WRONG NUMBER.. By Toyin Taiwo (episode 31...)

* Episode 41*
The two families has reached a consensus and the wedding will be happening in two months.
I and Daniel traveled had to New York to see his Parents. My Pastor suggest we leave Sharon behind, so she won’t get to see people who will trigger her old life. So I took her to my house. I was sure she’ll enjoy her stay, my family members are very accomodating.
We spent two weeks in America, I was well received by his parents. His Parent are simple and down to earth. They showered me with love like they’ve known me all their lives. I was treated like a princess, like I was the only daughter in-law in the world.
I realized how much they love and cherish Daniel. I guessed it was that love that was transferred to me. All they are interested in is Daniel’s happiness and they never doubted his choice.
Daniel took me to Los Angeles to see some of his cousins. He's cousins told me they won't mind following Daniels footsteps. They want to come to Nigeria to get a wife as well.
One of them even pleaded with me to help him get a wife material ready before the wedding. Since they are coming to Nigeria for the wedding. I told them I'm not good in match making.
Daniel took me out on sight seeing. From Freedom tower to central park, Rockfeller center and Nyc park. I finally saw the statue of liberty live, I only see it on tv. I had a lot of fun, I must confess.
I shopped for the wedding as he promised. He took me to two great bridal stores in New York. Kleinfield and Lovely bridal shop .We bought everything we needed for the wedding including our rings except for my wedding gown. I have great fashion designers in Nigeria who will do justice to that. We have to celebrate, appreciate and embrace the art and talents that we have in our country.
****
I was alone in Daniel's home in New York, his parents are not around. Daniel has gone out too, he said he wants to do one or two things around.
I heard the door bell rang, so I went to get the door.
“Hello” I said as I opened the door.
Without asking her in, she brushed pass me and entered into the house. She’s a tall beautiful lady with a chocolate glowing skin.
“I’m sorry ma’am, the occupants of this house are not in, and I don’t know you. What’s your name, so I’ll tell them you called” I said respectfully.
“So you are the Nigerian girl who stole my man right?” she said in an American accent.
“I don’t steal people’s man, please ma’am who are you?”
She checked out the diamond ring on my ring finger and eyed it.
“I heard Nigerian girls are good at hypnotizing men, but you’ve messed with the wrong person”
“Oh! Now I know who you are, his ex!” I said
The word “ex” I altered hitted her like a sledge hammer. She raised her hand to slap me.
"Oh God! History must not repeat itself, Tunde’s girlfriend once slapped me, it must not happen again" I said to myself.
So I quickly cover my cheeks with my two hands with my eyes closed.
Then I heard a voice from behind, I opened my eyes immediately.
This guy is my knight in shinning amro


 Episode 42
Few weeks to our wedding, I got a call from Daniel. He told me to come down to his office.
“I’m still in school, you know I close by 4pm” I explained
“Sweetheart, but we agreed you resign, so you could have time to prepare for the wedding.
“I have my love, I’ve tendered my resignation letter, this is my last week here” I explained.
“OK, I need you here, please get a permission or something”
“Ok, let me try to seek permission, I’ll get back at you”
I went to the Principal’s office and he gave me permission. He understands I’m preparing for my wedding. So he gave me permission.
I drove down to Daniel’s office around 11:30am. He offered me a cold drink and told me he wants me to accompany him to a place. We went in his car why I parked mine in the parking lot.
He parked in front of a landed property. The building is under construction, some workers are there working.
“Where is this place?”
i asked
“A proposed site for your school and as you can see its already under construction” he informed.
My leg was weakened, I couldn’t believe my ears .
“Please tell me I’m dreaming, all this for me!” my eyes were clouded with tears.
“Woman, you are too emotional” he said and held me in his arms.
I hugged him tightly
“I’m speechless, I can’t thank you enough. Do you I really deserve all this”
“This beautiful heart deserve more my dear”
He hugged and kiss me and patted my back.
We left the place heading back to his office to get my car.
****
My Dad is really preparing for the wedding, he re- painted the whole house, changed the furniture in the living room. Even the whole compound floor was plastered. He fixed every fixable. Our house turned brand new. It’s not easy to give your first daughter out in marriage, but he was extremely happy.
My parents in-law to be and all their guests arrived few days to the wedding. Some stayed at Daniel’s place while others are lodged into a nearby hotel.
We had our Traditional wedding on Friday and church wedding on Saturday.
Our wedding was glorious, my heart was filled with so much joy, i married the man of my dreams.
My parents in-law graced the wedding with their white friends and colleagues in America. There extended family members in Ekiti were present too. Also Daniel’s white friends too all came down to Nigeria.
Everyone of them wore the aso ebi, the females among them tied gele as well. The residents in my area thought I married a white man. I never believed they could travel that far to attend a wedding in Nigeria. It was fun to see this whites prostrate with the groom during the engagement ceremony. I was elated.
My extended family members, my parents colleagues, church members, neighbors, colleagues at my place of work, Daniel's staff and clients were also present. The crowd was much, thank God we made provisions that can cater for everyone.
I really miss Joy around, I understand her absence is for the best. I was shocked to see Tunde, I and Daniel invited him but i never knew he’d show up.
Paul and Lizzy were present, they’ve been very supportive. Lizzy was not all that active because she's heavily pregnant.
I threw my bouquet at the reception, guess who caught it? Sharon
Everything went well to the glory of God.
After the reception, we were taken straight to the Airport
****
We had our honey moon on an island in Mauritius. Daniel discovered the place few months to our wedding and made reservations. Trust me the place was beautiful to behold.
Around the island, there is calm, clear shimmering blue water. The breeze, The sand sparkles in the sunlight. There is a small wooden beach hut which is hidden among the tall, tropical palm trees where couples can relax. The beautiful, blue sunny skies is spread across the island.
All the hotel rooms look onto the ocean with great views. I love ocean front hotels, have always dream of a place like this.
I never knew beautiful place like this exist in Africa. We met some white tourists on the island as well.
Our honey moon was splendid. My husband is extremely romantic. Our first night together was awesome and perfect. He treated me like a queen. My husband was unerringly gentle. He took he’s time and everything else was magical. I felt like I never had se.x all my life.
We had a great time together on the Island. I felt like we are in paradise. I wish it never end but it has too because this trip cost a fortune, the day I stumbled on our bills, I told my husband one week is enough we can continue our honey moon in Nigeria but the king is ready to do anything for his queen. He even said we are coming back here anytime soon. To be sincere, I won’t mind coming back, this place is out of this world.
We went on sight seeing, shopping. The restaurant on the island is classic, their African dishes are on point. We spent two weeks on the island before we returned to Nigeria. This is an experience I won't forget in a very long....time, it was golden

CONCLUDING EPISODE 43

We came back from our honey moon. The mansion is empty, everyone as returned to their base. We visited my family, Sharon said she’ll join us later at the mansion. Then we checked on the Pauls.
My husband and I walked into their sitting room, the atmosphere was not friendly or welcoming. Everywhere was quiet. Lizzy lying on the sofa not looking so well, her face was swollen.
“Lizzy, what’s wrong?”
We were shocked, when Paul told us Lizzy lost her mom.
“When was that?” I asked Paul
“Last week. In fact Lizzy was hospitalized, she fainted when she got the news of her mother’s death. She was just discharged from the hospital yesterday” Paul narrated.
“And nobody cared to inform us?” Daniel said with a straight face.
“Who does that? You are on honey moon, and you don’t expect us to ruin it for you with sad news”
“Lizzy, I’m sorry for your loss” Daniel said.
“Thank you” she replied as tears flooded her eyes.
“Please stop crying, you know your condition, you did want anything to happen to your baby right” I said
“Daniella, you won’t understand, my mother suffered…...I lost my father at a very tender age, there was no one to turn to for help,. My mother toiled hard, just to give me and my son the best. She couldn’t remarry, knowing fully well that no man that can accept her daughter and grandson. She traded her happiness for my son and I. Now death took her away from me, from us, she should have waited a little longer to enjoy the fruit of her labor” she said wailing.
“Its OK my dear, God knows best” I said
“She’s all I have and she’s gone… She’s gone”
“Lizzy please put yourself together, I know you’ll miss her, but you have your own family now, husband, your son and you have us. Please be strong”
“I will thank…..you….
“What’s going on Lizzy, are you in alright?” I reached out to her.
“I think, my….water… just.. broke” She said and wincing in pain.
“What! Are you waiting for us to come back from our honeymoon, you must name this child after me if he’s a boy and if it’s a girl then you must name her after my wife” Daniel said to lighten the mood while Paul went to get her things in the room.
Lizzy shake her head at his joke and smiled weakly.
Daniel and Paul helped her into the car, while carried her into the car, while I carried the bag. We got to the hospital and she was wheeled into the labor room. We all silently prayed while waiting for the doctor.
One of the Nurses came out and we all walk up to her. She smiled “Congrat, she gave birth to a baby girl”
Thank God! We all hugged one another.
“Can we see her now” Paul asked with all excitement.
“Not yet, I’ll let you know when she’s moved into the ward” the Nurse replied
“Thank you” We all chorused.
Some minutes later, we were directed to her ward.
“God has comforted me” Lizzy said smiling as she held the baby.
“Yes he has, congratulations” I said and took the baby from her.
“She’s so cute and beautiful” I said
“Just like her mom” Daniel added.
I handed the baby over to Paul, but he refused to take the baby from me.
“I’m scared to hold her, she’s looks fragile” he said fidgeting.
“All you need do, is to carry her gently with care, she won’t break” I said smiling. I gently place the baby in his arms.
“Hi, my beautiful princess” he said as he rocked her gently.
Paul raise his head and faced me. “We are naming her after you” he said
“Did you hear me when I said it earlier” Daniel asked curiously.
“No I didn’t, we made the decision months back”
“No wonder the baby came when she sighted Daniella” he said and we all laughed.
“I’m honored, thank you” I said
“Hi Daniella” Daniel said and took the baby from Paul.
We left the hospital later and went home.
I’m happy for them, Lizzy has a baby to worry about now, the pain of loosing her mom will be replaced by the joy of having a new born baby. I’m happy for them can’t wait to have my baby.
Daniel went straight upstairs to shower while I prepared dinner. After taking dinner, we retired to the bedroom.
I took off my clothes and move into the bathroom to shower. I heard footsteps so I opened my eyes.
“Hubby you took a shower not quite long”
“I thought wifey needed company” he said with a mischievous look.
“I know that look, don’t….
He didn’t allow me finish my statement he kissed me and took off his short.
“Baby I can’t wait to hold our own baby, I carried baby Daniella and I wished she was mine”
“Me too, I believe very soon our bundle of Joy will arrive by God’s grace” I said
“Then don’t stop me from joining you inside the shower” he said kissing me all over.
We bathed together and end the rest of the activities ended in the other room.

 Epilogue
Four years later…..
I slept immediately I came back from Sunday morning service. Joy’s call woke me up. Joy put to bed last month. She gave birth to a baby boy, Testimony. Daniel is Testimony’s God father.
“Hi cousin"
”Hi”
"How are you doing and how’s baby Testimony doing”
“Your baby is doing fine”
she replied
We talked for a while, she’s planning to come back to Nigeria very soon. I spoke to Kola before we ended the call.
Finally God answered our prayers. She had her child through IVF.
I went to the sitting room and met Shallom watching cartoon. I named her Shallom, indeed she was my peace. I have all the peace in the world, peace revolves around me, my friends, loved ones and family are all doing well.
I’ve started running my school and it’s progressing, my husband business is expanding, I have a good home. What else can I ask from God. And to crown it all He gave us this smart, brilliant and beautiful Princess, shalom.
Back to present…..
“Shallom, where is Dee?”
“You mean my Daddy” she said giving me a funny look.
“Where did I get this girl from, she always compete with me when it comes to Daniel” I said to myself.
“I know he’s your Daddy but he’s my husband” I said
“Mummy, Daddy loves me more than you” she gestured with her hands.
“Seriously! What’s your age again?" I asked Shalom.
“Mummy, I’m three. Did you forgot” she said with a straight face.
I swear this girl is hilarious, you need to see her face.
I shake my head. I wonder where she got this sharp tongue from, definitely not from me.
“Fine, you win, so where’s your Daddy” I rephrased my question.
She smiled “He’s at the pool side with Aunt Sharon and Uncle Josh” she said in American accent.
I wonder if accent is hereditary too. If it’s hereditary which I doubt, then she got it from her father and aunt.
“Oh your Aunt is around. Who is with you?”
“Aunt Moyin, she’s in the kitchen to check what she’s cooking” she replied in her babyish voice.
“OK” I turned to leave and she called me.
“Mummy sit” she said and I sat beside her.
“Mummy are you sick?” she asked touching my forehead with her small palm to feel my temperature.
“No, why do you ask?”
“You’ve been sleeping ever since we came back from church”
“Let’s just say that Mummy will soon give you a kid brother”
“Yeah…. She jumped up. Mummy thank you. I can’t wait to have a kid brother”
“Good, let me say hi to your aunt and her husband, I’ll be back”
I went into the kitchen first and pleaded with Moyin to hasten up her cooking, I’m famished.
I went to the pool side, Sharon was heavily pregnant and she was looking beautiful in her flowing gown. She stood up and hugged me, Josh did the same. While Daniel pulled a chair out for me to sit.
"Hope you enjoyed your nap” Daniel said and planted a kiss on my forehead.
I smiled “Yes I did, thanks. That reminds me your daughter said you love her more than you love me. Did you tell her that?”
“Shalom said that!” Josh asked smiling.
“Shallom is smarter than her age, don’t you know” Sharon replied her husband.
“Huh! But I told her not to tell you” Daniel said scratching his head.
“Wow! So you actually did?” I countered.
“Honey, you know Shalom won’t let me off the hook, if I didn’t say that. You know I love you both” he said teasingly.
“I won’t let you off the hook either, we shouldn’t wash our dirty linens in front of Josh and Sharon, so we’ll thrash it out later” I said jokingly and we all laughed out loud.
Some minutes later, Moyin came out and told us that food is ready.
I followed her back into the house to set the table.
We all ate together except Shallom who was busy watching cartoon, she already took noodles earlier, so she wasn’t hungry.
The couples left later in the evening. At night, I bathed Shallom, read her stories. That reminds me, Daniel talked me into doing this, you know all this there American stuff. Who read me story before I sleep when I was young, I doubt if my parents had such time. So with time, I got used to it. Now I read her stories before bedtime while Daniel tagged along.
We left her room when she fell asleep and went to our bedroom. My husband kissed my little baby bump, He wrapped his hands around me on the bed. He thanked me for every good thing I brought into his life. He thanked me for my impact on his sister, he was so proud of the woman Sharon had become.
He also thanked me for giving him a beautiful and intelligent daughter and for carrying another one.
I smiled and remembered how the journey all started.
He dialed a wrong number, but he turned out to be the right man for me.

THE END ********