Mama was finally buried in the village after her body had been laid in the mortuary for several months. Gloria and her husband had to accompany her to the village for mama's burial. Gloria couldn't bear leaving Ngozi behind while she traveled abroad. "Of what use is my traveling without being assured that you are fine? We have to go and make sure that everything is in order before I proceed anywhere" Said Gloria to Ngozi and Chioma. Bernard drove them all to the burial ground and mama was laid peacefully into the earth beneath.
"Thank you so much, Gloria. You have been such a wonderful friend. I don't know what might have happened to me if you had not been there. Thank you so much. You are a rare friend" Ngozi said as they left the burial ground.
"Common, you deserve to be treated like a queen. I believe God will take control. I will make sure Barrister Rebecca takes up the case in court as soon as possible. If not for the official trip she had gone all the while, I am sure she would have fought gallantly to have your possessions restored and ensure justice takes its rightful place " Gloria assured her friend.
"I don't want any problem again. Just allow the sleepy dog to lie. All I need for now is breathing space and peace of mind." Ngozi replied.
"You mean you want to let go of all the properties to your mother-in-law? Do you want them to go scot-free? I can't imagine this!" Gloria responded, visibly shocked.
"I clearly understand my decision. Let them be. What if they have sold all the properties, would we have to tell them to refund the money?", said Ngozi.
"Definitely! They have to return all the money or else, they rot in jail!" Gloria remarked.
"Are you sure this is the best time to talk about this because I am scared already? Dr. Anthony asked Bernard as they stood under a tree discussing an important issue.
"Please, don't be scared. After all, she is human and blood runs through her vein too. I think you have harbored this for a long period. It is high time you let the cat out of the bag so that your mind can be at rest" Bernard assured Dr. Anthony.
The burial was a success and in appreciation, Ngozi organized a thanksgiving party where she invited her close friends and relatives who had been supportive towards her since the demise of her husband. Dr. Anthony was invited to the small party as well and he took it as an opportunity to discuss what had been bothering him for some time with Ngozi. "Em...em....em..... Please, pardon me, Ngozi, but there's something I would like to discuss with you. Em...As in... Ngozi, I have known you for some time now and words will fail to fully describe how I feel about you. I love you and want you to be my wife" Dr. Anthony finally released the thoughts he had bottled for a while.
"Doctor, are you sure you are okay,? Oh, I see. What kind of joke is this?", Ngozi asked in surprise.
"Ngozi, I mean it. I love you right from the bottom of my heart. I know this might be too early or so but I can't just keep this to myself any longer. I want to be a shoulder you can lean on. I want to be your husband, friend, father, mother, uncle, just name it.", Dr. Anthony replied.
"I see. So, do you think it is okay to marry me as a second wife? Ngozi questioned him.
"No. I want you as my one and only wife." The doctor answered while he narrated his marital condition to her.
Dr. Anthony lost his wife about three years ago. She died in a ghastly accident as she was coming from the market where she had gone to purchase some foodstuff for the family. Since then, he had been a single parent. and had the support of his maid to take care of his only child, a boy who was recently clocked four years old. He had been unable to find any other woman who could fill the vacuum his late wife had created in his life until he met Ngozi. Ngozi's presence was just as if his wife had reincarnated wearing Ngozi's skin. He became attracted to her almost instantly and his love for her grew with each passing day. Though he was aware she had two children already and recently lost her husband, he wasn't deterred but didn't know how to express his feelings to her at first but when he disclosed it to Bernard a day after the burial of Ngozi's mother, Bernard encouraged him to proceed with the proposal.
Ngozi was still left in awe and before she could say one more word, Dr. Anthony had knelt before her and brought out a silver ring.
"Please, will you marry me? He asked, staring deeply into her eyes while his heart pounded speedily in anticipation of her reply.
"Do you understand that I have two children already?" Ngozi asked.
"Don't just worry about that. Your children are my children. I love you and your children too. I would love to have you and your children around me. I will be a good father to both of them. I want the rest of my yet unborn children to come from a good and caring woman like you. Please, will you marry me?" he asked again, still on his knees.
"Please, give me some time to think about this before giving you my reply," Ngozi replied. Dr. Anthony wasn't pleased with her response. He held her hand in desperation.
"Please, tell me whatever you want to win your heart. I can't just imagine another night without your positive response." he pleaded. Ngozi abruptly released her hand from his hand and hastened her footsteps from his presence leaving Dr. Anthony disappointed.