page21 (1/2)

They walked through the large wrought-iron arch htly between them Khizar steered their walk to a path on the left, around a slight bend, and then to a save hi his fingers to his lips, blew a loud, sharp whistle

From the other side of the pavilion, they heard a clop clop clop and then saw a dappled grey-and-white horse corey carriage with large red wheels There were flowers and ribbons intertwined around every free spot on the carriage, and the horse had ribbons braided in its mane

Khizar stepped toward the carriage as it stopped in front of the Jacqui with him

“We’re going for a carriage ride?!” Jacqui’s voice was incredulous, but unmistakably happy

“This sheikh has done enough walking for the day,” he said, teasing her with her words

Jacqui laughed and Khizar felt so her happy Not just spoiling her, buther truly happy

Khizar helped Jacqui into the carriage and then followed her, settling next to her on the seat

Jacqui leaned into Khizar’s side, giddy with excitement as the coachman clucked to the horse and they pulled away She narrated different parts of the park as they drove through it

“Over there, they set up an ice skating rink every winter But soh that the lake freezes, and everyone goes skating there, too”

She pointed toward a large area with grills and picnic tables

“The orphanage does a big cookout party here every year with all the kids and prospective parents It’s a chance for theet to know each other”

“Do you attend?”

Jacqui nodded

“I volunteer, usually putting the food together I re in to look you over, and I want to make that process better for these kids”

Khizar hesitated, because he didn’t want to make her sad, but he was curious