Chapter 34

Dorcas hugged Nancy tightly at the airport before leaving. She tried to blink the tears away but failed.

"Dorcas, it's fine. I understand you and how you feel. I've accepted your apologies as well. Don't cry. You're always welcome here anytime you come back."

"Thank you, Nancy. I still feel horrible for what I did."

"It wasn't deliberate. I know it. So, forgive yourself because I've forgiven you." They hugged again and she bade her farewell. Dave waved at her, feigning a smile.

On their way back from the airport, Dave and Nancy held hands in the car. Nancy wondered if she was in Dorcas's condition, would she had reacted that way? What would she had done if she saw Dave with another lady after she had left him? She shook her head to brush the thoughts off her mind.

"What's wrong, baby?" He asked after noticing how silent she was. She remained silent for a while before replying.

"I'm just wondering. If I was Dorcas, would I have reacted like that? I mean, currently, I can't stand any lady around you. Would that change if I was your ex? I believe Dorcas still loves you, I'm an obstacle. Also, she regrets her actions. She's not evil; if she was, she'd never stay with me in the hospital, she'd never feel any remorse for what she did, and she'd have made the accident more fatal if she was intentional about it. I hope she doesn't beat herself too much."

"Darling, you aren't an obstacle. Even if you are, she'd never break through the barrier in my heart. I don't love her anymore, I can't be with her even if my life depends on it. I hope she finds someone of her choice and I pray she forgives herself." He tightened his fingers around hers.

***

Nancy's birthday eventually arrived with a surprise. She was in her apartment. As early as past 6 AM, she heard a knock on her door. Even though it was her birthday, she wasn't the birthday freak type. To her, it's just another normal day. She turned on her bed, wondered who it was. She remembered when Tina first knocked on her door; when she never vibed along with her energy. But not anymore now.

She wiped her eyes and dragged her feet to the door. She turned the knob and opened the door to a trumpeter, a money bouquet and money cake, a make-up artist and a young man. Behind them was a Benz Car. Her eyes almost popped out of their socket. The moment she opened the door, the trumpeter began with the birthday song. Her neighbors peeped from their window, some came out to watch. She spotted Wumi behind the car with her phone, recording. She was dumbfounded. She didn't know if she should cover her face with her hands like she always see on Tik Tok or she should just watch without expression.

Those with money bouquet and money cake approached her when the trumpeter was done.

"Happy birthday, Miss Nancy Obinna. On behalf of your fiance, we're here to present this gift to you."

The make-up artist approached her as well. "Good morning, Miss Nancy. Your fiance has paid for your beauty session. I'm here on his instruction to make you more beautiful than an angel."

The young man also came forward. "Good morning, Miss Nancy. I'm a driver hired by your fiance to bring you to a restaurant which I mustn't disclose to you." He went to the car and opened the door. He brought out a big carton with bow on it. "Here are the dresses to be worn. Happy birthday once again."

Nancy was more than shocked. She thought she was dreaming. She pinched herself to be sure she wasn't. She really wasn't. She ran back inside, locked her door. She picked her phone to call Dave. As she picked it, a message came in.

'they're from me. I'm expecting you for breakfast, my love. See you soon.'

She stared at the phone for a while before she burst into laughter. She laughed so much that her stomach aches.

"Of course, my love." She said to herself. It feels good to be loved. She opened the door, "I sincerely appreciate you all. But I just woke up. I need to brush my teeth and bathe before we can start anything. I'll be ready in a jiffy."

After some minutes, she called Wumi, and the make-up artist in. She also collected the carton with the dress. When she brought out the dress, she marveled. Wumi had stopped recording and were both gisting about the whole show. The dress was an off-shoulder blue sequins gown. The left side was slit from the hem to few inches above the knee. She looked elegant in the dress. The artist did her makeup and helped her fix her wig, which Dave had bought alongside the dress. She wore the black heels. When she was done dressing, she looked more angelic than ever. Wumi hailed, praised, and almost worshipped her beauty. When she looked at the mirror, she was awestruck. She never knew she was this beautiful.

"Daaaaaammmnnn, babe! You're magnificent! Ohhhhh Emmmmmm Geeee!" Wumi hailed.

"Honestly, I'm speechless." She turned around in the mirror, examined her face and beamed brightly. She was indeed beautiful.

"See, we'll deal with these money bouquet and money cake later. Let's get going."

"Wait, so you know about everything?"

"It was a surprise, baby. Why won't I be involved when it's my best friend that should be surprised? I have preferences as well." She winked at her. Nancy hugged her tightly.

"Thank you for being my friend, Wumi. You're the best."

"Awnnnnnnnnnnnnnn, I love you too, Nancy. You're worth it and even more. Now, your man is waiting for you, as well as the crown of our surprise."

"Crown of surprises? Oya, give me hint."

"Nope." She pulled her hand and took her out. They locked the door. She entered the car and the driver drove out of the compound. She was the only one the driver took because it was the instructions of Dave that the car only belongs to Nancy. Wumi and others said they'd sort themselves out. After all, others were done with their roles. Only Wumi would have to join them at the restaurant.

At the gate of the gigantic restaurant, Nancy marveled at the structure of the building. It was beautiful. Dave was waiting at the entrance of the restaurant itself. He wore a wine tuxedo, he looked elegant in it. He was more cuter than ever. When the car stopped, he moved forward and opened the door for her. He held out his hand to help Nancy out of the car. She smiled at him. She was beautiful, and he was majestic. They stood before the glass door of the restaurant.

"You look breathtaking. In fact, you take my breath away."

He leant in and kissed her cheek. He held out his arms.

"Thank you, for everything." She wrapped her arms around his held-out arms. They walked flamboyantly to the entrance. The security opened the door and they went into the gallant scenery of the interior decorations of the restaurant. There was no one except for the attendants.

"I already paid for the peaceful ambience today. It's you and I alone today. I've booked every seat for you."

Nancy awned, and smiled. "I feel honored, loved, respected, all because of you. I love you."

Dave held out the chair for her to sit. They placed their order and started with wine. They ate appetizers, breakfast and dessert. After their meal, Dave held her hand and led her to the balcony of the restaurant where they could view several yards away from their position. When they got to the balcony, Nancy noticed different decorations from balloons, ribbons, and other glittering items. It was morning, but the decorations shimmer like it's nightfall.

"Awn, all these to celebrate my birthday? This is my memorable birthday ever. Thank you for making it worth it." She squeezed his hand.

"You deserve more than this. This is the least I can do."

"I appreciate it it genuinely, my love." She smiled at Dave.

He pulled her to himself; he held her waist with his two palms, she wrapped her arms around his neck. They could hear soft and solemn music from downstairs. They swerved slowly to the rhythm of the music.

"This should have been at night." Nancy whispered as she smiled.

"I know. But I have a lot to do with you, night alone won't be enough. We're just getting started with your party." Their foreheads touched as they danced slowly. .

"I can't wait, darling." They kissed slowly.

"Nancy,"

"Yes, Dave."

"How come you're this perfect? How come you're this beautiful in every way? How come I can't sleep a wink without thinking of you? You're always there in my memory, in my mouth, your fragrance doesn't leave my nose, your voice doesn't leave my ears, I see you in everything and everyone. If this was a jinx, I prefer it everyday. You're so perfect I'm scared I'll lose you. I love you so much. I can't last a day without you. So, will you be with me forever be my woman, mother my children, be my sexy girl till old age, hold my hands through thick and thin, and be mine forever?"

He let go of Nancy and went on one knee. He brought out a small box, opened it and a small ring glittered. Nancy, unable to contain her happiness, chuckled with joy.

"Oh, my Dave. The day I chose you, I already chose you forever. So, yes. Of course, I'll be your sexy girl till old age. I'll hold your hands through everything. I'll mother your children, we'll raise them together. I love you, Dave Wilson."

She stuck out her left palm. Dave took the ring and slid it into her ring finger. He kissed it when he was done. He rose on his feet and carried Nancy. He spun her around and kissed her.

"I love you, my Woman."

"I love you, my Man." They kissed deeply.

"Now, let's move to the next venue on the list. We're full of surprises today. The last list will almost drive you crazy." He leant forward and whispered to her ears, "I'll teach you foreplay." He kissed her earlobes. She giggled at him.

"Bring it on, I'm ready for you."

He swiftly scooped her up and carried her downstairs to the car. The driver was already waiting. They entered the car and drove out, into the world, onto their next journey together, and to the beginning of their togetherness. They held each other's hands, they'd never let go. Never.