Husband. She could not stop smiling to herself. How could she have possibly been so lucky?

“We have a gift, too,” Dad said, “and we’d like to give it to you now, before the party starts,” Dad said.

Reena looked around. Most of their guests had arrived, as well as the camera crew. Amira and Marley were helping people find seats. She smiled and looked at Mum and Dad, expecting them to pull out a box of wedding jewelry. Instead, Dad handed Nadim a slim envelope.

With a confused expression, he opened it. Inside, on her father’s company letterhead, was an offer of employment.

Reena blinked a few times. Was this real? Dad wanted to rehire Nadim? What about his father’s money?

She looked at her husband, who also looked confused. Then she looked at her father, who was smiling.

“Nadim, I hired you to work in my company because of your father’s investment. I didn’t expect you would end up being one of the best managers we have ever had. And when I wondered if you and Reena might be a good match, I could not have predicted just how right for each other you two are. Now that you are family, I hope you will let me help you the way I would help any of my children.” He paused, looking from Reena to Nadim. “I would be honored to have you continue to work for me. It is your decision, but should you choose, you can stay here, employed in the family business as general manager of the Diamond project, with the same ownership stake I agreed on with your father but without his investment. The work visa will continue, and we will all sponsor you to stay here with us. As family.”

Nadim’s eyes were wide as saucers. “Really?”

“Yes, really. This is a business decision. Half my construction team was in my office on Friday demanding I bring you back. I made some calls, and thanks to your outreach and professionalism, I have easily secured funding from other investors to keep the project going. And I, personally, would love to finally work with my family.”

Nadim laughed as he reached out to shake Dad’s hand. “Of course. Yes. I want to be where Reena is. And it would be an honor to continue learning from you, sir.”

Dad let go of Nadim’s hand and pulled him into a hug. “No more Sir. Dad. Welcome to the family.” He shook his head, smiling. “Heaven help you. You’ll need it.”

Dad then took Reena’s hands and recited a series of prayers for their happiness, health, and prosperity before pulling her into a hug. “Congratulations, Reena. I really wish you all the best.”

“Thank you, Dad. Seriously. Thank you so much for this.”

“No, I feel like we should be thanking you,” Dad said as he stepped back to put a hand on Mum’s shoulder. “Your mother is going to teach me to play cards. She says poker will help me in my business.”