Chapter Thirty One

"My firecracker," my father said "It's been a while, you just abandoned your old man. You look like a grown-up ready for marriage" I hugged him tightly. Honestly, I've missed my dad so much, I wonder what kept me from visiting him all this while

"I've missed you so much dad" tears threatened to spill from my eyes but I held them back. His eyes trailed to Constantine who had been watching our reunion all this while.

"Who's the young man," he asked inquisitively

"Ohh sorry for not introducing him sooner. This is Constantine, my boyfriend" I said proudly his mouth agape

"Your.....your boyfriend" his eyes widened

"My firecracker now has a boyfriend hurray. I was wondering how to ask you when you are bringing a man to my house and introduce him as your boyfriend" he turned to Constantine "Your welcome son. My name is Robert" he said extending his hand to Constantine

"It's nice to meet you sir," Constantine said taking his hand

"Don't call me sir, it makes me feel too old. Call me Robert or Rob or dad" I rolled my eyes

"Okay, sir. Sorry Rob" my father laughed

"Come inside" I held Constantine's hand as we walked into the living room. I looked around the house it was just like I remembered only now they had repainted inside.

"Where's Gabe and Francis," I asked looking around since I had not heard their voices.

"They went to get some groceries. They'll be back soon" my father replied

"Constantine, what do you do?" My father asked

"I own a company. An underwear design company"

"Wow, so you make underwear for both males and females. Right?"

"Yes, I do"

"So how did you meet my daughter?" My father asked curiously

"She works for me. She is my assistant"

"So you're technically her boss and you are dating her. Are there no rumors going around the company? What are your plans for my daughter? Are you planning on marrying her or do you just want to use her and dump her when you are bored?"

"Dad!!!!"

"Allow me to ask questions. I want to know his intentions for you and this is the first time you ever brought a boy home. So allow me to interrogate him how I deem fit"

"But you are making him uncomfortable and you are embarrassing me with these questions"

"It's alright" Constantine touched my hand " Rob, I really love your daughter and I'm not planning on using her or dumping her either. As a matter of fact with your blessings I plan to marry her" my mouth opens in shock

Did he just say he plans on marrying me? Or did I hear wrongly

My father had a wide smile on his face "I like you. Welcome to the family" my father patted Constantine's back "Let me tell you, her brothers are worse than I am they might push your buttons too far but nevertheless you have my blessings"

"Thank you, Rob. I promise to always make your daughter happy"

"You better do because if she ever comes home crying because of you. I'm going to kick your ass hard"

"That's enough dad," I said sternly

Just then the door sprung open and my brothers walked in, in all their glory holding groceries. Their eyes widened when they saw me and I went to hug them.

"You've grown very big" Gabe rubbed my head "You are now looking like a woman but you'll always be my little sister

I punched his bulging muscled "You don't look bad yourself with all these muscles" I said teasing him and he smiled

"You forget I'm here too," Francis said

I hugged him "I've missed you, Fran"

"I missed you too Euli. I'm glad you didn't go back on your promise"

They finally acknowledge the presence of another person in the room their eyes were on him

"Who might this be?" Gabe asked to no one in particular his tone changing a bit

"This man here is your sister's boyfriend" my dad answered

"C'mon dad, you didn't even let me introduce him myself" I turned to my brothers "Well, this is my boyfriend, Constantine"

"Your face looks familiar," Francis said trying to remember "wait..... You are that man who won the best underwear designer and was given the richest man"

"The very one," I said smiling

"I can't believe you are in our house. Good to see you man" Francis said extending a hand to him while Gabe remained where he was

"Go and shake him" I whispered to Gabe "Don't be rude to my guest" I gave him a warning

He extended a hand to Constantine "Welcome bro"

"Thank you" they shook hands

My brother Francis dragged me to the side

"Are you pregnant?" He blurted out, his gaze moving to my belly

"What!!!, No, I'm not. Why would you think that?"

"If you are not pregnant for him, then why are you introducing him to dad"

"Didn't you hear the part when I said he is my boyfriend or do you want me to spell it for you?"

His eyes widened

"I don't want that your protective brother shit today, keep it hidden if you don't want me to get angry with you and tell Gabe too"  I went back to my seat beside Constantine

"I hope my brothers are not making you uncomfortable?" I whispered in his ear

"I can handle them and they actually look fun to be with" I rolled my eyes

"Firecracker make our lunch and Francis should assist you," my father said

"Why me? I'm a guest today"

"We've missed your cooking around here. Haven't we?" My father asked my brothers and they nodded

I kissed my teeth.

"Don't make my boyfriend uncomfortable. If not I'm never coming back here" I threatened

"I'm just going to show him around the house," my father said

I went into the kitchen with Francis. We were preparing our mother's favorite dish. Chicken soup

"Be careful with that man you are dating. You know he is a player and he's always with a different woman every week. I'm just concerned about you"

"I appreciate your concern for me. I know Constantine very well don't judge him by what you see on the news. I know he loves me very much and he won't do anything to hurt me"

"If you say so. Let's get to work"

We prepared the ingredients for the soup and not long later it was inside the pot cooking. When it was ready I served everybody and they thanked me for the food.

I couldn't be more proud of myself than I am now. I only wished my mum was here.