CALEB'S SECRET

When his mom squeeze his hand gently while whispering, "Now things are going to be different, you are getting married and you cannot meet that young lady as before."

"Mom, this is an arranged marriage, I won't stop Sarah from meeting her friends."

"Caleb, you really disappoint me sometimes. We are bringing someone's child into our house, just suppose when Petal gets married and her husband discards her like an object, would you like that? Son, if you ill-treat her, her brothers will penalize you."

"Mom, I am not afraid of their threats, we got the dowry so now I could clear all our debts and start saving for Petal's dowry."

"Caleb, didn't you say last night that you wouldn't be using the dowry?" Aaliyah queried.

"I know what I said Aaliyah but after sleeping on it last night, it reminds me of all the sacrifices mom and dad made to get your dowry so what investment did you make?"

"Caleb the dowry is not for the bride, it is from the bride to the groom's family."

"Yes, I know, but Ricky's family will laugh at such a small dowry, it is just a drop in their bucket."

Aaliyah turned to look at him, only to see him wink at her, 'Has he discovered that I have taken the money for myself? When Ricky learned what I did, he was angry especially when he heard I was gambling.

God, I had made a mess of my life and because of that now my little brother has to sacrifice his life to save dad legacy. But from listening to Caleb last night and now, he has change a lot. I have seen maturity and growth in his life.'

They heard Caleb say, "Turn in that street Nevil," he had only driven for a few minutes when they saw this huge house with balloons hanging in the gallery.

"I believe we have reached," Aaliyah whispered.

Caleb noticed his mom and the others looking at the size of the house when his mom whispered, "We seem to have reached a bit too early."

But just then the front door opened and Jerod came through the door, right behind him was Matthias with their dad, Nevil whispered, "You could still change your mind little brother."

He ignored Nevil, just looking at their dad, he looked so weak and frail, 'Six months hasn't passed since I last saw him, and there is such a vast change that had taken place with his health.'

Jerod reached the car and opened the door for his mom first, then he went to his dad in the van. With both of them standing at the side of the car, Mr. Steelton opened the door for Caleb saying, "Come son, this is my son's home, but I welcome you. The minister is waiting."

Darius held his dad's hand, while Jerod led Caleb's mom and dad inside the house as Matthias helped the others get out of the car.

The house was beautifully decorated inside, it seemed they had gone all out for their sister. When Mr. Antonio released his hold from his hand while saying, "Stand here son, let me get my child." Caleb notices all the brother's wives anxiously waiting and they were holding their child with them.

Jerod said, "Dad, you wait here, let me get her."

As the door opened they heard a child saying, "Aunty you look very pretty." Caleb knew immediately that it was the little girl who speaks out of turn at the burger palace.

When Jerod brought her out of the room, the child was right, her wedding gown was magnificent, she had the full works, gloves, veil, and trail, and her shoes were small and neat and matched her outfit perfect. 

Caleb could not see her face with the veil, but she walked slowly with Jerod as he placed her hand in her dad's hand. 

Caleb turned to look at his family, they looked blown away by what they were seeing, but his heart was rejoicing as it was his special secret.