In a Kingdom by the Sea. Sara MacDonald

‘It would defeat the object. I want to establish you out there as my wife. You will have access to Noor and security. It means we can take off together at a moment’s notice; explore as much of Pakistan as we can.’ He pauses.

      A little path is opening up where I least expected it.

      ‘I need you with me to keep me sane, Gabby,’ Mike says.

      As we hold onto each other I feel my heart soar with the sudden possibilities for a different life. Emily can run the office blindfold. I can translate books anywhere. We have the Internet. Long-distance flights make the world smaller and our lives simpler. I can fly home to be with the boys in a few hours …

      Inshallah, you will return, Gabriella.

      I laugh. It’s not much of a decision.

PART TWO