Page 25 of Possessing the Prince

“Senya, the land is beautiful out here. I’ve never seen so many trees in my life. They create a beautiful high wall of green. I see why you live out here. Can we pause so I can snap some pictures? I have my camera up here with me.”

I smile at the reprieve from my thoughts and pull over. “Aye, M’akomam’ t?fe. Snap all the pictures you want.” Abena is giddy as she unbuckles her seatbelt and hops out of the car with a Nikon camera bag on her shoulder. I follow.

We hike through the trees and she takes what seems like a thousand pictures. Watching her work is incredible. She treats even inanimate subject like they live and breathe. Abena searches for the perfect angle of trees, leaves, and birds. It is obvious she is a natural. I know why she wants to take that royal gig in Australia—it proves she is at the top of her game. I also know why they want her: She’s the best.

But it won’t work. Abena can’t take that gig and be my wife. I know I’m selfish for making her choose when that was never the agreement. But, I need her. And I’ve never been selfish in my life. I figure I’m owed this one pleasure. I will pledge my life to making her happy enough to forget she ever had the opportunity to be anything else other than mine.

When she finishes taking photos, we return to the car in silence. She looks at me as we buckle up and smiles. “I can’t believe you get to wake up to such beautiful surroundings every day. It’s amazing out here.”

I laugh. “Yes, and now you will, too. At least for the next year.” Once we are settled, I start the car and drive a short stretch before turning the corner and going up one of my favorite roads. On cue, hundreds of butterflies appear. There are hundreds of multiple shades of blue, purple, gold, and red. I hear Abena gasp, and I know she is impressed. The butterflies and tree canopies are what Bobiri is known for. I want her to experience this beauty and enter our home enchanted.My plan is working.

“Senya! Oh my God. Where do all the butterflies come from? Are they always here?”

I nod. “During this time of the year, yes. But they are seasonal visitors. Summertime is the best time to see them out like this along with many birds before the heat of the day settles in around 3 p.m.”

When I turn up an access road, the butterflies’ part and my wood and stone hamlet come into view. I took great pains to build and design this home myself. While Kofi’s home is all mahogany and glass, mine is gray stone, steel, and imported pine. It has both a light and masculine feel. At 3,500 square feet, it is the perfect size for me. Now that I have Abena, she may want more rooms.

“Welcome home,” I announce as I drive the Range up a steep gravel hill. “I built it before I knew I’d ever have the privilege of sharing it with you. Hopefully you will find it comfortable.”

“It’s beautiful, Senya! It is so tucked away and peaceful. Did you really build this yourself?”

I put the SUV in park and I turn to her. “Yes, I did. It took me a little over six months. I had a crew from Tafo assist with the labor.”

Abena shakes her head. “That is impressive. Is there anything that you can’t do, Senya T’ogbe?”

“Yes.” I reach out and stroke her cheek before leaning over to unbuckle her seatbelt. “I can’t stay away from you. I will never be able to leave you alone, Precious. You run in my veins.” She leans over and gives me a quick peck before I exit the car.

I walk around to open her door and lead her out. Christian exits the house’s front door and I gesture for him to get our bags.

“Abena, before we go in, let me show you around the grounds. I have some sneakers you can slip on. Maybe we can catch the butterflies up close and personal and you can take more pictures.”

She smiles and claps her hands like a giddy child. Many people would take one look at Abena and assume she does not appreciate the outdoors. But I know better. She appreciates nature and its beauty.

We spend the next two hours walking the grounds and taking pictures of butterflies. We don’t talk much, and that’s OK. I love just being in her presence while she is happy. I hate to interrupt her, but she has not eaten.

“Abena. Let’s return. It’s getting late. Can you believe it is already well after lunch?

She places a hand on her stomach and nods. “Yes, I can. Because I am starving.”

I laugh because I am hungry, too. “I apologize, Precious. I should have fed you. I was too busy looking at your beautiful face improving nature. Let’s go inside and get something to eat. It’s time to show you the house.”

* * *

Once we enterthe stone-trimmed glass door, Abena slips the muddy sneakers off and places her gold sandals back on as her eyes light up at the open room. My first floor has little to no separation. She can see the kitchen, family room, and glass patio doors that back up to the river. The view is impressive, even better than Kofi’s in my opinion. My kitchen is gold and black with white marble countertops. I invested in a Viking stove and Sub-Zero fridge. I love to cook, so a chef’s kitchen is a must. When Abena eyes the stove, she hurries over and runs her hand over the smooth steel.

“I bet this is incredible to cook on.”

“It is. Everything always cooks at a perfect temperature.”

Abena puts down her handbag on the island and starts to wash her hands. “Perfect, I am cooking dinner for you tonight. Do you have everything I will need to make jollof and red pepper soup?”

I walk over and cross my arms in front of my chest. I’ve never known Abena to cook anything. I do not want to be faced with the unfortunate situation of having to force down her food to avoid hurting her feelings. I need to deflect. “Yes. But are you sure you want to do that? I can cook us something—it is no problem. That was my plan anyway.”

Abena narrows her eyes at me. “Are you scared I can’t cook?”

I laugh. “Well, yes. You’ve had cooks your entire life. When did you learn to cook? And why?”

“Don’t let this pretty face fool you, T’ogbe. I can burn in the kitchen just as well as any good Ashanti girl from the village. My mother was a village girl, and she taught me everything. It was our special time together. You just go and do whatever work you need to get done and I will have dinner completed in about two hours.”

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