Page 52 of Fake Wife for Dr. Secret Daddy

I feel it is the right time to talk to him about proposing to Winnie and I do it immediately, and without thinking.

“So, I've been doing some thinking, Austin. And I think I want to propose to Winnie.”

He sips his beer without replying. His face is expressionless as if he didn't hear me.

“Did you forget that my father needed me married in no time, and Winnie wanted to get back your father’s land for you both 9 months ago?

“Oh…” He says and I begin to worry as he says nothing more.

“Oh?” I question, looking straight at him, “That’s all you have to say?”

“I'm still trying to process the past events.” His forehead furrows in evidence.

“Oh,” It's my turn to say so.

“Well, I think it's up to Winnie to decide if she wants to get married to you, for real or not” he continues, “I really don't see any need in seeking my permission.

I nod silently, letting the breeze caress my bare arms.

“I just thought it is proper I ask you” I sigh.

“Well, if someone would've told me three years ago that in three years' time, my best friend could do this to my little sister and I would be twisting his neck, I would've doubted it.”

I run my hands through my hair, my conscience doing that guilty thing it did whenever someone talks about how I got Winnie pregnant even though she had been way too young back then.

“I'm very grateful for the way you've handled everything, man. I don't know what I would've done without your seal of approval.”

“I admire your sincerity too, Ted. Not everyone would've had the courage to come clean and tell me all that has happened as you have done.”

Even though he hasn't said it, I know there's an “It's why we're best friends” lurking somewhere in his mouth.

We sit in silence, enjoying the breeze.

“Till today, I don't understand what prompted my father to act the way he did. This is a crime that is punishable by law. And look at his reputation, he knows it is a crime not only against humanity but even God. Yet he goes ahead to do it.”

Austin doesn't reply and I know he is contemplating what to say as it involves my father. I have always known him to respect my father right from time.

“In everything, I thank my stars that the girls are alive. Imagine what it would've been like knowing I still have a daughter out there that I don't know her whereabouts.”

“I'm sorry about everything, man. You just need to let it go. He probably did it because he thought it was the best thing to do in that–”

“Definitely not,” I interrupt, already flaming in anger. Anytime I talk about my father, my system is a turbulence of emotions and I find it hard to control myself. It is happening again.

“Definitely not,” I say again, “he did it only because he cared so much about his reputation. I was never in the equation; it was him and himself alone.”

“Come on, man, let's close that chapter–”

Austin is trying to calm me down, with his beer by his side. I am still angry, and I try to control the constant quaking of my limbs.

“You said it already, bro. In everything, you're thankful for the gift of your daughters. That's all that matters now, that's all that will continue to matter. He is in the past and should remain there.”

I nod, thankful for his support as he pats my shoulder fondly.

“But damn, bro. I never knew you could get so incensed. You ought to be a lawyer or something. Because the way you were going on and on, it would take a gavel to stop you.”

I am laughing now, the grievances forgotten.

“If I was a lawyer, the first thing I'd do is to sue his ass. That way, he'll know money can never get in the way of everything.”

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