After shopping they went to have lunch in a nearby Italian restaurant. After placing their order , Braxton's phone began to ring
"It's Alec" Braxton announced happily . It's been a while since he heard from his brother . The only person who had really cared for him. He had worked his butt off to see that Braxton went through school. While their mother who was supposed to be there was going from one rich man to the other the moment she realized that her husband died leaving nothing but debt .
He didn't blame her, Julia was from the slump and she had tasted how bad and dangerous poverty can be. Well poverty can be dangerous as it can make one forget they have children just to ensure they don't end up like that again. It set a fierce determination in the heart of it's victim that they can sacrifice anything for them not to come across that affliction again.
Well Alec and his younger brother had experience it and it has set the same determination in their heart but you know what? .. they also learnt a lesson from it .most times people don't understand that every affliction is a lesson , it's a way to push you forward .it maybe hard but damnnnn..... It's a way of self-improvement. If Julia Mariano had seen the benefit of it instead of the damage she would have improved . If had realised that the hardship she has faced in with her family in Ecuador is something she should have been proud of . Because anyone who's proud of their humble beginning is not a coward. Because your humble beginning made you who you are.
Alec has done what their mother couldn't do . So he's for ever grateful to him.
He smiled as belle snat h the phone from his hand and pick the call then set it on a loud speaker
"Hi man"
"Hi who am I speaking to "
"Belle ."
"Oh my God .... Belle it's been a long time"
" I know right . Since you travelled we haven't heard from you "
" You need to see how tough wars can be"
" Awwww.... Hope you're okay"
" Yeah...yeah ....i'm okay"
" Hi bro" Braxton called out
"Hey dude. How' are you doing man"
"Huh ...great... I'm doing great . You're back huh?
"Yeah ....I am coming over to ya place"
"Okay ...umm...we will be expecting you"
Alec hummed and chuckled in reply before ending the call.
Braxton smiled at the screen of his phone. Damn the military for sending his brother too far from him . Belle smiled at his happy expression .
"I think we should be on our way so that I can make a proper meal.
They paid and left for home , on their way home Belle turned and asked
"How did think Alec would take our marriage"
Braxton chuckled " He's in for a big surprised" He said and they both laugh . Yeah Alec would never believe that the duo would end up together. They are much of a friend that they never for once looked at themselves in a different light well he wouldn't be surprised if they
tell him it's not a love marriage. He had watch them fight, play,and grow up together . And in all their years of being together none has seen each other as a potential partner .It might be because Belle has never for once show her feminine side and she had even bully him when they first met in their junior years in high school.
When they got home . Belle made dinner while Braxton cleaned up the house and fix the guest room for his brother
"Can you help me with the cream in the fridge buddy ?
" Don't you think Alec might know we aren't really married if you keep calling me that" Braxton asked as he hand over the cream to her
" Whatever" she said after preparing the food and setting up the table with the help her Braxton she went to take her bath then return downstairs to find Braxton cleaning the kitchen counter . He looked so cute on his apron . Belle smiled and decided to cause a little rift between them so she walked towards him and hug him from the back and she felt Braxton stiffen then she turned him to face her .
Braxton looked at her curiously
"Do you want me to call you honey , darling or sweetheart?
Braxton did not reply but kept looking her to see what she's up to . Then she traced her fingers on his arm seductively , glad that the book she has been reading is really making effect.
"Oh ... I can do that" she said smirking at him
Braxton raised an eyebrow and gave her a bored look " we are not going to fight if that's what you want"
Orabelle became disappointed,how can he know of her plans she frustratedly hit him on his arm but he chuckled in return. Then he suddenly became serious and carried her off the floor and placed her on the counter like she weighs nothing. Then trap her with his both hand on the counter. He moved so close to her that their mouth were almost touching. If heartbeat could kill belle could have died in his arms . She tried pushing him but he put one hand on her waist caressing that place slowly and that Belle became scared. What's he doing Belle thought scared as he kissed her collarbone the whispered in her ear
"Don't do that again" and begin to laugh ,belle frown and hit him playfully on his arm for scaring her
" Jesus Belle you looked scared"
"Don't mention it"
They were to engross in their little quarrel that they don't know when Alec entered with some strange woman. After ensuring it was the right house because of what he's seeing since the kitchen is beside the parlor he saw pretty much of their funny quarrel. He then call out to them
"Am I in the right house" they stopped and looked towards his direction .after he helped orabelle to come from the counter they went to welcome his brother while the two brothers share a long affectionate hug Belle noticed the woman by Alec side for the first time
She greeted her but she only nodded slowly then Braxton glanced at her.
"Who's she ?
Alec glanced at her then replied " my wife"
Orabelle and Braxton glanced at her . she's dressed in a long gown that those Muslim women wear but no hijab but her hair is really long and full it almost reach her waistline . She's a wide eye beauty
How did his brother ever got married to a Muslim woman while fighting . He heard he and his troops fight alongside the Afghanistan government and also married their woman.
They welcomed them . They chatted happily as brothers who have missed each other after four years apart . While they chat Belle tried to make a conversation with Alec's wife but she seems either shy or reluctant to talk she only smile at her. Then when asked her name she answered in a heavy accented English
"My name is Jamila "
"Oh Jamila it's nice meeting you"
Belle asked them to come and eat before the food gets cold. While they eat Alec eye caught the diamond ring on her finger
"Wow!!!!!!! belle are you married" He asked extremely surprised it not that he doubt that she would ever gets married but it would take a special man to love her enough to marry her.
"Who's the lucky man and why isn't he here" He asked curious. Braxton took her hand and placed it on his arm
"It's me bro