Dedicated to fabtracey

JAMES' POV

Having a girlfriend really did help when packing up for a trip. If it were just me the I would have probably forgotten half the things I'd need but Lulu made it so easy. She'd come over to my place in the morning and packed me a bag for the five day stay at her sisters house before we drove back to her cabin. It was a wonder how she was able to fit both my stuff and hers into one suitcase.

"Last chance to back out."She joked as she laced her shoes sitting on the bed.

I chuckled nervously trying to shake off the nerves.

"You're just saying that to be kind."I replied leaning my head on my open palm as I watched her.

I was sitting in the kitchen thinking about all the ways meeting her family could all go wrong. Her sisters could just decide that they didn't like me and she would be forced to break up with me. I would never force her to choose between her family and me. It would break my heart to loose her but family came first, I knew that much.

"Whatever you're thinking about stop."She demanded her voice sounding closer and I realized that she was standing next to me.

She crawled onto my lap straddling me and put my hands on her waist to steady her.

"I know you are freaking out but there is no reason to. My sisters will see all the good qualities that I see in you and love you, hopefully in a different way. I'm ready to cut a bitch for you but not my sisters."She joked to lighten the mood and it worked because I laughed.

"I love you."I confessed hoping she would remember that no matter what happened when we met her sisters.

"I love you more Jamie."She replied and we sealed it in a kiss.

Before we could get into a make out session the loud noise of helicopter blades interrupted us and we pulled apart.

"It's go time, are you ready?"Lulu asked her face filled with excitement.

I was excited too, mine was just masked by all the nervousness.

"As I'll ever be."I replied and she pecked my lips before sliding off my lap.

She grabbed the backpack holding all our electronics while I took the suitcase. We left the cabin, locking the door behind us before walking towards the open field of the resort where our transport was waiting to fly us to the city.

"This is my first time flying."I confessed loudly to Lulu over the loud noise and she turned to grin at me.

"It's the first of many. You'll love it babe."She yelled back as we got closer.

The helicopter was huge, enough to sit around six people with the words "Zuri Safari's" painted in black on the side. The pilot said hello to us before helping us with our bags and closing the door after we got in. Lulu showed me how to strap in and handed me my headphones.

"Better? "She asked as her voice came through the headphones.

It was better than the yelling though a little awkward.

"Yeah."I nodded.

The pilot got in and after conversing with flight control and making sure we were okay, we were airborne. I was not a fan of the ascend but after it had settled, it was all pretty amazing.

"It's about an hour and a half flight so enjoy the sights. It's magnificent from up here." Lulu informed me interlocking our hands and I relaxed knowing that she was there with me.

From the moment I met Lulu, I had known that my life would change and I was right because through her I was living a lot of firsts. Most of them were scary albeit exciting and I was looking forward to living each new experience with her by my side.

My mom had been skeptical about letting me go when she heard that we were flying. Even me reminding her that I was a full grown man and could do whatever I wanted was not enough to convince her. Lulu had been the one to work her charm on her, assuring her that she had flown numerous times before and it was totally safe. My mom was disappointed that I wasn't going to be spending Christmas with her but she was more excited about me meeting Lulu's family. To her it was one step closer to getting us married and that was a plus for her.

Lulu was right, the view from up there was been amazing and for the few minutes we got to fly over the national park it had been a wonder at how the wildlife looked from the top. Kenya had so much beauty to offer the world and those who gave it a chance surely never regretted it. Moments like those are what reminded me why I was proud to be born in our culturally rich country.

I'd been to the city only once after completing my six year course there three years back. It had only been for a day buying medicine and equipment for the sanctuary. Being back there and in a helicopter was an experience I would not forget in a long time to come. The skyscrapers were not as intimidating as they were when you walked or drove. All the people milling about looked smaller and inconsequential. It had a certain beauty to it in the angle I was seeing it from and it was refreshing seeing the city from that perspective. I'd never enjoyed studying in the city, it was polluted, overcrowded and there was too much immorality. It had the best schools but also a high rate in crime and everything was expensive. I had been relieved when I'd graduated and left. I'd never live in the city, it was just not for me.

"There's my sisters home."Lulu pointed showing me a white mansion in the middle of a vast estate in the distance.

It got bigger the closer we got to it and my nerves that had dissipated in the course of the flight came landing back. I didn't even have the time to enjoy the beauty beheld in the extravagant compound, my nerves wouldn't allow me.

"Do you want me to ask the pilot to turn around?"Lulu asked smiling and the grip I had on her hand got a little tighter.

"No I'm okay."I assured her and she squeezed my hand back to assure me that it was okay.

We landed smoothly in the backyard and the pilot came around to open to door for us. I jumped out first before helping Lulu even though I knew she was more than capable of alighting herself. I just needed something to help me distract my mind and to be in as much close contact with her. She was my lifeline.

We grabbed our bags and Lulu led us across the huge backyard towards the house. There was a pool, a garden and a dog house. It looked like a hotel to me but it was somebody's house, my girlfriend's sisters home. Oh Lord, what had I gotten myself into?

Lulu stopped suddenly pulling me back. She placed her hands on my cheeks and made me meet her eyes.

"I know you're freaking out but you need to breath. There's nothing to be scared of."She assured me and leaned up on her heels to kiss my lips softly.

I breathed her in and allowed her scent to wash over me calming me.

"Okay I'm ready, let's go."I announced and she beamed at me before taking my free hand as we walked around to the pool and to the back door.

I heard hushed voices inside and Lulu chuckled before opening the door and we walked into the most exorbitant house I'd ever laid my eyes on. It was so white and pristine I was afraid my boots would dirty the place. They probably would but Lulu didn't look worried so I tried not to be either. It was completely empty so where had the voices come from?

"Amani I can see your shoes, you too Jeremiah."Lulu called out and I looked at where she was pointing at and there were two set of shoes poking out from under the curtains.

"That's not my name."A male voice argued followed by a slap and an ow.

"Shhh, they can hear you."A female voice shushed.

"They already know we're here dummy."The male who I assumed was Jeremy argued.

Two faces peeked behind the curtain with cheeky grins. You would have thought they were kids playing such games but according to what Lulu had told me, Amani was twenty one and Jeremy was twenty four. I had seen pictures of them on Lulu's phone so they weren't new faces. Amani was shorter than her sisters at around 5'5, chubby and adorable while Jeremy was taller at 5'8 with dark hair, dark eyes and a slim build.

"Come on you two, behave like human beings and say hello."Lulu invited and they approached us standing a respectful distance away.

"James, this is my sister Amani and her best friend Jeremiah or Jeremy as he prefers. Guys this is my boyfriend James."Lulu introduced and I stretched my hand out to shake theirs hoping they didn't see it trembling.

"Nice to meet you both. I've heard so much about you, I feel like I know you already."I spoke up grateful my voice wasn't shaking.

I shook Jeremy's hand who gave me a polite smile while Amani ignored my hand and hugged me. I found myself smiling while Lulu just gave me an apologetic smile. I patted Amani's back awkwardly before she stepped back.

"I'm sorry, it's so nice to meet you James. I've heard so much about you too from both my sisters. It's finally nice to put a face to all the talk. You are very handsome, do you have any younger brothers perhaps?"Amani rambled on and I found myself grinning at her lack of a filter.

I didn't even flinch when she said she knew a lot about me. Lulu had showed me the background check Marini had done on me and it was as scary as it was humbling . It just showed that her sister was powerful enough to do something like that but she did it for her sister, not wanting her to be in the wrong company.

"Amani!"Lulu scolded and she shrugged.

"What? I'm just asking. Don't worry he's too old for me, now James or Jamie, back to you. Younger brothers yes or no."She asked and I realized how different yet similar the sisters were.

Amani was bubbly while Lulu was more practical and calculated but they both said what was on their mind without caring for the consequences.

"Don't call him Jamie, that's for me. It's James to you."Lulu corrected.

"Sorry. James?"She asked and I snapped out of it.

"Sorry no younger brothers. I'm the youngest."I answered.

"Cousins?"

"All married."I replied and she huffed in disappointment.

"That's too bad. We'll anyway welcome to the family. We all love food so I hope you do too and before I forget there is...." She continued ranting on but was interrupted by the front door opening and Marini Kiarie herself walked into the room.

She was dressed in a blue suit that enhanced just how powerful she was. With every step she took towards us I resisted the urge to take a step back. Behind her was her husband Isaac in a dark suit, taller than me with a few inches at 6'5 with blue eyes and a tan complexion. He was definitely intimidating so I had to to my best to be in my best behavior.

"I thought we beat you guys here."Marini started as she pulled Lulu into a hug.

Isaac hugged her too and I just stood there awkwardly waiting to be introduced.

"It was a fast flight. I thought you didn't work during Christmas."Lulu asked.

"I had to today. There was an emergency at the office."Marini explained.

"That explains the suits. Okay, so guys this is my boyfriend James. Jamie, this is my big sister Marini and her husband Isaac."Lulu introduced and I shook both their hands.

Marini didn't hug me but she also didn't dismiss me plus the smile on her face looked genuine.

"It's so nice to meet you James. It's a pleasure to have you here."Marini expressed.

"The honor is all mine."I replied kindly.

"Welcome James. I should feel sorry for you that you ended up getting stuck with our Lue but she has her perks."Isaac added and I smiled at Lulu who was scowling at him.

"She was the one found me and it was one of the best days of my life."I replied and Lulu turned her gaze to me smiling, her eyes lighting up with love.

"Awe. All this love around us sucks. Jeremy you and I should date for the sake of the holidays."Amani suggested.

"Ewh, no, it's like dating my younger sister."Jeremy denied quickly.

"Shut up you'd be honored to date me,I'm a catch. I don't have to stand here listening to you."Amani grunted and strutted away.

"Amani come back, I didn't mean it that way."Jeremy yelled out chasing after her.

"Don't worry about them, they are always like that."Marini addressed their disagreement dismissively. "James like I said feel welcome to our humble home, make yourself comfortable and don't hesitate to ask for anything."

"Thank you for having me."I appreciated meaning it.

My nerves had started dissipating and it was because of all the love and kindness I'd been showered with in the few minutes I'd been there. It made me wish that I had listened to Lulu earlier that there had been nothing to worry about. It would have saved me lots of time.

"Pleasure is all ours. Why don't we all go freshen up for supper and meet at the dining in an hour?"Marini suggested and everyone agreed.

Marini took her husband's hand and they both walked out of the living room.

"Told you there was nothing to worry about."Lulu said in a sing song voice elbowing my side playfully.

"You were right as always love."I replied pulling her into a side hug as I kissed her temple.

"We can save the lovey dovey for later. Let me show you to my room, more like our room for the next five days so I give you a tour of the house."Lulu declared pulling me away towards the stairs.

My eyes were darting everywhere the whole time admiring the luxury that was only brought on by dating a rich girl. True to her word Lulu showed me her bedroom before giving me a tour of the whole house and part of the estate leaving out the rest for another time. We both took a shower, separately and changed into fresh clothes for supper.

Before we left her bedroom, I pulled her aside and hugged her to me.

"Why the sudden burst of affection?"She asked her voice muffled by my t-shirt.

"I just wanted to say thank you for loving me enough to introduce me to your family. I love you so much."I confessed kissing her slightly wet hair.

"I love you more babe. Now let's go down, it's rude to be late for your first meal with my sisters.

I nodded pulling away from her. We shared a short kiss before leaving her room.

The dining room had been set for six even if it was large enough to sit twelve people. Isaac sat at the head of the table with Marini on his left. Amani sat next to Marini and Jeremy was on her other side. Amani and Jeremy were whispering amongst each other and giggling meaning they had solved their issues.

Lulu sat next to Isaac on his right and I took the seat to her right. Amani had not been lying when she told me they liked to eat. On the table there were juicy ribs, a lasagna, vegetables, beef stew, corn and what I assumed what shrimp since I'd only even seen it in movies. Amani was requested to pray and after she did as head of the family Isaac was served by Marini first and after the first bite we all dug in.

"So James tell us about yourself?"Marini asked.

"Stop being polite you already know all there is to know about him."Lulu interjected.

"I know but it's better coming from the horses mouth."Marini retorted.

Lulu was about to fire her comeback when I stooped her with a slight squeeze of her arm.

"It's okay I don't mind. My name is James Lankenua Koinet. I'm a veterinarian by profession. Both my parents are alive. I have seven siblings..... "

The rest of dinner was spent with me introducing myself and getting to know everyone in return. The Kiarie's might have been rich but they were some of the kindest, warmest and friendliest people I'd ever come across and I was happy to have fallen in love with one of them. Not once did thoughts of being inferior to Lulu because of her wealth or that of her family cross my mind and it showed just how at home I felt with them.

It was shaping up to be a great Christmas and I couldn't wait for the rest of the five days. It was going to be a blast.

🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀

Meeting the family part one done. If you didn't already read Marini's and Isaac's story and are curious about their relationship you can out their book. It's complete and titled" All Hail His Queen". Enjoy the read if you decide to give it a chance.

It feels weird writing a Christmas themed chapter in May🤣🤣 but that's the life of an author I guess. I hope you enjoyed the chapter.

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