Chapter 50

I laid back on the seat, silently watching the stars as they shun in the night sky, the open roof gave me the perfect view. We hadn't really spoken after he saved me from the many reporters.

I have so many questions right now, one of them including when he got back, how he knew I'd be at the diner and why he brought me to the middle of nowhere.  I did trust London, that he'd never hurt me, but I was curious as to why we were here.

He laid on his back, on his own seat, having done the same with mine, letting the silence take over.

I take this time to think back on tonight, how things ended between Keith and I. A part of me feels bad for some of the things I said. I understand his need to protect me and just how much he too was affected by my near death experiences. Another part of me needs for him to sort himself out, to talk to his family and release all he's been holding onto.

He needs his family, he needs that support and more love. We need a start over with nothing holding us back, we need to be completely happy for once and before we can think of a future and the possibility of kids.

My aunt showing up was a shock for both of us, me at most. I literally thought my mom was my only family. I grew up with her alone, she never really talked about her family, but I could always see the sadness in her eyes, that she tried to hide most of the time.

Hearing about what she went through with her parents hurts my heart, how they never supported her and gave her only two options, neither benefiting her, for I had won her heart already. She running off with a younger me, is one of the bravest things I believe a young woman could do, knowing full well that life was going to be hard out there but neither shaken.

This proves in higher scale of how much she loved me, she loved me so much, she abandoned everything she knew for me. I was raised by a single mother, she instilled good values, love, independence, sacrifice, humility and more.

If she were alive, once successful, I would have bought her a big house, car and took her to see all the places she wished to see. Mom wanted so much for me, she wanted me to meet great people and even meet the one who would capture my heart.

Well, ' mom, I have found the one, or better yet, he found me, ' I would tell her. Yes she wouldn't have liked how things had started with Keith and I, but at a later stage, once I'd convince her to see what I saw in Keith, she would have adopted him in her heart as her son in law.

She might have been gone physically but the memories stayed with me, her love and heart remained, and now I got a chance to a blood family I didn't think I had. Keith might have approached the situation differently and made me upset, but I wanted him part and parcel of this journey to my identity, for him to know who I was, apart from all he's known whilst we married.

I hope when I return home, we'd have a calm conversation about this, for us to see each others points of views and see where we found our conclusion, our compromise and more. No shouting or yelling, it gets us nowhere.

Sighing, I turn my head to face London who looks to be in deep thought. The moon gives me enough light to notice the small stubble on his face, it actually suits him.

I guess he feels me staring at him, since he turns his own head in my direction. We continue staring into each others eyes for a moment, before I decide to speak.

"When did you get back?"

"Yesterday. "

" Why didn't you call me - did you not want to see me?"

" I missed you the most, and I would have jumped at the opportunity to see you at first chance I got, but I couldn't. The timing was wrong and I was filled with guilt." He pulls his car seat back up, now at higher level then I was.

I follow suit, turning to really face him, seating sideways on the seat with my legs tucked under me.

" Guilt for what?"

" I failed to show when you needed me, I had blocked out all contact, wanting to drown in my own self pity, instead of being attentive and- ."

" London, don't beat yourself up over something that's passed."

" But what if you'd died and the last time I saw you, was us saying goodbye to each other?"

" Then at least we would have said goodbye." I tease him but he only frowns.

"That's not funny." He mumbles.

" When you left, I was sad and also felt guilty, believing that I was the reason for driving you away from your sister and friends. I didn't know how I would feel if you never came back, because London - You're my best friend and like it or not, you've already earned that place." I warn, pointing at him.

For the first time tonight, his lips twitch into a grin." I wouldn't have it any other way. Just so you know, I would have come back eventually, because in all honesty, no one can stay away from you."

I smile in knowing that he had every intention to come back.
" So how are you really?"

" Better. I just want us to go back to how things were, before I made that stupid thing."

I nod." I want that too. But I have to ask, how did you find me - I mean, I didn't expect you to show up like that and save me, from all that paparazzi. My God, they shocked the life out of me." I shudder, thinking about what happened back there.

" Actually when you called James, I'd been with him. He told me to join you guys so we could talk, but I was hesitant, because I thought you needed space and maybe you wouldn't be ready to see me. "

I open my mouth to protest, but he covers my hand with his bigger one, silencing me." But then, I realized that I was being a coward and missed you a whole lot, he'd told me about where you two would be and I arrived just in time to see them ambushing you. I knew I had to take you away and protect you from them."

" Thank you London, though I'm pretty sure my stunned face is all over  tv screens right now."

" More like blank face, you looked zoned out, it was pretty funny."

I chuckle at that, shaking my head." So are you absolutely ready for the world?" He asks me.

I sigh." I have to be, it's no child's play to be married to a well known businessman."

" With the world watching now." He adds.

" Yeah and now there's more yet to come, I'll be facing new challenges, one being to maintain the level of pressure the world throws at you, as the wife. I need to keep still in God, to maintain the foundation strong and keep in unshaken belief of mine and Keith's love."

Instead of saying anything, he just stares at me.

" What?"

" Keith is one lucky bastard." He says this in awe and I chuckle with my warm cheeks.

" You know he said the same thing, in more softer words."

His eyes dance in amusement.

" So is everything ready for the big day?"

I groan out. "Don't remind me, the days are passing and I haven't even done much, besides choosing the date and look things up on the internet, and bury myself in wedding magazines."

" Don't put pressure on yourself, get help and do two things." He holds up two fingers.

" What?"

" Have fun and make it memorable for you."

"Okay, got it." I nod vigorously.

He chuckles at my attentive face.

" So is he helping you?"

" Oh yes, he's responsible for my dress." He stares at me, blinking a few times before bursting out laughing.

I frown in confusion, not understanding why he's laughing.

" Oh Buttercup." He wipes at an invisible tear. " That's suppose to be your special moment, not give a guy the responsibility of your gown."

" But I've given him something to do, besides I trust him, because it'll be his opinion and what he envisions me in."

He nods, still not convinced about Keith actually being able to do this, but my trust is in him. He won't disappoint me.

" Okay buttercup, it's your day and you're in control."

"It's a weird feeling though, being in control, a day being yours."

" You've been hidden and pushed in a corner for too long, I get what you're feeling, but now it's time to enjoy all deserved attention. "

" It's also Keith's day too."

" Yeah but who really pays attention to the groom, all attention is mostly on the bride, the groom's there to show up and show out, just as long as he compliments the bride."

" I think Keith will receive more attention. Have you seen him - he's a good looking fellow."

" Uh Buttercup, I'm a dude, so this is getting kinda weird." He scrunches up his nose.

" Okay okay. One question though."

" Yeah."

"Do you want to get married, in the future?"

He begins to think this over, a few seconds passing before he nods." Yeah I do, once I find the right girl."

" I'm pretty sure you will."

Us staring at each other and time passing, begins to feel a little awkward and I cough, looking away in search for my phone.

" Oh shoot, I forgot my bag at the diner."

" James must have it with him."

" Keith must be worried, and I'm sure he saw my picture on the TV. " I say, relaxing on the seat as exhaustion fills me.

" I think his main priority is you right now." He tells me.

" Mhm yeah." I say, feeling sleepy now.

" Sleepy?"

I nod." Yeah, could you take me home now please, Keith must be worried, not knowing where I am." I say with half closed eyes.

" Actually he's on his way."

" Oh that's good, because I miss him." I trail off, not really registering the fact that he said Keith is on his way, but drowning into a slumber.


At one point, I feel myself being picked up then transferred to another set of arms, this action stirring me half awake, but I refuse to open my eyes. The cool air gives my body goosebumps and I snuggle into the familiar arms and scent.

I know it's him, my tired body tells me it's him. It's Keith.

" She trusts you." Keith says above my head.

" I know what you're thinking but I would never do such a thing, she's my buttercup, my best friend." London responds close by.

" And she's my angel, the love of my life." He sighs. " Look, she's seen something in both of us that earns us her trust. She's important to you as she's to me, and all I want is for her to be happy."

" I want that too."

"Then I'm willing to do a start over. No hidden agenda, no upping the other and subjecting her to a stupid game of ego. We both have a special person in our lives."

" She's the innocent party here and because of her, I agree to all you've said. A start over for her."

" Good." That's the last I hear before falling back to sleep again.

              

                       ******

I look myself in the mirror whilst brushing my teeth. I feel excited for the day, because I am going to meet up with my aunt Marisa today.

I'd received a message earlier from her, telling me of where and when we could meet. I was ready to hear what she had to say, I wanted to know more about my mother and her early childhood, she was always a private person and it was quite a challenge to get anything deep out of her.

Well today was about to change.

Making my way out of the bathroom, after doing my morning routine and re-entering the room with intention of heading out to the kitchen, I stop in my tracks when my phone starts ringing.

I grab it in time before the person hangs up, I answer without checking the caller ID.

" Hello. "

" Morning lil' sis, sleep well?"

" Yes I did thank you, um where did you go last night?" I walk out of my room, heading downstairs.

" Well I pretty much went straight to your husband to inform him of what happened, then went out to the club right after."

" You don't tire do you?"

" Nope, besides, I had to meet someone." I perk up at that, last night's conversation coming back to me now.

" You're hinting at something here." I say in a sing song tone.

" No, don't even go there, I called for a different reason."

" Okay tell me."

"We're going suit shopping for your husband."

" Wait what?"

" Yeah, he pretty much asked me to help you out and I already have his measurements." I smile at Keith's thoughtfulness.

" What time am I supposed to meet you?"

" I can hear a smile over there."

" Can you blame me?" He chuckles.

"I'll come fetch you and don't worry, I'm more prepared for the paps today."

" Please don't remind me, I must look like a deer caught in headlights." My attention diverts to Keith, who's walking Rick out.




Keith's here and he didn't go to work?

What's Rick doing here?...

" Kea, are you still there?" I'm knocked out of my thoughts and back to the conversation.

" Yes, yes. What were you saying?" I ask, getting off the stairs and heading off to the living room.

"Never mind. Anyway, before I forget and hang up, warning, we might just pass by the lingerie department."

" W-what?" Maybe I didn't hear him correctly.

"Yeah, after our chat last night, it got me thinking about a little surprise, you could give Keithy boy."

" No, no. There's no way I'm doing that, with you present." I shake my head as if he could see my shocked face.

" I'm like your brother. What harm could I possibly do?"

"Well let's see, cause my heart a big heart attack and if I must remind you, I'm married, so that means the only one who'll ever get to see me naked is my husband. Capiche?!"

"Damn cool down firecracker. Theresa will be there too and she knows better then anyone, the best set to make a guy to go crazy, even I have- ."

"Wait what?" My jaw drops open.

" Okay I love you, bye!" His voice went   bit high before he hung up.

I stare at the phone screen for a while, not sure if I heard that right.

Did he just- I delete the question out of mind when I notice the news paper on the coffee table, I'm in the front page.

Picking it up and unfolding it, I almost want to laugh out loud at James's messed up hair. I do have a blank face on and look like I'm zoned out.

Guess London was right.

Arms wrap around my waist, pulling me to a hard chest, followed by a kiss on the side of my neck.

" I'm sorry." I throw the paper back onto the table before turning in his arms. "I should probably be careful next time." I say wearily.

He doesn't say anything but leans in for a sweet, slow and tender kiss. I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. I sigh in relief, knowing that he's not mad at me. He all too soon breaks the kiss, planting a peck on my forehead.

" Good morning my Angel." He smiles at me.

" Morning."

" I'm sorry about last night."

" I'm sorry too." He shakes his head no. " No, you were right. "

" Oh?"

" Yeah. There's things my family and I need to sort out, I don't want anything to mess up or be a burden to us when we should be enjoying this time. So I've set up a meeting with family, so we could talk."

I've never felt more prouder of Keith, taking this step.

"I'm happy and proud of you." This widens his smile.

"And don't be mad, but I checked out Marisa and everything seems to be real, that's why I've booked you two at the spa. You'll have your own team with no disturbances, so you could talk privately."

I pull his face down for a kiss, feeling grateful for what he's done and his new attitude towards this matter.

" Thank you." I murmur against his lips.

" I love you Akiandra and I'd do anything for your happiness." I hug him tight, not having enough words to express how I'm feeling right now.

" Before I forget, I've got something for you." I lean back.

" What is it?"

" Come on." He takes a step back, entwining our fingers together, leading me out of the house surprisingly.

The minute we step out, my eyes are quick to notice two gorgeous cars.



Woah these are two of Keith's many cars.

" Can you drive?"

"Yes." I say, not being able to look away from the cars.

" Pick one."



" What?" This time I do look at him.

"You need your private travel and we don't have time today to go toy shopping." He shrugs his shoulders.

I glance between Keith and the cars, not knowing what to say.

Sensing my reluctance, he pulls me close, still giving me the perfect view of the cars.

" My baby needs to travel in something fitting her, something hot and fast." He says close to my ear, his hot breath trailing down my neck.

Chills run down my spine, my body aware of his own and goosebumps evident on my arms.

" So come on baby." He plants a soft kiss onto that sweet spot on my neck. "Pick one." He says, pulling back and leaving me breathless.