Page 20 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

She applies powder to fix my tears and some mascara. The smell of food hits us as we step out.

We all sit and eat, laughing at Osei’s jokes. Ever the life of the party.

Amaka soon takes the third room, and I can hear her talking to Nosah. Luke heads to his office. Osei and I talk for a while before he leaves. I decided to speak with Luke.

I ignore the frantic beat of my heart and knock on his office door. Slowly, I open it. The moment my eyes lock with Luke’s, I’m transported back to the moment I entered the church and saw him looking debonair and downright handsome. The best part was the fact he was waiting for me. He stole my breath away as his hazel eyes bored into mine. Osei squeezed my hand, grounding me as my stomach fluttered with excitement. I couldn’t believe I was marrying Luke Blythe. I looked away to hand my bouquet to Amaka, but the moment Luke took my hand in his, I felt a shiver down my spine from his touch. My eyes shot back up to his, and all I saw was warmth and desire. I didn’t hear a thing the pastor said. I was so lost in gazing at him that I hesitated in saying ‘I do.’ Good thing Amaka nudged me.

“Did you need something?” His words interrupt, breaking me out of my trance.

“I came to say goodnight and thank you for letting Amaka stay.”

“Your best friend is always welcome. Goodnight.” I nod and turn to leave.

“Dele, we are going to my parent’s place for dinner tomorrow.”

“Okay, goodnight.” I leave, though I want to ask him about the balcony, but I’m too chicken to bring it up. So, I head to my room, change, and lock the door.

Chapter 13

LUKE

I was surprised to see Dele at the door. I wasn’t working. I was notifying the lawyers about getting Dele’s documents ready to send in when the pictures from Declan came through. He captured moments of Dele. One of the pictures is from when she was gazing into my eyes after the kiss. I intend to have it framed.

After getting a few more things done, I went to her door. As usual, the door was locked. I unlocked it and moved closer to check on her. I noticed the ring still on her hand. I kissed her hand and forehead before leaving for my bed.

When I woke up the next morning, I found Dele cleaning the kitchen alone with no friend in sight.

“Morning. Is Amaka still sleeping?”

“No, she left early.” She checked her phone. “She’s boarding right now.”

“Okay, hope she was good.”

“She’s good and will be back in a few weeks.” I nodded. “I made breakfast. It’s in the warmer. Eggs and pancakes. I wasn’t sure how you like your eggs, so I made scrambled and omelet.”

“I prefer omelet. Thank you.” She nodded.

“What time are we heading to your parents' place? I made Nigerian bean pudding for your mom. Osei told me she likes it.” Her tone is formal, as if she’s trying to keep a distance.

“We’ll leave at four.”

“Okay, I have a few hours to study and will be ready.” I nodded, and she left, much as I would’ve liked her to sit with me.

Dele and I arrive at my childhood home. I see Osei is already here. I didn’t tell him I’d be bringing Dele, nor did I tell my mom. I know she’s aware that I married Dele, thanks to Osei, and I’ve avoided speaking with her since yesterday. I notice the curtain is pulled, and Mom is peeping. If I expected her to act like she didn’t peek, I must be dreaming of a different mom, because the front door swings open, and she’s racing to wrap Dele in a big hug.

“Welcome,” she says to Dele. “I’m so happy to have you here.”

“Nice to see you too, Mrs. Appiah.”

“Please, call me Stella.” Dele nods, but I know she won’t call her Stella.

“Come on, Osei is inside already eating all the food.” She pulls Dele with her.

“Hi, Mom,” I say to her. She looks back and waves at me, then continues inside the house.

The moment we walk in, Mom calls out to my stepfather, “Danso, Osei. They are here!”

Osei and Piah come out from the family room. Piah shakes my hand first, just as Osei gives Dele a big hug, lifting her off the ground, making my mom laugh. He sets her down and says, “Don’t tell me you didn’t bring food.”

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