The D-day was fast approaching. Anthony couldn't wait for Ngozi to say "I do" to him before God and the congregation at large. The night before the day seemed to last forever. He was having an insomnia and kept rolling from one corner of the bed to the other. He sent some emotional love messages to Ngozi and also spoke to her on phone to further express his anxiety and feelings for her. Ngozi was awake too to reply him. At a point in time, she felt sleepy but Anthony kept her awake with his sweet talks.
"Do you want to leave me alone in boredom to sleep? I guess you can't try it with me except you want me to end up in the hospital"
"Oh, I am so sorry sweetheart. I dare not try to end up the call. So, what more can we talk about?" She asked
"Nothing much. I just want you to keep on telling me that you love me. I want to keep on hearing your sweet voice from the other end" Anthony replied childishly. Ngozi giggled. They had spent over two hours on phone conversation but still, Anthony wouldn't just let her be. They hardly ran out of talks. Whenever she thought it was time for them to bade each other goodnight, Anthony would raise a topic which they would discuss till they come up with yet another topic.
"Sweetheart, do you want to start sleeping in front of the congregation tomorrow? Please, let's rest a bit. Our time is far spent already" Ngozi requested.
"Alright, dear. Please, make sure you dream about me. I can't wait to say "I do" before everyone tomorrow. I am missing you so much already. I love you" Anthony mentioned at the other end.
"I love you too" Ngozi smiled as Anthony ended the call. Finally, she could rest at least for some time before the day eventually opened its shop.
Gloria personally sourced the services of a renowned Make-up artiste/beautician. "My dear friend, I want you to look really beautiful and radiant today. In fact, when people see you in your white gown, they will confuse you for an angel". She added. Ngozi glanced at the mirror and was amazed at the damsel she had abruptly turned to. No one would ever believe that she's a mother of two already. She couldn't help but continuously stare lovingly at her beautiful appearance while she appreciated God for helping her overcome her life-threatening tribulations and making her a happy woman again.
"Sis, you are looking so charming" Chioma commented.
"Thank you so much, dear" Ngozi replied. They all got set for the wedding about to take place in the church.
"..... I hereby pronounce you husband and wife" The pastor announced after Anthony and Ngozi had said their marriage vows, exchanged rings, and gotten their lips interlocked in a marital kiss. The congregation applauded and congratulated the newly wedded couple.
The wedding reception hall was filled as relatives, friends, and well-wishers were present to celebrate with the couple. The wedding was reputed to be one of the best of the best weddings ever celebrated in the town. There was a wide variety of foods and drinks for the guests to entertain their stomachs. They ate to their satisfaction and there were also multiple takeaways. It was obvious the couple were more than prepared for the wedding ceremony. their visitors.
Ngozi couldn't control the tears of joy that flowed down at cheeks. This is one of the happiest moments of her life and she prayed for better days to come for her to not only enjoy being a wife but also relish the joys of motherhood.
****************************************­****************************************­**********************
He who finds a good wife has surely found a good thing. Dr. Anthony counted himself lucky to have married Ngozi. Their marriage like every other wasn't perfect as they had their flaws and differences but since their relationship was built on the foundation of love, their marriage was blessed with happiness and understanding. Ngozi took care of Anthony's child, James just as she did hers and Anthony was equally a nice father to Emeka and Anita. She was delivered a set of twins, a boy, and a girl after four years of marriage.
"What do you think would have happened to me if you had not said yes to my proposal?" Dr. Anthony asked a day after the celebration of their 5 years of marriage.
"Well. Nothing. Life goes on. You would have fallen in love with someone else and gotten married to her" Ngozi said smiling
"You are wrong. It might have changed a whole lot of things. I might not have fallen in love with any woman again and ended up being a miserable bachelor" Dr. Anthony declared. Ngozi stared at him for a long trying to figure out if he meant what he just said.
"Yeah. I mean it. I would have locked the door in my heart and flung the key into the ocean" Anthony assured, nodding his head animatedly. He dragged Ngozi closer to his chest and planted a deep long kiss on her soft lips. This lasted for some minutes while the deep melodious voice of Don Williams filled the air with a romantic song.
You placed gold on my finger
You brought love as I've never known
You gave life to our children
And to me a reason to go on.
You're my bread when I'm hungry
You're my shelter from troubled winds
You're my anchor in life's ocean
But most of all you're my best friend.
When I need hope and inspiration
You're always strong when I'm tired and weak
I could search This whole world over
You'll still be everything that I need.
You're my bread when I'm hungry
You're my shelter from troubled winds
You're my anchor in life's ocean
But most of all you're my best friend.
You're my bread when I'm hungry
You're my shelter from troubled winds
You're my anchor in life's ocean
But most of all you're my best friend.
THE END