Ambassador Odamtten rode in a separate Uber taxi behind Opoku and Vicky, glad and fulfilled that the president’s son granted him the privilege and responsibility of escorting him to such a landmark event.
Knowing His excellency, he never forgets such personal favors. “It sure adds a notch to my career and I can’t wait to personally handle the rest of the ceremony, Odamtten thought to himself. He was even more excited to be the first Ghanaian to meet the fiancée of the president’s only son, a citizen of the ‘almighty Nigeria’ where he is also privileged to be the ambassador of.
How did it go ?
For Opoku and Vicky, the ride to Calabar airport from Ikot Ekpene was silent for a few minutes with both of them soaking in the success of their mission. She relaxed her head on his chest as usual, feeling particularly grateful that her father and uncles accepted her choice.
She couldn’t also get over the fact that daddy once came across her soon-to-be mother in-law’s dad on one of his many international travels. A small world indeed. This marriage is a divine arrangement by all standards.
“But… come o, what did Habakkuk 2:3 say again ?” She thought. Did it not tell me that ‘the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”
“Baba GOD, YOUR word also said that ‘weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning.’ I don cry reach ABBA, thank you for saving the best for me. Thank YOU for wiping my tears. Thank YOU for giving me the evidence of Your answer to my very private prayers”
On his part, Opoku silently evaluated the event. He wondered if he really did well, if he really impressed his would-be in-laws. He reflected on the welcome, the speeches, the blessings, and the general acceptance by the community. The warmth, the agility, the hospitality and culinary prowess of Mma Etteh, Vicky’s mum is an indication of what the latter would be.
“And oh, the Nigerian jollof ! I doff my heart ! What with the lovely local vegetable garnishing ! Vicky called one saint leaves, the other, organic curry leaves. Whatever, I loved it. My children will have a mix of the best of meals of 2 cultures. I must move quickly, Vicky can’t go to someone else. I won’t survive it,’ he sighed deeply.
When he came to, he tapped Vicky. “Sweetheart, what do you think about today’s event ?”
Sitting up a bit, “Everything went really well despite the short notice. Even my usually cranky uncles were at ease with you. No unnecessary inrregoations. I give all the glory to GOD. HE’s amazing.”
Church tomorrow:
“We really have so much to thank GOD for,” Opoku said. Let’s endeavor to go to Church tomorrow for a private thanksgiving. We must acknowledge HIM at each step.”
“Yes, you’re right. Let’s worship at RCCG, City of David. It’s the nearest to my house. Kings Court is my Parish but the service is rather long. You shouldn’t miss your flight back to Accra,” Vicky said.
“I really would’ve loved to see Tony Rapu, we were friends back in the day when he was the Pastor of RCCG, Freedom Hall. I worshiped there on his invitations during some of my visits to Lagos,” Opoku responded.
“Oh, ok. He set up his own Church about 10 minutes drive from my house. We can worship there. Nice guy, Tony Rapu an amazing, inspirational Pastor,” Vicky said.
On arrival at the airport in Calabar, Opoku did cash transfers to both his Uber cab and that of Ambassador Odamtten, then gave each one mint wads of dollar bills.
Overjoyed, both drivers thanked him profusely and gave him their business cards, pleading that he call them whenever he visits Calabar again.
In the plane, Vicky buckled her sitbelt loosely so she could snuggle onto his chest, her favourite comfort zone. Opoku, on his part, held her closely and as usual, intermittently kissed and sniffed the fragrance of her hair.
Odamtten’s drivers were already at the Lagos airport arrival lounge at MM2. Opoku and Vicky thanked him profusely for all he has done. He reassured Opoku that he is always available to help. One of the drivers took the lovebirds to Vicky’s house.
Definitely my wife !
On arrival at her house, she made Waakye, a favourite of the Ghanaian first family (Vicky had done a lot of research on their favourite meals).
While at it, Opoku went to take a warm bath to avoid the breaches they both promised to deal with. Bathing together draws the shivers that get them into temptation.
She served Waakye on banana leaves as her Ghanaian chef instructor recommended during her lessons.
When Opoku got to the dining table, he was amazed at the presentation. She served the meal with fresh tomato and mango juices. On seeing looking so fresh in his white lounge clothes, she froze and stayed spellbound by the ‘aje bota’ cuteness. They both stood, staring at each other for the better part of 60 seconds.
“Victoria, see as your husband fine” she thought to herself.
“Who taught you how to prepare Waakye ? It certainly is not a Nigerian meal,” Opoku screamed.
“Honey bunch, there’s more to come,” Vicky teased.
“You definitely belong to me ! Who hid you all these years, sweetheart ?” Opoku asked, hugging her tightly.
The lovebirds then sat down and ate, chattering about kids, kids’ games, domestic animals and any and everything.
Meal over, Opoku volunteered to do the dishes while Vicky lined up her dresses, matching shoes, jewelry and wigs for Church and work the following week.
They both then watched Netflix till 11:00pm and fell asleep, squeezing, kissing and whispering sweet nothings that gave each other the shivers. They however avoided smooching in spite of the strong urge to.
By about 12:30am, they slept in each other’s arms on the rug till 5:00am without breaking boundaries, too conscious of the set limits.