Few weeks to our wedding, I got a call from
Daniel.
He told me to come down to his office.
"I'm still in school, you know I close by 4pm"
I
explained
"Sweetheart, but we agreed you resign, so you
could
have time to prepare for the wedding.
"I have my love, I've tendered my resignation
letter,
this is my last week here" I explained.
"OK, I need you here, please get a permission
or
something"
"Ok, let me try to seek permission, I'll get
back at
you"
I went to the Principal's office and he gave
me
permission. He understands I'm preparing for
my
wedding. So he gave me permission.
I drove down to Daniel's office around
11:30am. He
offered me a cold drink and told me he wants
me to
accompany him to a place. We went in his car
why I
parked mine in the parking lot.
He parked in front of a landed property. The
building
is under construction, some workers are there
working.
"Where is this place?"
i asked
"A proposed site for your school and as you
can see
its already under construction" he informed.
My leg was weakened, I couldn't believe my
ears .
"Please tell me I'm dreaming, all this for me!"
my eyes
were clouded with tears.
"Woman, you are too emotional" he said and
held me
in his arms.
I hugged him tightly
"I'm speechless, I can't thank you enough. Do
you I
really deserve all this"
"This beautiful heart deserve more my dear"
He hugged and kiss me and patted my back.
We left the place heading back to his office to
get my
car.
****
My Dad is really preparing for the wedding, he
re-
painted the whole house, changed the
furniture in the
living room. Even the whole compound floor
was
plastered. He fixed every fixable. Our house
turned
brand new. It's not easy to give your first
daughter
out in marriage, but he was extremely happy.
My parents in-law to be and all their guests
arrived
few days to the wedding. Some stayed at
Daniel's
place while others are lodged into a nearby
hotel.
We had our Traditional wedding on Friday and
church
wedding on Saturday.
Our wedding was glorious, my heart was filled
with so
much joy, i married the man of my dreams.
My parents in-law graced the wedding with
their white
friends and colleagues in America. There
extended
family members in Ekiti were present too.
Also
Daniel's white friends too all came down to
Nigeria.
Everyone of them wore the aso ebi, the
females
among them tied gele as well. The residents
in my
area thought I married a white man. I never
believed
they could travel that far to attend a wedding
in
Nigeria. It was fun to see this whites prostrate
with
the groom during the engagement ceremony. I
was
elated.
My extended family members, my parents
colleagues,
church members, neighbors, colleagues at my
place of
work, Daniel's staff and clients were also
present. The
crowd was much, thank God we made
provisions that
can cater for everyone.
I really miss Joy around, I understand her
absence is
for the best. I was shocked to see Tunde, I
and Daniel
invited him but i never knew he'd show up.
Paul and Lizzy were present, they've been
very
supportive. Lizzy was not all that active
because
she's heavily pregnant.
I threw my bouquet at the reception, guess
who
caught it? Sharon
Everything went well to the glory of God.
After the reception, we were taken straight to
the
Airport
****
We had our honey moon on an island in
Mauritius.
Daniel discovered the place few months to
our
wedding and made reservations. Trust me the
place
was beautiful to behold.
Around the island, there is calm, clear
shimmering
blue water. The breeze, The sand sparkles in
the
sunlight. There is a small wooden beach hut
which is
hidden among the tall, tropical palm trees
where
couples can relax. The beautiful, blue sunny
skies is
spread across the island.
All the hotel rooms look onto the ocean with
great
views. I love ocean front hotels, have always
dream of
a place like this.
I never knew beautiful place like this exist in
Africa.
We met some white tourists on the island as
well.
Our honey moon was splendid. My husband
is
extremely romantic. Our first night together
was
awesome and perfect. He treated me like a
queen. My
husband was unerringly gentle. He took he's
time and
everything else was magical. I felt like I never
had
se.x all my life.
We had a great time together on the Island. I
felt like
we are in paradise. I wish it never end but it
has too
because this trip cost a fortune, the day I
stumbled on
our bills, I told my husband one week is
enough we
can continue our honey moon in Nigeria but
the king
is ready to do anything for his queen. He
even said
we are coming back here anytime soon. To be
sincere,
I won't mind coming back, this place is out of
this
world.
We went on sight seeing, shopping. The
restaurant on
the island is classic, their African dishes are
on point.
We spent two weeks on the island before we
returned
to Nigeria. This is an experience I won't
forget in a
very long….time, it was golden.
*Episode 17*
We came back from our honey moon. The
mansion is
empty, everyone as returned to their base. We
visited
my family, Sharon said she'll join us later at
the
mansion. Then we checked on the Pauls.
My husband and I walked into their sitting
room, the
atmosphere was not friendly or welcoming.
Everywhere was quiet. Lizzy lying on the sofa
not
looking so well, her face was swollen.
"Lizzy, what's wrong?"
We were shocked, when Paul told us Lizzy
lost her
mom.
"When was that?" I asked Paul
"Last week. In fact Lizzy was hospitalized, she
fainted
when she got the news of her mother's death.
She
was just discharged from the hospital
yesterday" Paul
narrated.
"And nobody cared to inform us?" Daniel said
with a
straight face.
"Who does that? You are on honey moon, and
you
don't expect us to ruin it for you with sad
news"
"Lizzy, I'm sorry for your loss" Daniel said.
"Thank you" she replied as tears flooded her
eyes.
"Please stop crying, you know your condition,
you did
want anything to happen to your baby right" I
said
"Daniella, you won't understand, my mother
suffered……I lost my father at a very tender
age, there
was no one to turn to for help,. My mother
toiled hard,
just to give me and my son the best. She
couldn't
remarry, knowing fully well that no man that
can
accept her daughter and grandson. She
traded her
happiness for my son and I. Now death took
her away
from me, from us, she should have waited a
little
longer to enjoy the fruit of her labor" she said
wailing.
"Its OK my dear, God knows best" I said
"She's all I have and she's gone… She's
gone"
"Lizzy please put yourself together, I know
you'll miss
her, but you have your own family now,
husband, your
son and you have us. Please be strong"
"I will thank…..you….
"What's going on Lizzy, are you in alright?" I
reached
out to her.
"I think, my….water… just.. broke" She said
and
wincing in pain.
"What! Are you waiting for us to come back
from our
honeymoon, you must name this child after
me if he's
a boy and if it's a girl then you must name
her after
my wife" Daniel said to lighten the mood
while Paul
went to get her things in the room.
Lizzy shake her head at his joke and smiled
weakly.
Daniel and Paul helped her into the car, while
carried
her into the car, while I carried the bag. We
got to the
hospital and she was wheeled into the labor
room. We
all silently prayed while waiting for the doctor.
One of the Nurses came out and we all walk
up to
her. She smiled "Congrat, she gave birth to a
baby
girl"
Thank God! We all hugged one another.
"Can we see her now" Paul asked with all
excitement.
"Not yet, I'll let you know when she's moved
into the
ward" the Nurse replied
"Thank you" We all chorused.
Some minutes later, we were directed to her
ward.
"God has comforted me" Lizzy said smiling as
she
held the baby.
"Yes he has, congratulations" I said and took
the baby
from her.
"She's so cute and beautiful" I said
"Just like her mom" Daniel added.
I handed the baby over to Paul, but he refused
to take
the baby from me.
"I'm scared to hold her, she's looks fragile"
he said
fidgeting.
"All you need do, is to carry her gently with
care, she
won't break" I said smiling. I gently place the
baby in
his arms.
"Hi, my beautiful princess" he said as he
rocked her
gently.
Paul raise his head and faced me. "We are
naming her
after you" he said
"Did you hear me when I said it earlier" Daniel
asked
curiously.
"No I didn't, we made the decision months
back"
"No wonder the baby came when she sighted
Daniella"
he said and we all laughed.
"I'm honored, thank you" I said
"Hi Daniella" Daniel said and took the baby
from Paul.
We left the hospital later and went home.
I'm happy for them, Lizzy has a baby to
worry about
now, the pain of loosing her mom will be
replaced by
the joy of having a new born baby. I'm happy
for them
can't wait to have my baby.
Daniel went straight upstairs to shower while I
prepared dinner. After taking dinner, we
retired to the
bedroom.
I took off my clothes and move into the
bathroom to
shower. I heard footsteps so I opened my
eyes.
"Hubby you took a shower not quite long"
"I thought wifey needed company" he said
with a
mischievous look.
"I know that look, don't….
He didn't allow me finish my statement he
kissed me
and took off his short.
"Baby I can't wait to hold our own baby, I
carried
baby Daniella and I wished she was mine"
"Me too, I believe very soon our bundle of
Joy will
arrive by God's grace" I said
"Then don't stop me from joining you inside
the
shower" he said kissing me all over.
We bathed together and end the rest of the
activities
ended in the other room.
*Epilogue*
Four years later…..
I slept immediately I came back from Sunday
morning
service. Joy's call woke me up. Joy put to
bed last
month. She gave birth to a baby boy,
Testimony.
Daniel is Testimony's God father.
"Hi cousin"
"Hi"
"How are you doing and how's baby
Testimony doing"
"Your baby is doing fine"
she replied
We talked for a while, she's planning to come
back to
Nigeria very soon. I spoke to Kola before we
ended
the call.
Finally God answered our prayers. She had
her child
through IVF.
I went to the sitting room and met Shallom
watching
cartoon. I named her Shallom, indeed she
was my
peace. I have all the peace in the world, peace
revolves around me, my friends, loved ones
and family
are all doing well.
I've started running my school and it's
progressing,
my husband business is expanding, I have a
good
home. What else can I ask from God. And to
crown it
all He gave us this smart, brilliant and
beautiful
Princess, shalom.
Back to present…..
"Shallom, where is Dee?"
"You mean my Daddy" she said giving me a
funny
look.
"Where did I get this girl from, she always
compete
with me when it comes to Daniel" I said to
myself.
"I know he's your Daddy but he's my
husband" I said
"Mummy, Daddy loves me more than you"
she
gestured with her hands.
"Seriously! What's your age again?" I asked
Shalom.
"Mummy, I'm three. Did you forgot" she said
with a
straight face.
I swear this girl is hilarious, you need to see
her face.
I shake my head. I wonder where she got this
sharp
tongue from, definitely not from me.
"Fine, you win, so where's your Daddy" I
rephrased
my question.
She smiled "He's at the pool side with Aunt
Sharon
and Uncle Josh" she said in American accent.
I wonder if accent is hereditary too. If it's
hereditary
which I doubt, then she got it from her father
and
aunt.
"Oh your Aunt is around. Who is with you?"
"Aunt Moyin, she's in the kitchen to check
what she's
cooking" she replied in her babyish voice.
"OK" I turned to leave and she called me.
"Mummy sit" she said and I sat beside her.
"Mummy are you sick?" she asked touching
my
forehead with her small palm to feel my
temperature.
"No, why do you ask?"
"You've been sleeping ever since we came
back from
church"
"Let's just say that Mummy will soon give
you a kid
brother"
"Yeah…. She jumped up. Mummy thank you. I
can't
wait to have a kid brother"
"Good, let me say hi to your aunt and her
husband, I'll
be back"
I went into the kitchen first and pleaded with
Moyin to
hasten up her cooking, I'm famished.
I went to the pool side, Sharon was heavily
pregnant
and she was looking beautiful in her flowing
gown.
She stood up and hugged me, Josh did the
same.
While Daniel pulled a chair out for me to sit.
"Hope you enjoyed your nap" Daniel said and
planted
a kiss on my forehead.
I smiled "Yes I did, thanks. That reminds me
your
daughter said you love her more than you
love me.
Did you tell her that?"
"Shalom said that!" Josh asked smiling.
"Shallom is smarter than her age, don't you
know"
Sharon replied her husband.
"Huh! But I told her not to tell you" Daniel
said
scratching his head.
"Wow! So you actually did?" I countered.
"Honey, you know Shalom won't let me off
the hook, if
I didn't say that. You know I love you both"
he said
teasingly.
"I won't let you off the hook either, we
shouldn't wash
our dirty linens in front of Josh and Sharon,
so we'll
thrash it out later" I said jokingly and we all
laughed
out loud.
Some minutes later, Moyin came out and told
us that
food is ready.
I followed her back into the house to set the
table.
We all ate together except Shallom who was
busy
watching cartoon, she already took noodles
earlier, so
she wasn't hungry.
The couples left later in the evening. At night,
I bathed
Shallom, read her stories. That reminds me,
Daniel
talked me into doing this, you know all this
there
American stuff. Who read me story before I
sleep
when I was young, I doubt if my parents had
such
time. So with time, I got used to it. Now I
read her
stories before bedtime while Daniel tagged
along.
We left her room when she fell asleep and
went to our
bedroom. My husband kissed my little baby
bump, He
wrapped his hands around me on the bed. He
thanked
me for every good thing I brought into his
life. He
thanked me for my impact on his sister, he
was so
proud of the woman Sharon had become.
He also thanked me for giving him a beautiful
and
intelligent daughter and for carrying another
one.
I smiled and remembered how the journey all
started.
He dialed a wrong number, but he turned out
to be
the right man for me.
*THE END
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