Marcus's pov
When people used to say that life is full of surprises I used to call them dumb. Back then I thought that nothing could surprise me until the day of my wedding when I received the most heartbreaking surprise of my life. After that, I told myself that I would never let anything or anyone surprise me again. Until the day she came into my life, my babydoll. The most precious surprise life has ever given me. And I will be damned if I let anyone or anything take her away from me.
Juliana is mine and mine alone. I will keep her with me no matter the cost. What Eric said to me this morning is still replaying in my head and it's starting to make me feel scared. The fact that Babydoll is ten minutes late is not helping.
I can't help but wonder if Maggie has told her the truth. If that bitch has told her then I am finished because I know I will never be the same without her. I have already had a taste of how life could be with her and l am not ready to give it up. There is no way I can survive not holding her in my arms ever again. Life without her would be torture.
"Here is your water sir. Do you need anything else?" My thoughts are interrupted by Maria, my server today. She is giving me a smile I am sure she gives to every customer who comes here. Her smile is genuine and welcoming.
"Thank you, Maria, that will be all for now. I am waiting for someone to come, then we will order together." I tell her with a smile of my own.
"Okay, sir, just let me know when you need anything else." She says.
My mind goes back to my babydoll the moment Maria leaves. I can't afford to lose her. I have just started living again after meeting her, there is no way I can survive another heartbreak. I am still in my head. I don't realize that there is a person in front of me until she greets me.
"Hey, you." I hear her say and every part of my body comes to life just by the sound of her voice. Looking up I find my babydoll looking beautiful as ever.
She is wearing a Soft, flowy summer dress that accentuates her curves in all the right places. Her locks are flowing down her shoulders, framing her face perfectly. Her smile reaches her eyes, and I am instantly reminded of why I fell in love with her in the first place.
I stand up to greet her, pulling her into a tight embrace. I bury my face in her hair, breathing in her sweet scent. Being in her arms feels like coming home as all the worries and fears melt away. Nothing else matters at this moment except her.
"You are late," I whisper into her ear, my voice filled with a mixture of relief and concern.
She pulls away slightly, her gaze meeting mine. Her eyes show a hint of guilt, but also an overwhelming love that reassures me.
"I am sorry, Marcus. I got caught up with something at home. But I am here now," she says softly, her hand reaching up to caress my cheek making me feel like the luckiest man alive.
I lean into her touch, closing my eyes and reveling in the feeling of her gentle touch. All the doubts and worries that had been plaguing my mind before now vanish, replaced with the certainty that she is here with me, and nothing else matters.
"I am glad you are here," I say, guiding her to her seat. We spend the rest of the morning talking and laughing, enjoying each other's company like we always do.
Everything else in the world fades away when I am with Juliana. My love for her is strong. I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe and happy. No one will ever take her away from me, not Maggie, not anyone. She is mine, and I am hers.
As the day goes on, we continue to enjoy each other's company. We talk about our plans for the future, our dreams, and our aspirations. This was supposed to be brunch but I think it will go even into dinner. Spending time with my babydoll makes me forget about everything. There is a sense of excitement and hope in the air. I feel like I can conquer the world with Juliana by my side.
But deep down, there's still a nagging fear that lingers. Was Eric right? Will I lose her if I don't tell her about the past? I push those thoughts aside, determined to focus on the present. Today is about celebrating our love and the happiness we have found in each other and I won't let my insecurities ruin it.
Juliana reaches over and takes my hand in hers. Her touch sends shivers down my spine, igniting a fire within me. I can't imagine my life without her. She is my everything.
"Thank you, Marcus, for coming into my life," she says, her voice filled with sincerity and affection.
"I am the one who should be thanking you, babydoll, for saving me from myself," I reply, squeezing her hand tightly.
We sit there in silence for a moment, our eyes locked together. There's no need for words. Our love speaks volumes. And as long as we have that, we can conquer any surprise that life throws our way.
I look at the time and I find that it's half past three in the afternoon. I can't believe we have spent five hours enjoying each other's company. I pray that we will always enjoy each other's company.
"Do you have any other plans?" I ask Juliana as we wait for the bill.
"No, I am free for the rest of the day."
"Good, I have something to show you," I tell her excitement building up in my body. I am going to take her to one of my favorite places.
"What do you want to show me?"
"It's a surprise."
After paying our bill we head outside holding each other's hands.
"Wait, I drove today, you can go ahead, I will follow behind." She says as I am about to open the door for her.
"I will just tell Eric to come pick It up for you. I will tell Jeff to take care of it until Eric comes."
"Who is Jeff?" She asks with a confused look.
"He is the valet here, my friend owns this place, so I know almost everyone who works here."
She opens her mouth to say something but closes it. She does this a few times and then she nods.
"I take that as a yes," I say, pulling her to me and giving a side hug.
I gesture to Jeff who has just brought the car for one of the customers to come over.
"Good afternoon sir, how are you?" He greets.
"I am fine thank you, Jeff, how are you?"
"I am okay sir, life is moving."
"Jeff, I need you to help me look after Juliana's car until Eric comes to pick it up."
"Which one is the car, sir?" He asks.
"That blue Peugeot over there," Babydoll answers, pointing to the car opposite mine.
"Sure sir, I will keep an eye on it," Jeff responds.
Juliana takes out the car keys from her purse and hands them over to Jeff. I give Jeff a few hundred kwacha notes and thank him for his help. I call Eric the moment we get in the car and let him know about Juliana's car.
I take Juliana to the animal shelter where I go when I want to clear my mind. The shelter Is for dogs. There is something about these animals that makes me calm. I have always loved dogs, I even had one before my father Married my stepmother and she decided to give it away.
"Good afternoon Mr. Mwale, Juliana, how are you?" Martha, the lady who is in charge of the shelter, greets us as we approach her.
"I am good that you, how are you, Martha?" Juliana asks. I look at both women and see them smiling at each other.
"I have been coming here since college," Juliana says, noticing my confused look.
I try to say something but nothing comes out. This woman takes my breath away, every time I learn something about her. We have so much in common that even if I didn't believe in fate I could start believing in it.
"You have come at the right time, I was just about to give them some treats. You can help me with that," Martha says as she walks towards the boxes of dog treats.
We spend two hours feeding and playing with the dogs. I steal kisses from my babydoll from time to time. Now we are playing with the two German Shepherds who seem inseparable.
The sun is beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over the shelter. I feel a sense of peace wash over me as I watch Juliana interact with the dogs. Her compassion and love for animals is evident in every touch and every smile.
As the dogs play and run around us, I turn to Juliana and take her hand in mine. "You know, coming here with you is different from coming alone. I feel so calm and at ease. ," I say softly.
Juliana looks up at me, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "I am glad you enjoy it here too. Animals have a way of grounding us and reminding us of the simple joys in life," she replies, her voice full of sincerity.
I couldn't agree more. In this chaotic world, the shelter is a sanctuary for both the dogs and for us. It's a place where time seems to slow down, and all that matters is the connection we share with these beautiful creatures.
As the evening progresses, we continue to sit on the bench, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. The German Shepherds eventually settle down, their tongues lolling out as they pant happily. Juliana rests her head on my chest, and I wrap my arm around her, feeling a sense of completeness in her presence.