ISAAC'S POV

I was officially an engaged man. There was always the possibility of it happening but I didn't know it'd feel this great. I was marrying the most beautiful woman and I couldn't be happier. I had been scared that she would turn me down when I proposed but she had said yes. Oh yeah and I had finally kissed her. After months of envying the tube of lipstick she always used I had finally got to experience what kissing Marini felt like. It had been perfect, otherworldly, amazing, dizzying and all those other big words to describe just how good it was.

It made me wish I had fought for her sooner instead of trying to replace her with Sheila. I couldn't turn back time so for now I would do my best to show Marini just how much she meant to me and how happy I was that she had said yes. I would treat her like the queen she was even if she was more financially able than I was. I didn't need to shower with lavish gifts to show her my love, all she needed from me was my time, attention and all my love and affection and I had plenty of that to give.

Speaking of, it had been a few hours since we had our breakfast and she had been in her office ever since. It was on a Saturday and I was bored so I decided to go check up or more like mess with her like she liked to put it.

I knocked softly on the door out of habit to let her know I was going in. She had asked me to stop doing that so many times but I was already used to it and it was hard to stop.

I'd been into Marini's home office a few times and there was always something new for me to notice whenever I visited even though it never changed. There was a long desk with a desktop on one side and stationery strewn around the top. There were a few rows of books of all genres on shelves arranged against the wall. It didn't have windows so all form of light was artificial but the air inside was always fresh. There were two couches against one wall and two coffee tables in front of them. She also had a Tv in there and a mini fridge. All the pictures in her office we of her family and there were a few latest additions with me and Jeremy in them.

"How's my beautiful bride to be doing?" I greeted when I spotted her on the sofa.

"Planning our wedding without the help of my husband to be."She replied faking a scowl at me.

Her hair was in a pony tail and she was wearing nothing but a black bralette that was barely holding her boobs together and black biker shorts. Her face was make up free but she still looked very beautiful. I resisted the urge to stare at her cleavage and actually succeeded because I knew in a few weeks I'd be enjoying more than a peep.

Yeah judge me all you want, I'm a man and I own it. I knew that Marini wanted to wait till marriage to go all the way and I had already waited seven months so what was a few more. I respected her and her decision.

"We already established that I've got no sense of style and I already know what to wear so just tell me the date and time and I'll be there to put a ring on it."I replied settling myself next to her and picking up a magazine from the coffee table with pictures of gowns on it.

Some of the gowns were fine but others looked horrendous barely covering anything. I could not picture Marini wearing any of what I was seeing.

"I didn't expect much help anyway so I've got everything handled. I already hired a wedding planner to help me so no worries. I'll brief you on the details and as for the date its exactly one month before my birthday so it's six weeks from now."She informed me.

"Perfect."I replied and leaned in to kiss her cheek.

She smiled at me almost blushing before she went back to choosing what only I could assume were flower arrangements.

One thing I had noticed about Marini was that even though she would never ask for it or admit it she liked the attention that I gave her. It's like she had been so starved for it that any little amount of affection that I gave her she just soaked it all in. I was more than happy to give it to her because it was the one thing I was rich in. She had also opened up and I saw a side of her that I'd never seen before. She laughed and talked more and even though she shied away from all the physical stuff she actually liked kissing and cuddling on the couch while we talked or watched movies. We hadn't don't anything past kissing and I was okay with it, she was worth the wait.

I tossed the magazine I had and picked up another one perusing through it.

"I think you'll look amazing in this gown."I said holding up the magazine for her to see what I was pointing at.

"Too much boob."She dismissed.

"What if I like too much boob?"I teased earning an eye roll from her.

"Wait until the honeymoon or yet your second wife."She replied and I scoffed.

"If that stone you're wearing on your finger isn't enough proof that I'm in this for life then I don't know what is."I defended.

"Have I told you how much I love it? I mean it's elegant, light and the perfect fit. If you had gotten me a heavy ring with a big diamond I promise you I would have traded it but this one is perfect. Thank you."She swooned admiring the ring as she twirled it around her finger before turning to look at me with a love struck look on her face.

"Anything for my queen."I replied and she hesitated for a moment before leaning in to kiss me.

I kissed her back and appreciated the fact that she was comfortable enough with me to initiate the intimate moments. We kissed for a few seconds before she pulled away and pecked my lips before sitting back smiling. I smiled back watching her and even though no words were exchanged a lot of communication happened in those few moments via our body language.

Marini grabbed her laptop and placed it on her lap before lifting her legs and putting them on my lap. Her manicured toes were right there in my face and even though I've never really paid attention to a woman's feet before, Marini's were beautiful.

"What about this one?" I asked her pointing at another gown trying to distract myself from ogling her feet.

"Too girly, that's more like something Amani would wear to her wedding. And stop suggesting wedding gowns I already have mine being flown into the country a week before the wedding."She replied.

"Well why didn't you say so?" I asked her tossing the magazine away.

"It was fun seeing you scrunch your face at all the choices."She said laughing at my expense.

"Laugh all you want but some of those designs were hideous."I interjected.

"I know but I already got us sorted and picked our outfits for the after party. The gown and your uniform are for the church service, the photoshoot and the reception afterwards. We'll be much more comfortable in different outfits for the after-party."She explained.

"Weddings really are a hustle. How many guests are we expecting?" I asked.

"As less as possible. My family is limited to my sisters and I of course have to invite a few family members to witness the event as proof for the elders that I did what they asked. Then there's Jeremy and of course your family from your grandmothers side but they aren't that many as you informed me. A few business partners and associates and that's it. I want one hundred guests maximum."She informed me.

"As long as you're my wife at the end of the day I honestly don't care."I shrugged.

"Cheesy but I like it. Oh and one more thing. You see how in the States you can ask your best friend to be your best man?" She asked and I nodded. "Well in Kenya it doesn't work that way."

"How does it work then?"I asked her curiously.

"Well the maid of honor and best man have to be a married couple that we are close with so that they can mentor us in the journey of marriage or something like that."She expounded and I nodded in understanding.

"Doesn't sound so bad but do we know any married couple?"

"I was thinking about Gilead and his wife Jane. I've known them for five years now ever since Gilead started working for me and his wife is really nice."She suggested.

"I like that idea, I've only met the wife once when she came to drop off some papers for Gilead to sign but even then she seemed really cool. I agree with your choice."I concurred.

Gilded would be honored to do it since he had been happy when I told him of our engagement.

"Of course you do."She smirked and I just rolled my eyes at her.

I leaned back on the sofa absentmindedly drawing patterns on Marini's leg. I couldn't pinpoint one specific thing I was thinking about because my mind was roaming everywhere. A lot of it was about the wedding but also our future after the wedding. Would I continue to work under Marini? Would we have kids? I had no objection concerning working under Marini as long as she was okay with it too. As for the kids, that was a conversation we needed to have together. Maybe we had gotten into everything pretty fast without having all the important discussions but there was no one else I'd rather marry after only knowing them for seven months. We could have all those talks later and find middle ground that suited us both perfectly.

"Isaac?"Marini called out cutting through my thoughts.

"Mmh."I replied facing her.

She was biting on her thumbnail and I knew it was because she wasn't sure about what she was going to ask me. I had become accustomed to the little gestures she did all meaning different things.

"What's up?"I asked squeezing her leg reassuringly to let her know that it was okay to talk to me.

"I've been thinking a lot and I think you should invite your dad and his family to the wedding."She advised.

"Why do it when I know he'll say no."I asked not surprised about her suggestion.

Marini was very family oriented so it was only logical for her to want my family to attend our wedding.

"Because at least then you'll know that you did ask. It's his choice to say no. Just call him and ask. What do you to loose?"

"My dignity."

"I didn't know they still made that."She joked with a straight face and I pulled at one of her toes scrolling.

"Think you're funny don't you?"

"Of course but seriously just call him."She insisted.

"Okay fine I'll call him."I agreed and I saw her give me a pointed look.

"Now?"I asked surprised and she shrugged.

"No better time like the present?"

"You can't just quote movie lines like that."

"If you can tell me what movie that line is from then I'll allow you to call your dad at a time of your choosing."She bargained.

I thought about it for a few minutes and after a few wrong guesses I gave up and fished out my phone to call my dad. I did not want to talk to him but Marini was insistent on it and I did not what to fail her. It was about eleven pm in LA and knowing my workaholic dad he was still awake. I put the phone on speaker because I wanted Marini to hear the whole thing.

"Hello Isaac?"My dad greeted sounding very tired.

"Hey dad how are you?"I replied getting a little worried.

He maybe a tough guy and an ass most of the time but he was still my father.

"I'm just a little tired, all this work is getting to me."He explained and I was a little shocked.

Any other time my dad would have been dismissive and already started taking rudely so it must have been really tough for him. I looked at Marini who was looking at me with a gentle smile.

"I'm sorry about that dad. You should take it easy since you're not getting any younger. You should really think about grooming Sheryl to take over the company after you."I suggested hoping he wouldn't bite my head off for my opinion after I had rejected taking after him.

"Maybe you're right. Forcing you to take after me made you run out of the country to another continent and she does seem interested in my work so maybe I will start training her."He agreed.

The conversation was going better than I had hoped making me see just how bad the situation with my dad was. Sheryl was my dad's first born daughter with my stepmother, she was twenty five while the second born was Alicia and she was twenty two.

"Anyway enough about me. It's been months since we talked, how are you son?"My dad asked genuinely concerned.

So far it was the longest conversation I'd ever had with my dad that didn't include insults or belittling me.

"And whose fault is that? "I asked and immediately bit my fist hoping I hadn't taken it too far.

"Yeah I know but the past is the past."He replied and I knew that was as much of an apology as I was going to get out of him.

I decided to let it go not wanting to add grief to the old man. I saw Marini smiling at me and urging me to get on with it already.

"I'm doing great dad. I actually called because I wanted to invite you and the rest of the family to my wedding."I blurted out deciding to just get it out like ripping off a bandaid.

"You're getting married?"He asked a little shocked.

"Yeah dad, her name is Marini and she's actually here. Babe say hello."I invited putting Marini on the spot.

She glared at me before putting on the sweetest smile as if my dad could see her.

"Hello Mr Johnson. My name is Marini Kiarie your sons fiancee. It's so nice to finally here from you. I've heard a lot about you from Isaac."She introduced politely making me smile at her.

"Hello Marini it's nice to meet you and I know they weren't all nice things but I'm sure they were all true."He answered with a chuckle.

I'd rarely heard my dad laugh before especially with me present so that was a first.

"He speaks highly of you don't worry. You raised a good one here and I really admire you and your work sir. Owning one of the top companies in LA and on top of that being a family man. It's very admirable sir."Marini said stroking his ego and it must have worked because my dad laughed.

"You've got yourself a good one there son."

"Yes I do."I replied smiling fondly at my queen.

"Are you a business woman Marini? You definitely speak like you know your way around a board room."My dad asked.

"Yes sir, I own my own travelling agency here in the country."Marini replied modestly.

"I'm impressed and please Marini no more of that sir stuff. We are going to be family after all. When is the wedding? "My dad asked.

"November fourth and it would be a great honor to have your here with us in our special day."Marini informed him.

It was silent on the other end for a while and I looked at Marini dejected knowing the rejection was about to come. Marini squeezed my hand reassuringly smiling at me.

"I'll be there."My dad finally answered.

Marini and I looked at each other shocked.

"Really?"I asked surprised.

"Of course. I'm not missing my only sons wedding so add us to the guest list, we'll all be there."My dad assured me.

"Thanks dad."

"Anytime son."He said stifling a yawn.

"Dad you should get some rest. It's already late."I advised.

"You're right. It was nice meeting you Marini. Contact me with all the details okay."He requested.

"I will."Marini agreed.

"Bye son."

"Bye dad."

And then we both hang up. I stared at the phone for a while still shocked about how well the whole conversation had gone. It was the longest conversation I'd ever had with my dad that hadn't included yelling and pointing fingers.

"Looks like my family is coming to the wedding after all. You my love are my good luck charm."I praised Marini looking at her lovingly.

"Glad I could help."She smiled and I couldn't resist pulling her into my arms so that she was straddling me and kissing her.

Her thighs were on either side of my legs and her hands where on my face as she kissed me back. I kept my hands on her thick thighs not wanting to go any further and making her uncomfortable. Marini was thick and having her sit on my lap like that kissing me so fervently had me turned on. I hoped she didn't notice my little friend down there was making an entrance.

We pulled away after a few minutes breathless and had to take a few seconds to compose ourselves.

"I know that its not appropriate to talk about some things especially after we've just kissed like that but there's something I need to tell you and you're not going to like it."Marini started looking at me with a worried expression making me fear what she was about to reveal.

"Okay what's up?"I asked carefully.

She took a deep breath before replying.

"Don't be mad at me please but you remember how a few weeks ago we talked about your mom and I told you that I could help you find her if you asked."She explained and I already knew where she was going with the conversation.

My mom was a stranger to my life and even though I had missed her a few times growing up that gap had been filled by my grandma who was the best mom I could have asked for.

"You found her didn't you? "I asked and she nodded.

"Yeah but it's not good news."She said.

"What is it?"

"Isaac I'm so sorry but your mom died two years ago from AIDS."Marini broke the news and I expected to be sad but surprisingly enough there was nothing there but emptiness.

"Are you okay?"Marini asked after a few minutes of silence.

"Shockingly enough I'm okay. I can't even remember what she looks like and I honestly think it was for the best. She didn't want anything to do with me and its okay, I accepted that fact a long time ago."I confessed honestly.

"That's good I guess.I just wanted you to have closure."She informed me.

"Thanks babe."I thanked her and leaned in to peck her lips.

"You're welcome."She replied before pulling me in for a hug.

I said a short prayer for my mom and thanked her for giving birth to me because that was the only thing she ever did for me. If she had aborted me then I'd never have the great life that I had, the amazing friends and my beautiful bride to be in my arms. I owed her my life and for that I would always be grateful.

"Okay enough of all this depressing moments back to wedding planning."Marini declared getting off my lap and back to her laptop making me chuckle.

I smiled at her and just pulled her legs back to my lap deciding to be just with her in the moment since I wasn't needed in the wedding planning.

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I felt like we needed a Marini and Isaac chapter before all the wedding fiasco starts. Poor Isaac also lost him mom in this chapter but he took it like a champ. Looks like we're going to meet the Johnson's at the wedding.

Hope you enjoyed this chapter.

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Be blessed.