At Nicholas Fields’ Residence.
The next day when Denise got out of work, he visited his Godfather to inform him of the good news. He radiated so much joy that it could be noticed at a glance that he was in love.
After narrating his story to him, Mr. Fields joyfully inquired, “Denise, what is it like to fall in love?”
Denise was bashful and smiled. Then, he continued without waiting for his response, “I can understand how you feel. I was in your position nineteen years ago when I was twenty-three. We got married after one year and we have never regretted being married. You said you were at the registry yesterday.”
“Yes, Godfather.”
“It is okay. You have my support. One of these days, you will bring her over.”
“I will do that.”
A few Days Later
At Denise’s residence.
Just as Louis promised, he decided to take a day off to see Denise and his wife-to-be before embarking on his trip to Egypt. He drove into Denise’s compound and got out of his car to meet Denise who was standing in the courtyard to receive him. After hugging and greeting, they walked into the house while John helped with his luggage.
Then, Denise asked, “Why did you drive instead of coming by train?”
“I chose to drive because I would not want any form of delay. Besides, I wish to leave for Seven Oaks as early as possible tomorrow.”
“I see.”
“So, how are you and where is your bride?” Louis asked and began to walk towards the staircase to check on Olivia but Denise stopped him with his words.
“You know she can’t be here. I don’t think it is right for her to be here until after the wedding.”
Louis took his seat and teased, “You are too principled, Big brother and I like you for that. So, if she is not here, where is she? Can we visit her home? I can’t wait to see her.”
“You will see her, but relax. I know you must be tired.”
“I got it.”
“She is staying with Mom in the Native House.”
“I see.”
“By the way, why are you returning to Seven Oaks so early? I hope there is no problem.”
“My flight to Cairo for the International Property Exhibition is tomorrow by 9 AM.”
Denise was distraught and could not conceal it. Instantly, he inquired, “Trip to Cairo? Does that mean you would not be present at the wedding?”
Now, Louis hid his worries behind the trip. He had occupied himself with the preparation, and the hope that he would meet his love in Egypt had kept him going.
He gave him a reassuring smile and explained, “You know it would not be possible. I’m leaving with my staff members tomorrow. Before the wedding, I should be able to excuse myself and attend your wedding,” he promised.
At that point, Louis’s explanation gave him a ray of hope, and his face beamed with a warm smile. Louis was happy as well. He had succeeded in keeping his burden under wraps.
“It is all right. You have planned everything out.”
Yes. Excused me. Let me change.”
“No problems.”
Louis walked to the guest room and locked the door. Denise noticed it but he did not attach any meaning to it. He got to the kitchen and instructed Caleb on what to prepare for lunch while he climbed upstairs to his bedroom to inform Olivia and his mom that he would be coming around with his cousin.
In The Guest Room.
As soon as Louis got into the guest room and locked the door, he threw himself on the bed and poured his burden of frustration and failure to protect his love on the pillow.
He moaned and lamented in disappointment, “I should have been the one proudly introducing my beautiful Olivia to him. I started dating before him and now…”
Afterward, he slept off.
At Denise’s Bedroom.
He was chatting leisurely with Olivia. At last, he announced, “It is all right, sweetheart. We will be with you after lunch and I will leave for work afterward.”
“Wow! I can’t wait to see you.”
“I love you, dear.”
“I love you, too.”
Denise got back to the parlor for lunch and sat down on the couch to wait for Louis. He switched on the television to keep him busy, and to his amazement, after one hour, Louis was not out of the guest room. He quickly gave him a call which he picked up sluggishly. Due to excessive crying and sleep, he responded with a husky and irregular voice.
“Oh, Louis! Are you sleeping? Wake up. It is time for lunch.”
“Okay,” he replied.
He got out of bed and dragged himself to the bathroom for a warm bath therapy. He got out of the bathroom very relieved but his eyes were still swollen and red. However, it could be mistaken for the after-effects of sleep.
Nevertheless, he found solace by talking loudly to himself, “Olivia, you are my everything. I’m coming for you tomorrow.”
He opened his travel bag, removed some cold wears that Olivia got for him,, and layered up before joining Denise at the dinner table.
“Wow! You look good. I like this.”
“Thank you for the compliment,” he responded.
“You have a good eye for clothes.”
“Thank you, once again.”
They had their lunch silently. Denise observed that he was moody but he attributed it to the sleep and did not bother him with questions. After lunch, they rested for a while before leaving for the Bailey Native Home with Louis’s car.
At The Bailey Native Home.
Nichole got out of work and came back home to keep Olivia company.
“Welcome back, Mom. I hope your day was good?”
“Oh, Olivia! Thank you. My day was good. You must be bored.”
“It is all right, Mom. I have been busy with my business proposals. I’m fine.”
“That is good to hear.”
“Denise called. He promised to be around with his cousin.”
“It is okay. He informed me as well.”
At that point, Freya came in with her four-year-old son – Daniel. He had been itching to see Olivia again after the last time she visited his house with Denise. He was so happy that he was going to be the Page Boy at their wedding.
“Good day to you, Granny and Olivia,” he greeted them warmly.
Olivia, who was standing beside Mrs. Bailey, turned and responded, “Oh! Daniel, my Page Boy. How are you?”
“I’m fine, Thank you. And you?”
“I’m fine, my Page Boy. Daniel, can you tell me the work of a Page Boy at a wedding?” she asked after they sat down.
Now, they focused on him to hear his answer. Then, he gave a response that could only be imagined by a child, “A Page Boy writes on the pages of the wedding.”
The family burst into ecstatic laughter. Daniel was unfazed. He had said his mind and continued with his request, “What of Uncle Denise? I would love to see him.”
Freya, who had been silent since she walked in, requested, “Olivia, get dressed, let us pay Denise a surprise visit.”
“Wow! That would be good,” she said and got up.
She walked to the guest room to dress up and remembered the words of the cab driver who took her home that dreadful night and said, “Thank God that a better door had opened for my good.”
Now, Nichole informed Freya, “I learned that Louis is around.”
“Wow! That is good. Where is he, please?”
“He is at Denise’s place.”
“Hurry, Angel, you are going to meet someone special – your husband’s brother and friend,” Freya screamed.
In a twinkling of an eye, they were all set to pay Denise and Louis a surprise visit.
On The Way To The Bailey Native Home
Denise asked Louis a question to liven the unusually quiet atmosphere in the car
“Louis,” he called out to him as he focused his attention on the road.
“Yes, Big Brother,” he answered without looking away from the road.
“Is father aware that you are in Dover?”
Louis, who was behind the wheels, turned and looked at him. When he did not respond, he asked again, “What’s up, Louis? You seemed distant.”
Now, Louis came back to his senses and asked, “Sorry, please. What was your question?”
“I asked if Father is aware of your trip to Dover?”
“Yes. He is aware. I spoke with him last night.”
“It is okay.”
To keep him cheerful, he asked a question that might interest him, “Remind me again, what time is your flight tomorrow?”
“9 am,” he answered absent-mindedly while they continued their drive in silence.