His mother wiped her eyes. “You set a building on fire to save my son?”
“I had to do something. I couldn’t let them kill him.”
“Please tell me Cobra nailed those bastards,” Jasmine said.
“Cobra took out everyone at the warehouse that I missed. Then the Nigeria Police Force, with some Navy SEALs and Rangers, brought down their organization a few weeks after we got home. I’ve been recovering from shoulder surgery. Kristi has taken good care of me and is helping me with physical therapy.”
“I thought working for Cobra was supposed to keep you safe.” His father’s face bent in a frown. “Since you went to work there, you’ve been shot and now tortured and almost killed.”
“It’s the roll of the dice, Dad. The risk goes with the job.”
Then Amira smiled. “Well I don’t know about you all, but I’m trying to decide what bothers me more—hearing what those guys did to you two or seeing the two of you laughing about quicksand and lions and almost getting mowed down by a train. She’s as much of an adrenaline junkie as he is, Mama.”
“I think you’re right.” His mother stood, sat beside Kristi, wrapped an arm around Kristi’s shoulders. “I know I only just met you, but I love you for what you did for my son. I know he loves you, too.”
“He’s everything to me, Mrs. Jones.”
“From now on, just call me Mama.”
Later, when Kristi had gone upstairs to get ready for bed, Malik’s father called him into his office and closed the door.
“What is it?” These private conversations always put Malik on edge.
What would the old man have to criticize tonight?
“You’ve done well for yourself. Kristi is one special woman—brave and beautiful and crazy in love with you.”
He’d get no argument from Malik about that. “Yes.”
“As I recall, I didn’t support your decision to join the army out of high school. I had other plans for you. Well, that’s how parents are. I was wrong, and I’m sorry.”
Malik stared at him. He would never have expected this.
His father went on. “You have served your country in a way few people can, and you’ve distinguished yourself again and again. And what you did for Kristi…” His father drew him into a hug. “I want you to know that I am proud to call you my son.”
Malik swallowed the lump in his throat, hugged his father back. “Thanks, Dad.”
* * *
Kristi lookedat her reflection in the mirror, her heart so full she could sing.
In a few minutes, she would truly be Malik’s wife.
“I wish I had your cleavage.” Samantha, Kristi’s matron of honor, took Kristi’s bouquet of red and pink peonies from Gabriela, and handed it to Kristi. “There. Perfect. You’re a beautiful bride.”
“You really are stunning.” Gabriela came to stand beside her. “I can’t wait to see how Malik reacts to your gown. Does he have any idea?”
“No. I wanted to surprise him.” Kristi and Malik had chosen to have a simple Western ceremony, but she had wanted some Chinese touches.
White was the color of death and funerals in Chinese culture, while red and gold were the traditional wedding colors. So, Kristi had chosen a red satin mermaid dress with barely there off-the-shoulder lace sleeves and beading on the bodice, while Samantha, Gabriela, and Elizabeth wore gold gowns.
A knock came at the door, and Elizabeth stepped in. “Your father is coming, Kristi. They’re almost ready for you.”
Kristi drew in a breath, excitement mixing with nerves. “Thanks to the three of you for your help. Elizabeth, I wouldn’t be standing here today if not for you.”
Then the door opened and her father stepped in.
He stopped, stared, spoke to her in Mandarin, calling her by her nickname. “Oh, my beautiful daughter, my sweet Meimei. You fill your parents’ hearts with joy.”