"I never felt more alive, Rafael. I really wanted this." Darling told him as he Brought her Breakfast in bed.
"Me too. It's just that things happened so fast that day and you left angry. I tried to follow you but hit a dead end especially when I got to know who your dad is. I would never admit this in front of anyone, but I was afraid."
"He's a scary man but not so inconsiderate."
"I need to tell you something about your best friend. I know you'll feel betrayed but..."
"No Raf. Just tell me. I was your safe space and that doesn't change just because someone else calls me her best friend and we're now almost husband and wife. Between the two, you're my favorite. Be free."
"I want you to know that I had sex with her."
"What! Arie..? Of all girls?"she had sat up holding the sheets to her chest. Rafeal quickly walked to her side and hugged her tightly.
"It was months ago when I was a desperate, heartbrocken, traumatised man craving for the smallest attention. I am sorry but I had to I din't want secrets between us. Don't you want that babe?"he asked her.
"I just didn't expect it to be sex. I know I shouldn't be mad but I am and its okay not to be okay right?"she replied kissing his temples and adams apple.
"I think she's into me. Can you help me and keep her in her lane especially when she's around. It's not that I'll give in when you're not around, I just want her to get it from you because it will come out the right way and she'll respect me for your friendship."
"Okay babe..I got your back always. Tell me you love me everymorning "she said laughing in his chest
"Let me start today then...I love you Darling."
"I love you Raf."
"Darling is such a cheesy name you know.? "he said laughing and kissing her forehead and took the bed table to her laps.
"I am still a guard and I work part time in an automotive garage. They are pretty paying. You still volunteer in the children department in CHU de Bordeaux?"
"No. My dad wants me to work in the company and I hate it. My brother is the president right now. Dad wants me to be the vice president but I don't want to. I don't want to go to an office for the rest of my life."
"I'll tell you to do what you love. You have a choice but be wise too. Why did you say you want an AG wedding? I doubt thats what you desire."
"We can't afford to be planning a wedding when we don't have enough on our table right?"
"That's considerate of you. What if we ran a bakery together? But before it picks up, I can't qiut my two jobs so it will typically be your job. It's an added advantage to you too. Remember the way you used to bake cakes here? We can even be baking cakes only and then we'll add pasteries and creativity. It's your chance honey."
"That's one of the best ideas We can get."she said overjoyed.
"I'll start buying some things and..."
"No leave this to me, alright? My brother loves me too much not to help me put up my own bussiness."she said.
"That saves my money then. Let me get going will you still be here?"
"By what time?"
"Noon."
"Probably. I want to go home, and I would like you to go with me. That is, if you'll be back by then and if you want to come"
"I want to. I'll be here by then. Your dad needs to know your future husband and I hope am likeable. Bye sweetie." He said walking out backwards and finally left running before he got late. He felt fulfilled with her again and he smiled again to the sun. By noon, he was home. He found Darling ready and packing some food for him. He was thrilled by her actions and chose to eat it in the car. It was grilled shrimp and brown rice. His favourite.
In the car they talked a lot and shared things they never shared. They held hands, kissed from time to time and simply created unforgettable memories. Back in Lyon Rafael's mood changedThe bad, painful figments of his past life came flooding abd Darling seeing this,touched his hand and assured him that this was different. That he was a different, more experienced Rafael, with more knowledge than who he was.
Tears were welling up in his eyes and she turned his face to look at her when she pulled the car to the side of the road.She opened her belt and knelt on her seat holding his hand.
"You're perfect for me. I love you and I won't let your history to ever repeat itself. I've got your back and whatever my dad greets you with, always know i'll never leave your life okay."
With her he understood what love really was and he was grateful for everything that happened to him. Without all that He would never had met with such an angel.Nodding to her,he said,
"Yeah . I know and I promise to forget all that ever happened and focus my mind on you. You bring a smile on my face. You're my sunshine and Iam the moon. I love you Darling."
"Iam fluttered, I love you more Raf." she said giving him a comforting hug and returning back to drive. Within another 20 minutes they arrived at the grand house where Mr and Mrs.Chico lived. It was a huge mansion. Glass mansion and upon entry everything looked so delicate and exequite and rare. Darling led the way to her father's study and surprisingly her father welcomed them warmly.
"Wheres mum?" she asked concerned she hadn't appeared since.
"I forgot to tell you. Today is her girls' day out but she should be coming back by now. However, with women you can't never really be sure. They tell you by this time they come that time." he said laughing heartily. He was a good old man with a good humor.
"Dad, I came to tell you something. Rafael and I want to get married by AG ?"
"Why AG? That's not what I expected from My baby girl?"
"We just want something simple. You know I am still your simple Babygirl." she said smiling at him.
"I don't want it simple. Your mother will definitely not want it simple.Can we have a chat with him alone?"
"You good with it?" she first turned to Rafael first and when he nodded she stood up to leave and had just made some steps when her mum came in. She was so happy to see her that she went back outside to tell her friends who were just making a u-turn to come back. In a jiffy, the house was full of women hugging Darling and asking her questions. Others said how long it had been and they went with her to theporch for some interrogations obviously.
Her mother later went inside to enquire who the other guest was. Darling's dad introduced him as Darling's husband to be. Rafael was still given a chance to get acquainted with her and first complimented her house and the interior decor. Mrs. Chico was pleased with his eye for beauty which her husand never had. He also used the most cliche phrase ever by telling her how young and beautiful she still looked and just like that got in her good books.
Mr.Chico still asked for a chance to have a man to man conversation. with Rafael. Gladly, Mrs.Chico left and told him to feel comfortable and at home.
"Serious business, what do you do to earn a living?"he asked straight to the point.
"I am a guard nd work part time in an automotive garage."he answered. He had nothing to hide.
"I guessed she said she wanted to have a civil marriage through an attorney general because you both don't have enough streaming in."
"I am doing my best to keep her happy and we plan to start a bussiness together. She is the one insisting on it and I can't find myself defying her."
"I know she loves you by the way she looks at you like you're a baby and acts like your mother. Still, you should know that can end anytime if things start going the wrong way. It's just how women are. It's not their fault to love money more at times. And I don't want her to come back here because you lack somethings."
"I work hard Mr. Chico and I won't let her suffer. It's good money"
"But not enough for a woman, only to you. Let's have a deal. I help you by giving you a job and in turn you be the best husband for her. I just want to help you live the life you want and for her to be happy in her marriage. What do you say?"
"Can you give me some days to talk things over with her?"
"Of course."