A year later...

...December. This isn't any regular month, no. It's the one where I have to head back home with Christian so we break the news to my family- we're having a baby!

Okay maybe that would be a scary announcement for a black household that doesn't take jokes, especially since we're not married.

Basically, there is no baby (as of yet) but we do have something even better, we own our first house as a couple. After Christian successfully got his getaway bungalow and leasing the villa, he started venturing into new businesses, and even bought Brisk Co.! And of course he couldn't have done it without the help of his wingman- woman, me. With all the work we've been doing in just a year, it opened us to more opportunities and tapping into each other's goals and interests.

Because of the conflict of interest going on back home, I dedicated the first half of the year to start a building project there and Christian has been so generous with helping me with it once he bought the company. I have not disclosed this to my parents, so far Noni is the only one aware of this project.

Other than the fact that I've literally been building dream houses back home similar to Town Hill Estate, I'm also at loggerheads with myself on what to get Christian for his birthday.

And incase anyone is wondering what happened the previous year, lets just say he's allergic to seafood.
But hear me out; at least I nursed him, he learned a new skill on MasterClass(my treat) the entire time and then I took him to the spa once his allergies wore off. He was brand new before Christmas!
That, ladies, is killing three birds, with all the stones you've got.

So this time around I want to do things differently, I'll get him something more homely. I'm still not sure what I'll make but it should be food he knows all too well, and a tangible gift.

I'm off work this month and thankfully, Pete is standing in until Khale Enterprises closes for Christmas. This gives me plenty of time to make a gift for Christian, I only have a week to juggle his gift and our trip back home.

"I think it's cute that you're making him a gift for his birthday and not buying something from a store," Kenya pages through a magazine by the kitchen island with Hannah while I fix some drinks for us.
"You could also get him handcuffs, a whip..." Hannah trails off and I deadpan.
"What? Save it for when y'all get married, ah ah," she returns to her magazine.
"Is that what you got for Martin on his birthday?" we both smirk at her and she tenses.
"No."
"She won't admit it, but we know," Kenya winks.

We laugh and share a round of Mojito cocktails which I made myself and enjoy the rest of the day listening to Afro music babbling about the festive season.

-
"Good Morning," his raspy voice vibrates in my ear, wrapping his hands round my waist.

"You're not supposed to be up," I whine, "You were supposed to stay in bed."
"I couldn't help it,"
"Well," I huff and turn round to face him with a plate of pancakes with raspberries and syrup to top it off, "Happy birthday, my baby."
"This is cute, thank you," he bends down to kiss me before taking the plate and walks round to sit down.
"I made you something," I smile cheekily, I give him a box.
"Feels heavy," he places it gently on the countertop and lifts the cover over.

"Wow," he smiles, turning the clay pot round,"when did you make this?"
"A week ago, I glazed it too," I say proudly.
"I see that. It looks very beautiful, thank you," he stands to hug me, following with a kiss.
"Well, I learn from the best,"
"I should teach you plumbing next," he says jokingly.
"Wow, Christian!" I guffaw, "I'm... looking forward to that."

Christian receives calls on end from friends, family, staff at work, all wishing him a happy birthday. Even Lilly calls (the two-timing hoe) and I join in on Christian's video call with her, just for fun.

The day ends on a high note, a small get together at my house with all our friends that are like family. Kenya and Adrian , Hannah and Martin, Seun and Simi- his new girlfriend *wink wink*.

We're in the backyard which is now an events center in my opinion because it has seen a lot since last year. There's music, drinks, lots of laughter and chatter.

My phone buzzes and I reach for it, still regaining composure from laughing at Adrian's story time of the service they received during their honeymoon.

New Message

Dad♥️: Hi. Wish Christian a happy birthday for me. Hope you didn't get him seafood.

My smile fades to a frown at the last sentence and I feel Christian's hand on my knee.

"You alright?" He whispers.
"Yeah," I show him the message and he chuckles.
"My man-ow!" He hisses when I elbow him.

Hannah laughs at us and I can tell she's getting tipsy because she literally laughs at anything before running her mouth.

"To lovers!" She raises her glass and we join her in laughter.

***
"Where are we going?" my mother asks with such discomfort.
"You'll see," I say to her from the front seat,turning to Christian who is in the driver's seat.

We all step out of the Mercedes van; Christian,my parents, Noni, Gareth, Gabe and I. My mother can't stop interrogating Christian and myself about the van, where we got the money to purchase it and why we're in the suburbs.

"I didn't know there's an estate like this in this city. It looks like yours, Imani," my dad remarks.
"It looks empty," my mother nods.

Christian looks at me and I turn to them.

"Well, I wanted to show you this because I was blessed enough to purchase this land, and I started a building project with the help of Christian and Noni,"
"We're almost complete with the project we just need to organize certain things with local authorities before leasing arrangements," Christian adds.

"Imani," my father walks up to me and embraces me, "I'm proud of you, so proud of you ."

I move away and my mother walks over to hug me, "I'm happy for you, my girl."

Though it holds no emotion, I still appreciate that she said it. I'm hoping we one day soften to what's happening, laying aside our differences.

Noni looks to Christian and gives him a thumbs up and he returns it, I smile at the gesture and take my father's hand so we go see the interior of the double story modern houses.

At some point they all view the place by themselves, Christian and I walking behind them.

"It's good to see your family happy," Christian says.

"I know right?" I'd be crying right now but I hold in my tears.

We're still adjusting to alot since the tension between my mother, the Kagans, my dad and myself. My mother still rubs shoulders with them despite their losses business wise. I know my dad isn't as involved and could honestly care less what happens with their ventures.

This establishment I've made is not just for myself but for my family. I know my father did his best for Noni and I, so this is my way of doing my best for him. For them...

"I'm grateful that I could help,"
"We did it," throw in a little dance and he laughs.
"You're so comical. But yes, we did it, baby," he takes my hand in his, swinging our hands back and forth.

I look down at our hands and do the most impulsive thing, bringing the back of his hand to my lip and peck it.

"I love you, Christian,"
"I love you too, Imani."

Our romantic moment is interrupted by my father calling us to the car and I realise we've been walking aimlessly.

"How do you move these seats? My feet are sore from all that walking," My mother complains.
"Let me help," Christian offers to assist, folding the sleeves of his dress shirt and adjusts the seats.

"Bambo a Noni..." my mother taps his shoulder, her eyes bulging and he looks to where she's directing him, I do the same and then I realize why they're in shock.

Christians tattoo is on full display, and I've been so used to seeing him covered in ink that I never considered my parents reaction.

This is going to be one long festive season...

_____________________________________
The End

Thank you all for journeying with me as I wrote this book. I consider it a rough draft, I started it at a point where my storyline was a mess before improving it as I wrote. Nonetheless, your responses have been the best and I love that even though I was slow with the updates I saw familiar accounts voting and commenting. So shout out to you! 🌞🤎

About the ending, I wanted to do away with over explaining it to seem like it's really the end. For instance, Imani and Christian get married, what the marriage will look like and the comments that Imani's side of the family will hold, Christian's side of the family meeting Imani's side of the family, and so on and so forth.
Maybe you can share your thoughts on the narrative so I know. Feel free.

Even though this is the end, I'll be going back to edit and touch up on this novel and give it some ✨tweaks✨ but nothing major.

Would it be wrong to add a Bonus Chapter for the vibes? Let me know.☺️

Update : I have a new book I'm working on so do check it out. Its titled OMARI🤎

Until next time lovely readers...🤎