It was past six o’clock, and in the living room of the Fugah household, Delasi and Delali were seated on the couch, their laughter ringing out as they recounted the events of the morning. Deladem, standing by the window, could only smile as he listened to his younger siblings talk about the knocking ceremony they had attended at the Forson home earlier that day.

“But it’s serious ooo, Deladem,” Delali grinned. “Like, the way Olivia’s family was beaming at you, eh! It was like they were ready to just wrap her up in a bow and hand her over to you there and then.”

Delasi laughed. “True ooo! The way Olivia’s big sisters were grinning from ear to ear…”

Deladem laughed and nodded. “Yeah, chale. As I’m doing the needful diɛɛ, they are happy. It wouldn’t be that way if I was toying with her, anka no be small shaking them go come shake me!”

The three laughed.

Then Deladem’s expression grew thoughtful. “But chale, I’m really grateful to you guys for helping out. From the proposal arrangements to joining us for the knocking ceremony, it’s been top-tier, the way you two have helped me. You have no idea how much it means to me that you’re this supportive.”

“Awww, you’re welcome, Dela,” Delasi replied, smiling at him. “Anything for our big brother. You’re getting married to an amazing woman, so yeah, we have to support you all the way.”

“Oh yes, all the way!” Delali added gleefully.

***

“Are you on your way, Becky?”

“Yes, Rakim,” she replied, smiling as she glanced at the time on the dashboard. “I wouldn’t miss this for anything. I’m about twenty minutes away from the restaurant.”

“Good,” Rakim replied, his voice laced with excitement. “I’ve been looking forward to this all day, I can’t lie.”

“Same,” she admitted, her heart skipping a beat. “I can’t wait to see you.”

“Me too. See you in a bit.”

The call ended, and Becky let out a soft breath, setting her phone down. She reached down to smooth the hem of her spicy dalmatian-patterned mini-dress, the silky fabric hugging her figure.

Ever since Olivia encouraged her to let things happen, she could see that they were happening quickly. They were chatting a lot more, during working hours and non-working hours. Nothing in particular had been stated, but the enthusiasm for each other was undoubtedly there.

And now that they were finally about to have some time together, she could only brace herself for something special.

***

“Okay, so… first things first: nutrition. At this stage, your baby is growing rapidly, and you’ll need to prioritize a balanced diet rich in folic acid, iron, calcium, and protein. Have you started taking a prenatal vitamin?”

Nana Asor nodded as she glanced at Bruce. “Yes, yes, I started about a month ago, as soon as we found out.”

“Excellent, excellent. Please, make sure you stick to taking it daily. It’ll help support your baby’s neural development, especially now when their brain and spinal cord are forming.”

Bruce and Nana Asor sat side by side on their living room couch, a laptop in front of them and a notebook and pen on Bruce’s lap. On their laptop screen, Dr. Evelyn Obeng, an obstetrician friend Nana Asor knew from university, smiled at them. The long-awaited pregnancy was slowly but surely growing, and they couldn’t be more excited. They had decided to hold on with breaking the news to everyone; they would do that after the ultrasound revealed their child’s gender.

For now, it was time to celebrate this new phase as a prepare for the next couple of months.

“Alright, got that,” Bruce murmured, picking up the notebook and jotting down the notes. “I’ll make sure she takes them religiously.”

“Good, good. Have you guys booked your ultrasound session yet?”

“Yeah, we’ll be going on Wednesday,” Bruce confirmed.

“Oh, that’s great! It’ll be such a special moment, trust me. What are you guys hoping for?”

The couple looked at each other for a moment. “Weeelllll… I don’t think we’re being picky at the moment,” Bruce admitted. “Personally, I’d love it if this is a boy. But I’m gonna be happy regardless.”

Holding her husband’s hand and squeezing it, Nana Asor nodded in agreement. “I agree. I’m just so happy that our prayers have finally been answered. Whether a boy or a girl, we’re just happy we’re having a child of our own…”

***

“So now you know why our tribute was the way it was?”

Rakim sat back, an expression of disbelief etched all over his face. “Yeah, I get it now. Chale, this is crazy…”

So far, the date was turning out as well as Becky had hoped. Rakim truly looked delighted to see her walk in and had given her true queenly treatment. This in turn helped her to open up to him and let him know all he wanted to know. She had just spent about half an hour telling him the unpleasant tale of her family history, and the shock and amazement he had displayed was no surprise.

His brows furrowed, he shook his head. “Honestly, I’m amazed you guys had the heart to forgive him. Because this level of neglect is just… chaleeee…”

She shrugged. “It wasn’t easy. Especially after that meeting with him where he defended his actions and all. I wanted absolutely nothing to do with him. Nothing at all. If he never repented, I don’t think I’d have been bothered. But… when he was on his deathbed and he broke down and said he realized how much he’d hurt us and begged for forgiveness… I… I couldn’t withhold it from him…”

Rakim leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his gaze locking with hers. “I understand. That makes so much sense. At least he realized his errors before he departed, that’s a good thing. But, chale, you’ve been through so much. I can’t even begin to imagine that. My dad… he’s always been the rock in our family. The way he loves my mom, the way he’s always been there for her… That’s what I’ve learned to aim for. To be a man who shows up, no matter what.”

Becky nodded, her heart warmed by the sincerity in his tone.

Rakim hesitated for a beat, then added, “Because of him, when I ever have the chance, I’ll treat my woman like a queen. The way she deserves to be treated.”

Becky felt a flush run up her neck upon hearing those words.

“That’s… a rare quality,” she managed, her voice softer than she intended.

Rakim chuckled lightly. “Rare, maybe. But the truth is, you’re worth that rare quality, Becky.”

The way he said her name sent a thrill through her. She ducked her head slightly, her lips curving into a shy smile as she reached for her glass to sip her wine.

She could not remember the last time she felt tingles this sweet within her. For the first time in a long time, she was letting herself imagine what it might feel like to be loved in the way Rakim described: in a way that felt safe, whole, and deeply treasured.

And damn, it felt absolutely worth the risk.

***

“Hey you cutie!”

“Heyyyyyy, Nii Ayi. What’s up?”

“Oh, nothing much. Just chilling at home. Now diɛɛ, my Saturdays are for resting, now that I’m working. How’s choir practice going?”

“It’s been okay oo. We just finished, actually.”

“Oh, cool. No drama today?”

A giggle followed. “No ooo. None of that today. Just that Delasi wasn’t around today. She had to join her family for the knocking ceremony…”

“Oh yeah, yeah. I remember. Didayy mentioned it on the WhatsApp chat yesterday,” Clarence confirmed, smirking as he reclined in the couch. “Well, I was just checking on my cutie, you know.”

Another giggle followed. “Awww, thank you, Clay. You’re such a sweet guy… oh, by the way, I’m sitting with Sister Akpene. She sends her regards.”

Grinning mischievously, Clarence asked, “Oh, you mean… Lady Akpene?”

Irene laughed. “Ei, you this boy, you want trouble. You know she doesn’t like being called ‘Lady.'”

“I know ooo, but see, how can I call such a classy woman just ‘Sister’? Lady Akpene suits her elegance!”

As Irene continued to laugh, Akpene’s voice crackled over the line. “Herh, Clarence, You know I don’t like ‘Lady Akpene.’ It makes me sound… too grand. Just call me Sister, lah!”

Snickering, Clarence responded. “But, Lady Akpene, how can I not acknowledge your radiance? I mean, Sister Akpene feels too plain for someone as regal as you.”

“Irene, is this how your boyfriend is? I’ll withdraw my blessings over your relationship ooo!”

The three laughed.

“Anyways, how are you doing? How’s the new job going?” Akpene’s caring voice asked.

“Oh, Sister Akpene, all is well by God’s grace ooo. The job is going well, my boss is a really good man, so it’s all good. I hope you and the little ones are fine.”

“Oh yes, they’re a handful as usual, but they’re all doing fine by the grace of God.”

“Wonderful,” Clarence smiled.

“Yes, yes. Anyways, good to hear from you. So, just keep working hard. The Lord will continue to show you favour in the eyes of your boss. And listen… I trust you to be a good boyfriend to Irene. She’s special, and I’m rooting for the two of you.”

Clarence smiled, a flush of warmth running through his chest. It felt good to hear this from her. In the little time he had spoken with her through Irene, it was crystal clear she cared deeply about Irene, and that Irene adored her deeply. To hear this vote of confidence from her was simply… reassuring.

“Thank you, Sister Akpene. I promise to take good care of her.”

***

“This was such a lovely night out,” Becky commented, leaning casually against her car, though her heart raced as she looked at Rakim. “I don’t think I’ve had this much fun in a long time.”

Rakim nodded, his hands in his pockets as he looked around the car park. The date had indeed been wonderful; two hours of getting to know each other deeply. Without a doubt, the intimacy between them had only strengthened with this date, and could only get stronger.

“It really was,” he replied as he stepped closer. “I’m glad you came over. We should definitely do this again.”

Becky nodded. “Yep, we-we should.”

His eyes lingered on hers, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.

Becky then broke the silence, biting her lip. “Umm, well… thank you so much for tonight. I guess I’ll be… seeing you later?”

Before she could open the door, Rakim opened his mouth.

“Becky, you know what, I’m just going to say what’s on my heart, because I don’t believe in wasting time or playing games.”

Her pulse quickened as she watched his expression shift to something serious. What was he about to say?

“I’m starting to fall in love with you,” he started, his voice steady but emotional. “From the moment I met you again when you guys came to pick up Clarence, I knew there was something special about you. Every time we talk or chat, I feel it in the depths of my soul. And tonight… being with you just confirmed it. And look, I don’t want to keep this casual or uncertain. I want you in my life, Becky. For real. I want us to build something beautiful, something that’ll lead to marriage, God willing. And I promise, I’ll bring you nothing but joy and love.”

Her breath caught in her throat. The world seemed to tilt for a moment, her pulse thrumming in her ears.

It was no longer subtle. He was making his feelings known. Straight to the point.

“I…” she stammered, her lips trembling into a smile. “I d-d-don’t… I don’t even know what to say.”

Rakim reached out and gently took her hand. “I mean every word,” he murmured softly. “I want to be the man who makes you smile every day, who stands by you no matter what. If you give me that chance…”

Swallowing hard, Becky then opened her mouth. “Rakim… If I should be honest… I-I feel the same way. I’ve been falling for you, too. There’s just something about you that makes me feel safe with you…”

A grin broke across his face. He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed it softly, sending a spark through her. “You don’t know how happy that makes me.”

As they stood there, basking in the glow of their new understanding, Rakim’s expression shifted to something more playful. “By the way,” he started teasingly, “earlier at the table, you mentioned always wanting a body like Margot Robbie’s.”

Becky let out a small laugh, covering her face. “Yeah. The way the squad insult me whenever I say that, eh…”

“Hehe, yeah.” He gently tugged her hand away so he could look at her. “Well, let me tell you something. You don’t need to be a Margot Robbie. I want you exactly as you are. Because you’re absolutely stunning, Becky. I mean, look at you in that dress! You are sexy as heck! When you walked into the restaurant, you blew my mind, walahi! Your sweet, sweet curves, your confidence… Honey, you are perfect.”

Her cheeks burned with excitement. “Really?”

“I’m dead serious, Becky. See, Margot Robbie is stunning, no doubt about that. But that’s her. You are you, and dear Lord, your body is amazing. You’re perfect just the way you are.”

Becky smiled, the heat still burning up her face. “Okay, okay,” she relented with a laugh, biting her lip. “If you insist, my handsome man. I’ll ‘dead’ it, okay? No more Margot Robbie talk.”

“Good,” he said with a satisfied smile, leaning closer. “Because no one else could ever be you.”

And then their lips met.

A kiss soft at first, then deepening as the night seemed to hold its breath around them. For a moment, the world was still, and in each other’s arms, they both knew…

…this was the start of something special. Something that would hopefully last forever.

Ohhhh, yes! Becky and Rakim are an item now!! Don’t you love to see it?