. Call her," he advised.

"I'll think about it," she offered. She was scared Kamilah would reject her as before.

"Misunderstandings should not be left too long Mandy. Clear the air and if it doesn't work, at least you tried to reach out."

"I don't want to come between them, they are so close. I would never want Javier to choose, ever."

"One thing you must learn about our race, we can be so stubborn. You have a very loving heart Mandy, so make the first step. I am sure you won't regret it."

Another knock on the door, had Razul close the distance and open the door, discovering Javier on the other side. "Sorry, darling, we do have to go," she nodded, joining her fiancée.

"I'll organise a dinner for everyone soon," she promised, hugging Razul as he joined them at the door.

"I will keep you to that Mandy. Javier," he shook his hand, then went back to his work. Mandy hugged Javier's arm as they headed out of the hotel.

"Connie's coming. I thought I might ring your sister to see if she wants to come," she looked up searching, uncertain. "What do you think?"

"Do want you feel is right, my love," she nodded finally knowing what to do.

****

Taking a deep breath Mandy pressed the numbers with an unsteady hand, waiting on tenterhooks, not sure what to say or how to start. Was she doing the right thing? Moaning, she was about to hang up when a soft voice answered. She trembled, dropping into Javier's chair.