LULU'S POV

After staying couped up in the house for three days Marini loaded us all into her customized luxury black van and drove us to the mall. I had not been in the mood to go anywhere but James and I were leaving the next day. I wanted to spend as much time as I could with my sisters before we went back to Ndoto. Immediately we got to the mall my sisters and I found our way to the spa while the guys wandered off to God knows where.

I needed to get a fresh trim since my hair was already longer than I liked it to be. I also liked when it was properly washed by a professional, nothing better than feeling nails scratching against my scalp. It was therapeutic to me. Marini was getting a new weave and Amani was getting purple makeba box braids. It was time to spoil ourselves, we deserved it for it had been a long year and we had made it through.

"We were so lucky this year, maybe next year it will be Amani's turn."I chided knowing it would get under her skin.

"You're right Lue. It does feel good having someone to call yours and a warm embrace to go home to at the end of the day."Marini added.

"You guys need to get off my case. I'm only twenty years old. A man is the last thing I need."She lamented proving me right.

"Calm down Amani we're only joking."Marini soothed.

"I know but it's not that funny."Amani retorted.

"No more talking then. Let's just all be lost in our heads and enjoy a relaxing day together."I suggested and everyone agreed with that idea.

My mind drifted back to James and how he had been so at home with the rest of my family. He had fit right in even after the initial freak out moment and that made me very happy. My sisters liked James, so did Isaac and Jeremy. The family introductions were done with on both sides and they both approved of our relationship. We could get married in a week if we wanted to. I was just really happy that both our families accepted our relationship, it was a huge deal to me that my family liked James and since they did it was a huge burden lifted off my shoulders.

After we were done with getting our hair done we settled down for facials and the silence that I had been enjoying was interrupted by Amani.

"I'm going to miss you when you leave tomorrow."She admitted with a sad tone to her voice.

"I'll miss you guys too but I'll only be gone for a few more months."I consoled wanting to look at her but there were cucumbers over my eyes.

"But do you think you're actually going to come back? You and James are serious now so you might become a permanent resident of Ndoto soon."Marini pointed out adding to the thoughts I had been having about me and James getting married.

We hadn't been dating for that long. Wasn't it too soon to be thinking about marriage?

"But we're only girlfriend and boyfriend. It's not like he has proposed."I said wondering why that made me sad.

Was I really ready to become someone's wife? Were James and I ready for marriage?

"I know but still, do you want to tell me that you will actually leave him there just because he hasn't proposed?"Marini asked and I shrugged even if she couldn't see me.

"I didn't say that. I haven't really thought much about it. I'll just go with the flow and wait for things to pan out."I concluded feeling content with my answer.

"Her famous last words."Amani chided while laughing and Marini soon joined her.

"Piss off you two."I grunted even if I knew that they were both joking.

I had no idea what the two got into talking about after that as I was lost in my own thoughts about our previous conversation. My project at Ndoto would be complete within the next few months and I had no clue what would happen after that. James and I had joked about getting married one day but it was one thing to joke about it and another to actually get married. I loved James and wanted to spend the rest of my life with him but he had to call the shots. This was an important decision and I had to leave it up to him to make the right choice at his own time. I would not pressure him as I had the other times, this was all on him.

After we were done getting pampered Amani lamented that she was hungry so Marini texted the guys to meet us at the food court by the mall for lunch. The guys were already there when we arrived. I took a seat next to James kissing his cheek.

"I love the fresh cut and trim. You look beautiful."James complimented kissing my temple.

"Thanks babe. How was your time with the guys?"I asked.

"Fruitful. They helped me look for something."He replied vaguely.

"Did you find it?"

"Yes."

"Are you going to tell me what it is?"I inquired.

"Maybe, maybe not."He grinned.

Before I could insist a serving tray full of drumsticks was placed on the table diverting my attention to the food. I would grill James later, after I had my filling with the delicious meat.

"James how many herds of cattle do you have?"Amani asked amidst all the conversation going around the table.

"About three hundred give or take, why?"James answered.

"Just wanted to see if you can afford Lulu's bride price. I'm definitely not worried there, you're loaded."Amani exclaimed.

"I'm not loaded, that is actually not a lot given when I come from and besides they are not worth that much at the moment."James explained.

"That's too bad. Marini can we get a cow for the mansion?"Amani asked turning to face our big sister.

"No because you'll not be there to actually take care of the said cow."Marini denied.

Amani turned her attention to Isaac.

"Can't help you chubby so drop the puppy eyes."Isaac said making Amani pout and sulk in her seat.

"James maybe I can help you out with the selling of your cattle if you're interested. I know someone at the Kenya Meat Commission and can get you a good deal."Marini offered.

"Really? That would be great, I'd really appreciate that."James replied with a smile.

I knew for a fact that Marini really would help James out and probably extend it to his fellow villagers who wanted to reduce their herds and get good money from it. I really had the best and most supportive sisters.

"I want ice cream for dessert."Amani declared as soon as we were done eating.

"They don't serve ice cream here."Jeremy countered.

"I know but they do next door."Amani argued.

"So you want a group of six adults to go next door and sit down for ice cream?"Marini asked.

"Yes."

"We can have ice cream at home."I reasoned.

"Nope we're having it next door. Now get up, last one there pays."Amani decreed getting up as she pulled Jeremy with her.

He didn't seem happy about that but he followed her anyway.

"Is Amani always that eccentric?"James asked as we followed her.

"Yes but only around family and friends. I once saw her interact with her classmates and it was unnerving, she gets so serious and bossy. We all are in a way but even she outdoes Marini when she needs to take lead."I explained.

"Wow."

We finally gave in to Amani's request but had to make a compromise that we would get the ice cream to go. It had been a long day and we all just wanted to go home and rest up.

"James I have a dare for you. If you can do it then I'll say yes to your request from earlier."Marini spoke up as we walked towards the entrance.

"What did you ask my sister? Is it the cow thing?"I asked having no idea about them having a prior conversation that I wasn't part of.

"Nothing for you to worry your pretty mind about."James replied kissing my forehead before turning to Marini"What's the dare?"

"If you can touch the top of that door then it's a yes."Marini replied pointing to the entrance.

"That's like four meters high. There's no way he can make it."Isaac reasoned.

"And if I can?"James asked with a smirk.

"Then it's a yes from me too."Isaac replied.

"Will someone please loop me in, I feel like I missed a big part of the conversation."I requested.

"Will you hold this for me please?"James asked handing me his ice cream completely ignoring my question. "Thanks, wish me good luck?"

"Good luck?"I said phrasing it like a question as I was still confused.

James grinned, kissed my forehead before turning to face the entrance. I had seen James jump with his fellow warriors back at Ndoto and he was good at it but the entrance was too high. We all watched and even though I had no idea what was at stake I hoped he'd hit the mark. He took off on a short sprint and when he was just at the door he jumped higher than I'd ever seen him go. He actually hit the top of the entrance. Everyone clapped as we approached him congratulating him on a job well done. Marini and Isaac were the first to talk to him.

"She's all yours."Marini announced making James smile.

"Who is she?"I inquired still confused.

"She is you, James asked for your hand in marriage this morning."Amani declared.

"Amani, it was supposed to be confidential."Marini scolded.

"She was going to get it out of me eventually one way or another and her methods aren't always pleasant so I saved myself the pain."Amani defended.

I looked at James wondering if I had heard Amani right. He had asked for permission to marry me. When? How? How come he didn't loop me in?

"To the van everyone, let's leave them to talk."Marini demanded leading everyone away to the car.

I suddenly felt out of breath so I took a seat by the bench just outside the mall. James came and sat next to me.

"I'm confused. You want to marry me?"I whispered feeling confused.

"Yes."He replied looking very sure of himself.

"Why?"I blurted out unable to help I myself.

"Very many reasons. You make me happy, you challenge me, you have helped me become a better man, you're kind, beautiful, generous, so full of love and anyone would be lucky to have you. I'm so happy you chose me so I had to make my intentions known to your family first before anyone else beat me to it."He explained.

All he was saying was so sweet because he knew how important my family was to me, I was just shocked as I had not expected him to ask for my hand so soon.

"But you even haven't proposed yet."I argued.

"Tradition dictates that I ask for your hand in marriage first then I will when the time is right. Will you say yes then?" He asked with a hopeful tone.

"We'll just have to wait and find out." I smirked making him frown at me.

"What does that mean?"He inquired face scrunched up in confusion.

"Payback for going behind my back."I retorted getting up from the bench.

"I was following tradition."James defended sounding sad.

I was just messing with him so before we got into the van, I stopped and turned around to face him.

"I love you James and I appreciate that you asked my family for permission to marry me. When the day comes that you propose I will follow my heart and right now my heart knows only you."I affirmed.

James smiled looking relived at my answer.

"Then I can't wait to make you mine for the whole world to see."He proclaimed pecking my lips.

We got into the van and took our seats next to each other. Since no one wanted to drive and miss out on all the fun at the back of the van, Marini had requested a driver from the company to chauffeur us around.

"Marini I can't believe you sold me out for a single slap to a door."I accused as soon as I settled down.

"There's more to it than that. Would you have liked me to ask for cattle or money?"She retorted.

"What for? It's not like you need it."I replied.

Marini was super rich so she didn't need any more wealth.

"Exactly and stop pouting, there was more to the vetting than the dare."Marini assured me but I was not convinced.

"Oh yeah like what?"I inquired.

"That's for me to know and for you to find out."She smiled cuddling into Isaac's side.

"Very reassuring."I commented sarcastically.

When we arrived back at the mansion we all changed for a nice relaxing afternoon by the pool. None of us ladies got into the water as we didn't want to ruin our new hairstyles and manicures but it was fun relaxing under the cabanas sipping wine and watching the boys toss around a beach ball in the pool.

************

After spending Christmas with the family it was now time for us to head back to Ndoto. We were leaving on the thirtieth as we would be celebrating new years eve and new years with James and his family. His mom had insisted on it since we missed Christmas otherwise we would have stayed longer.

I was going to miss my sisters but I would be seeing them soon when they came for the unveiling ceremony of the New Ndoto or mini-wakanda as I had nicknamed it.

"Be safe as always and call us when you arrive safe."Marini directed as we said our goodbyes.

"I will."I replied.

"James take care of my sister."Marini requested.

"I will."He assured her.

"So James about that younger cousin thing since you are the last born, what do you think?"Amani asked with a cheeky wink.

James laughed before pulling her in for a hug. It was so great how close they had all gotten over the past few days. It relieved a lot of pressure from my heart.

"I will find the best one for you."James answered.

"No he won't."I said glaring at both of them making Amani sulk immediately.

"Party pooper. Make up your mind. One moment you were just pushing me to get into a relationship and now you are saying no?!"Amani scolded.

"Yes for your own good, books and work first. Mar and I were just teasing, enjoy your girlhood before you add a man into your life. Take care sis."I encouraged her as I hugged her goodbye.

She had just been joking so she hugged me back tighter.

"Take care Lue, have fun as zoo keeper. I'll come for a visit soon just to see what you're doing with yourself there. Maybe all your animals are made of mud and grass."Isaac teased.

I made a jab at him hoping to punch him in the stomach but he moved away just in time. He caught my arm, holding it behind me before hugging me.

"My lions are real alright and I will feed you to them as soon as you come."I threatened.

"I can't wait."He chuckled as he let me go.

I hugged Jeremy last before taking James hand and leading him to the helicopter.

"I'm going to miss your family. They have grown on me."James whispered as we settled on the comfortable seats.

"I'm glad, I'll miss them too."I replied waving out to all of them.

"Ready to go home?"James asked threading our fingers together.

My heart did a little jump when he said the word home. Ever since James mentioned wanting to marry me I had redefined a lot of things in my mind. I found myself accepting Ndoto as my new home. James couldn't relocate to Nairobi as his whole life was in Ndoto but I had been a wanderer all my life and he was giving me something worth settling for. Ndoto was definitely home, where I belonged with the love of my life.

"Yes I am."I replied with a hidden promise in my tone.

James didn't know it yet but even if he hadn't popped the question, I was already his and would definitely say yes when he did.

The future held a lot of promise for us and I couldn't wait to live it out with James.

🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀

After more than a six month long break, Queen of the plains is officially back. I took that break to write two other books that were eating me up and just couldn't wait. They are already completed and titled "The Purple Backpack" and "The Nerdy Twin" so please do check them out.

Thank you all for your patience and sticking around long enough to wait to read the book.

Be blessed.