Love Over Everything — Chapter 43

Evening Time...........

Naomi’s point of view.

“I still don’t know the main reason for this gathering. Are you sure you’re not getting me kidnapped?” I asked Linda for the fourth time, I feel something weird is about to happen and I can’t help it.

Around 3 pm, Linda and Luis arrived at my place unannounced, Linda came along with the most expensive dress, shoes, and Jewelry, claiming they were for me to wear tonight and to top it all, Luis took the love of my life and my babies with him. He said they had something to do.

Linda smiled, “You’re my sister-in-law and best friend. Kidnapping you would be the last thing I will ever think of. Since Christopher is assisting Luis, it will only be reasonable to assist you in dressing up.” She said but I did not believe a word.

“And this dress? it’s so expensive Linda.” I said and she groaned.

“You ask way too many questions, Naomi. You said you like the dress and Jewellery, that’s all that matters. No more questions okay?” She commanded and I nodded.

Linda made me sit by the dressing table and she did my makeup after which she took uncountable pictures of me.

While She was dressing up, I reached for my phone and texted Christopher.

“Won’t you guys come home to dress up for the party?”

“Zoe, Tyler and I are already dressed and we are at the party. Just waiting for you and Linda to get here. I already arranged for someone to bring you two to the venue. See you soon, my love.”

“I thought the party was at your place, ” I said to Linda who was fixing her necklace.

“Nope.” She answered, then came to where I was seated and took my hands in hers.

“I want you to promise me something.” She said and I nodded.

“Ask no more questions, go with the flow and enjoy the party.” She instructed.

I was about to say just one more thing but Linda stopped me and I had no choice but to swallow my words.

I untangled my hands from hers and placed them on her baby bump. Linda was putting on a red dress which enhanced her five months old bump.

I smiled, remembering in a few months I’ll be showing like her.

“I can’t wait to meet him,” I whispered.

“I’m sure he can’t wait to meet his godmother too.” She smiled.

I laughed, “I knew you were joking when you said I was not his godmother.”

Linda shrugged, “It’s not yet legal. I can still fire you.” She teased and I rolled my eyes.

“Alright, let’s get going before our men start getting worried about us.” She said.

.......

I was in awe as soon as I stepped into the cosy hall where the Family and Friends get together was taking place.

I remember walking in with Linda but she left me in search of her husband, Luis.

Everyone was dressed formally, I could see familiar faces but I was interested in locating the love of my life. I finally found him, he smiled at me when our eyes connected. He was by the bar area talking with my dad and a very familiar face which I recognize to be Julius, his dad.

Before I could approach them, I felt some tiny arms wrapped around my legs. I looked down and saw my greatest treasures, Zoe and Tyler. I squatted towards them and gave them a joint hug.

“We are matching!” Zoe exclaimed and that was when I noticed she was putting on the smaller version of my dress and the locket I gave her on Tyler’s birthday.

“Yes, my love and you look very beautiful.”

“You look pretty too, ” Zoe said then kissed my cheek.

“I’m matching with Daddy too” Tyler informed me as he pointed across to Christopher. Christopher winked at me and waved at the kids which made me chuckle. I doubt he was even listening to what my dad and his dad are saying to him.

“I can see that buddy and you look like Prince Charming, ” I said to Tyler and he smiled.

“Naomi meet Sophie, She’s my friend.” Zoe introduced me to a pretty girl who should not be more than seven years old.

“It’s nice to meet you Naomi, uncle Chris, and Zoe has told me so much about you, ” Sophie said and I figured out she must be Christopher’s friends’ daughter.

“I’ve heard so much about you too dear.” I hugged her and kissed her cheek.

“Let’s go Zowi, Sophie, we have to prepare for the surprise, ” Tyler said.

“What surprise?” I frowned.

“Nothing Naomi, we will be right back, ” Zoe said and the three of them ran away.

I felt someone wrap a pair of hands around my waist from behind. I smiled knowing it was Christopher. I leaned back into his chest. “I missed you.”

“Are you trying to be clingy.” He teased and I playfully rolled my eyes.

He twirled me around and connected his lips with mine. “I missed you too.” He said between kisses.

“So I’m guessing you had a hand in planning this get together. I know it’s not a coincidence that Zoe and I are matching. I’m not complaining about that, I actually love it.”

“Someway, somehow, Zoe and I were shopping for dresses online; she saw the one you guys are putting on and instantly fell in love with it. It was part of a mother-daughter collection. So I bought it and we both picked out matching shoes and jewellery.”

“Thank you, I love it. I will remember to thank Zoe too. Maybe whenever I go shopping next I will shop for another matching outfit for me and her.”

“She adores you.” Christopher smiled.

“And I love her more than she can ever imagine, ” I replied.

“My friends are dying to meet you. Come let’s go say hi to them.” He said and led the way.

“Finally, I get to meet you in person. All hail the Queen.” One of Christopher’s friends said and playfully bowed.

“Naomi, this playful adult here is Andre.” Chris referred to the guy that just bowed and I stretched my hand out to him for a shake.

“And this is Ruben and his wife Debbie. They are Sophie’s parents.” I shook Ruben and hugged Debbie.

“Thanks for making my best friend believe in love, ” Ruben said and we all laughed.

“We agreed you were not going to embarrass me in front of her” Christopher grumbled as he wrapped his arms around my waist possessively.

We talked for a while before I excused myself to greet my parents and friends. Food and drinks were served and we all ate as much as we could. Most especially me, Christopher made sure I ate enough. I stylishly avoided wine and all other alcoholic drinks because of reasons temporarily known to me and my immediate family.

I was about to ask Christopher when we were going to break the news when he decided he wanted to talk to me in private. He took me out through the back door.

“Is everything okay?” I asked him and he nodded. His hands were connected to mine and I noticed they were starting to get sweaty.

As we walked through the garden I noticed candles and a mixture of red roses along the pathway which I find very romantic.

Christopher and I stopped in our tracks when we were a few feet away from a very beautiful tree. Actually, I was the one who stopped to admire the tree so he had no choice but to stop with me.

“This is beautiful, ” I said as I entangled my hands from Christopher and walked towards the tree. A big tree decorated with lights, ornaments and Chandelier jars that had candles in them.

I smiled as soon as I saw a swing connected to the tree. I took fast steps towards the tree and sat on the swing. For a moment, I felt like a princess, I felt like Cinderella.

“This is beautiful, Thanks for bringing me out here, ” I said to Christopher who still seemed nervous.

He put on a nervous smile, kissed my forehead then went down on his knee.....

My eyes widened and I went speechless. Everything now makes perfect sense. I knew it was going to happen eventually but I had no idea when it would. I was definitely not expecting it today.

“I honestly don’t know where to start from Naomi. Life without you was unbearable and I’m grateful destiny has given us another opportunity to be together.”

“I’m not a perfect guy and sometimes I wonder what made you fall for me because everything about you speaks perfection. I have never seen anyone as selfless as you. You think of every other person before you even think of yourself and what benefits you.”

“My life changed the moment I met you and I’m glad your parents forced you to represent them at the function four years ago.”

“Naomi, I’m madly in love with you to the extent that life without you in it is meaningless. I want to wake up beside you for the rest of my life, I want us to go on many vacations and do a lot of fun things together, I want you to be my other half and most importantly I want our union to be blessed in front of God Almighty.”

Suddenly I saw our children, Zoe and Tyler walked towards us with priceless smiles on their faces. They stood by Chris who was still on his Knee.

Tyler took out something from his pocket and handed it over to Christopher. It was a red velvet squared box. Christopher opened it and I saw the most beautiful engagement ring I’ve ever laid my eyes on.

“Naomi Alrie Browne, will you marry me?” He popped the question.

I’ve pictured so many scenes in my head of how this day was going to be and all the things I’ve pictured couldn’t come close to what is happening right now. I tried not to cry but I failed terribly, I don’t know if it was my hormones in action.

I slowly dabbed the tear that rolled down my cheeks and nodded. “I will marry you, Christopher”

Zoe and Tyler screamed for Joy and did their happy dance while Christopher slipped the ring on my finger. It fits me perfectly, just like a second skin.

He stood to his feet and kissed me passionately. We pulled away and he wiped my tears with his thumb.

“I don’t like to see you cry.” He whispered.

I chuckle, “They are all tears of joy.”

“That means you will have to forgive me in advance for more happy tears. I promise to make you happy for the rest of my life.” He said and my heart melted.

“I have no doubt you would, I love you, ” I said to him.

“I love you too.” He replied.

Suddenly we were hugged by some pair of tiny hands. Christopher and I squatted towards Zoe and Tyler and we had a joint hug.

I smiled. “My family, my everything.”

Suddenly, all the guests made their way out through the back door and started walking towards us. They all had huge smiles on their faces.

I look at Christopher. “They saw and heard everything.” He clarified and I nodded.

My mom was the first person to pull me into a bone-crushing hug. “Congratulations my baby.”

I chuckled and released myself from the hug. “Thanks, Mom. Are you crying?” I asked, shocked as I wiped her tears with my thumb.

“I’m trying not to sweetheart. You’re my princess, my only daughter, you’ve been through a lot and I’m happy you are finally getting all the happiness you deserve. Christopher is a good man and I have no doubt he’s going to take very good care of you. I’ve been excited about this night since the day he came to ask your Dad and me for your hands in marriage.” I smiled as my mom spoke.

“Wow..wow..wow... Look who’s engaged??” Linda teased as she admired the ring on my finger.

“I knew I was missing something when you and Luis pulled up at my place this afternoon.”

“Well, it wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you. Congratulations sister in law.” She pulled me into a side hug because of her bump.

“You know I don’t like it when you call me that.” I frowned and she chuckled. Yes, I’m her sister-in-law and best friend but I feel old whenever she calls me Sister in law.

Everyone we invited congratulated Christopher and I. The formerly indoor party was transferred outside. More champagne and snacks were served by the waiters, Maddie surprised me with a so-called engagement cake. Chris and I cut the cake and we took pictures.

“I think it’s time to let them know, ” Christopher said to me and I nodded.

“Let us know what?” My mom asked.

“Let me tell you, Grandma......” Zoe said excitedly. My mom squatted to Zoe’s height and Zoe whispered in her ear.

My mom rose to her feet immediately, “Is she serious?” She asked me and Chris with a priceless smile on her face.

“Yes, ” I said while Christopher nodded.

“Oh my God, I’m going to be a grandma again.” My mom literally screamed for everyone around to hear and pulled me into a hug.

“I knew I was destined to have so many Grandchildren. Congratulations to you both.” Christopher’s mother hugged me and his Dad followed suit.

“Thank you for loving my son. He has never been this happy. My eyes never left the two of you all night; I never knew Christopher could be this romantic.”

“Mom, ” Christopher groaned and we all laughed.

Sarah intertwined her hand with Julius while Chris wrapped his arm around my waist protectively.

“We will have to share our time between Miami and California to spend more time with our grandchildren.” Julius, Christopher’s father spoke.

I smiled, “Chris and I will appreciate that.”

....

My cheeks are sore from smiling too much. I will never forget every detail of what happened today. From finding out I was pregnant, seeing Christopher’s reaction when I made him think the test was negative, telling the kids about the baby, the party and the proposal.....

I smiled as I stepped out of the shower and admired my naked body. I caressed my still flat belly and smiled. I can’t believe I now have everything I’ve prayed and dreamed of. I know this pregnancy will go smoothly because I have Christopher, Tyler, and Zoe to support me.

I dried my body and hair and changed into one of Christopher’s shirts. I literally abandoned all my nightdresses since Christopher came back into my life. I’ve been sleeping in his shirts or sometimes naked.

I applied my skincare products and made my way to the bedroom. I noticed Christopher was nowhere to be found. Perhaps he was in the kids’ room.

I slipped my feet into one of my comfy bedroom slippers and decided to go in search of Chris. As soon as I opened the door to walk out of my bedroom, I saw Zoe standing by the wall, holding a stuffed animal.

I squatted towards her “Hi honey, what is it?” I asked, getting worried. Zoe has always been a happy child but right now she looks kind of sad.

“I wanted to talk to you.” She mumbled, not looking into my eyes.

I reached for her hand and we made our way back to my room. I made her sit on the edge of the bed and I sat beside her.

Honestly, I feel kind of nervous because I have no idea what she wants to talk about.

“I’m listening, sweetheart.” I encouraged her to say whatever was on her mind.

“Remember you said I could tell you or ask you anything?” She said playing with the stuffed animal she was holding.

“Yes, my love.”

“I want to ask you something and it’s okay if you say no, I will understand.”

For the first time since the beginning of our conversation, she looked into my eyes. “Is it okay if I call you mommy?”

“Tyler calls you mommy because you’re his mommy and when my baby brother or sister arrives, he or she will call you mommy. I don’t want to be left out, that’s why I want to ask you if I can call you mommy.”

I wiped the tear that rolled down my cheeks.“Of course, you can call me mommy if you want to.” I whispered.

“Really?” She smiled and I nodded.

Zoe wrapped her arms around me and I hugged her back and kissed her forehead. I honestly can’t explain how sweet Zoe is. She has a beautiful soul and I consider myself honoured to have her call me mommy.

I pulled away from the hug and looked into her eyes

“You know that means you now have two moms, ” I said and she nodded

“I told my mommy I want to start calling you my mommy too because you take good care of me. She told me you are a nice person that I should ask you.”

“Vivian said that?” I asked and Zoe nodded.

Suddenly we were interrupted by Christopher. “It’s time for bed, princess.” He said to Zoe.

“Can you tuck me in, Mommy?” Zoe asked and I nodded with a smile, taking note of Christopher’s confused look.

Chris, Zoe and I made our way to the kids room and tucked them in.

.........

“I’m happy she called you that, ” Chris said to me as we proceeded to our room.

“It’s so amazing hearing her call me mom. She said Vivian is okay with it.”

“She must have asked her on the phone. Vivian called to speak to Zoe while you were in the shower so they must have discussed it.”

“I hope she did not feel bad when Zoe posed the question to her, ” I ask and Christopher shrugged.

“I don’t think so, she will be glad Zoe is warming up to you.” He finally said.

“I’ve been dying to do this all day, ” Chris said, went down on his knee, raised my shirt a little and showered kisses on my still flat belly which made me giggle.

“I can’t wait for you to start showing.” He said, rising to his feet.

“I hope you would still feel attracted to me then because of how fat I may become.”

He smiled, “No matter what, I will always love you because my heart beats for you alone.”

He wrapped his arms around my waist, “When do you want us to have the wedding? I want to make sure you have your dream wedding. I don’t mind spending all my savings.

“Anytime is perfect for me as far as I get married to you, my love” I replied.

“I love you.” He said to me with so much adoration in his eyes.

“I love you more Christopher.”

He carried me to the bed, took his time to explore every inch of my body and made love to me.