Chapter 22

                  Lamais's pov

  I humbled myself as I lie in bed feeling lonely, I was happy to have helped Shanty to host the small dinner to introduce Msrah and his children to her family and to only a few close friends. After helping Msrah with his speech for only fifteen minutes, he got it right and delivered it nicely. I felt so proud of him and happy for Shanty, they were now officially dating to see if they liked each other enough to get married. I of course will be assisting in any way I can, I wanted them to be married and happy and I had counseled Shanty on saving and managing their money wisely. They will never have to go without dinner any evening as long as I live and that's a promise.

  The next day while we work in the outdoor kitchen she chatted about an unfinished room that she wishes to finish and that her mother says that she really likes Msrah but sorry he had three children.

"Well he's taking you up with five, so do not let that be the reason you turn away a good man. Grow your children together and please go and let in your babyfather," I told her and added the latter when I heard the car horn of inspector Gregory tooted at the gate.

Her facial expression fell as she went out, it's a pity to crush her happy spirit right now but this needs to be dealt with. I walk to the read-ing room and donned my bright yellow robe and head tie, then I walk out into the hall part where she had instructed him to sit and he stands and greets me respectfully.

"Good afternoon priestess."

"I hope you have had a good day thus far Mr. Gregory good afternoon," I said to him.

"We'll it a'right so far," he said and I sit and beckon him to do so.

"Actually mi nuh get the money yet so das-" he begins to say and I cut him off by telling him.

"That's not the reason I ask you here."

"Oh!" He exclaims and looks directly at me.

"You have three lovely children with Shanty and they're getting big, what are you waiting for to start supporting them in every way?" I tell him and ask.

"Mi nuh sure bout that," he said shaking his head.

"I am and nuh badda mek mi tell yuh which position yuh did have har ina fi mek dem, come on man yuh can't just have all three a dem-"

"Three?!" He cut me off asking.

"Yes!" I exclaim telling him.

  He took a deep breath and sat staring into the ceiling for a while, then he said. "Shanty did have umuch ada man dem time dey."

"The children are yours. Love, respect and acceptance isn't that hard to give them and I suggest you start today, you have lost a lot of time with them already. They are good children, school will be closing soon and I hope you won't let me have to take you to task," I told him firmly.

"Ok ma'am," he said after about two full minutes.

  He left unsmiling and I couldn't careless how he felt, Shanty needed the help and he is the father of three of her children. "Brenton says he will come and talk to me when he comes and he the old drunkard sey Friday and he doesn't want his wife to know. Take everything they are giving you and sort out yourself and your children," I tell a sad face Shanty.

"Yes ma'am and thank you," she says.

"You're welcome," I said offering her a kind smile which she returns and we went back to doing what we had been doing.

Cushane looked a little withdrawn at prayer meeting on Friday night, I was introduced to his mother, father and older brother. I guess he's just focus on the new step he was about to take and I think to myself that I will be having a man who is God fearing and that is very important to me. He was baptized the following Sunday by two ministers I had invited from one of our sister churches for that purpose and they were happy to come and do so. We had visitors from in and around the area, who came to worship and some who came for prayer.

I was glad when my monthly flow came because I wasn't sure about the postinor two contraceptive, I bought a set of contraceptive pills over the counter at the pharmacy. I was afraid of anyone who knows me seeing me, so I hurried out afterwards- did a bit of shopping and then went home to take my time getting ready for the dinner invite that night with Cushane, his family and a few church friends.

When everyone going with me call saying they are ready, I went and pick them up before driving to the upscale restaurant at the resort. The food was good and the conversation flows freely, I spoke mostly with his parents who were very interested in the church and wish they weren't leaving the following day. I turn around and saw Cushane looking at me, he blinked and look away to his brother who was saying something and admire how they both had similar heights and features but Cushane is the best looking one.

Our table was cleared and dessert was being served when I was ask to stand up a little by one of the waitresses, I stood up and was directed a step away from the table. I frown feeling confused then saw Cushane stand and walk towards me, he smiled then kneel down and I stare down at him in surprise as camera lights go off. He held out a ring box and flicked it open, I saw the glistening from the diamonds cause by the light and my heartbeat exhilarates.

"Will you make my life complete and marry me?" He asks and sweeter words I have never heard.

"Yes," I said barely above a whisper.

My eyes were filled with happy tears as he pushed the ring on my ring finger, then he stood and took my lips in a passionate French kiss. It was over too soon and I was reminded of where we were and that there were people staring at us, a glass of champagne was placed in my hand as he led me back to my seat and sat down beside me. I was so happy that I was nervous, his father and brother did the toasts that had us all reeling with laughter and him threatening them.

Although it was late and I felt tired when I reach home I could not fall asleep, I kept smiling from hear to hear and looking at the beautiful ring on my finger. I felt like shouting at the top of my voice telling the whole world how happy I am and of how happy I am feeling. I whispered a prayer then recite psalms until I fell into a deep sleep. I dreamt of us getting married at the enchanting resort next door to where we had dinner and it was all that I had hoped for, but with morning and me being wide awake I had to face the dream.

The read-ing of dreams are equal to the opposite of what one has dreamt, for instance weddings meant funeral and my happy mood was dampened. I told Shanty about it and she said. "You of all people know dream doesn't walk straight and if yuh ever know how dem pickney a plan yuh wedding more dan mines, yuh send any sadness and funeral back to whence it coming from."

I snorted at her expression unable to laugh, my business phone rings and she answers. She told whoever we'll be there in a while and after she ends the call she tells me that Mrs. Moses has died a short while ago. I nodded feeling my eyes filled up with tears, Shanty sighs heavily and moans sadly. I told her to call Bro. Smith and the others and let them know and also if they wanted to ride with us there to offer Bro. Moses some words of encouragement.

  An hour later we were on our way with Sis. Roper, Sis. Spence, Bro. Smith and a new church sister, Sis. Grant. Shanty opens the gate for us as I lead them into singing as we enter the premises seeing a sad red eyed Mr. Moses.

Pass me not, O gentle savior..
Hear my humble cry...
While on others thou art calling..
Do not pass me by..

Saviour... Blessed saviour... hear my humble cry....
While on others thou art calling...
Do not pass me by...

Let me at the throne of mercy...
Find a sweet relief...
Kneeling their in deep contrition...
Help my unbelief..

Repeat Chorus...

Third verse
Trusting only in thy mercy...
Would I seek thy face...
Heal my wounded broken spirit..
Save me by thy grace...

Thou the spring of all my comfort...
More than life to me...
Whom have I on earth beside thee?...
Whom on heaven but thee?...

After singing a few choruses raised by the others, I prayed for Mr. Moses and the family members present and absent then for everyone. I offered words of encouragement to him and those who listened, then we talk about the funeral arrangements before we parted.

To be continued....