Chapter 20: EPILOGUE

EIGHTEEN MONTHS LATER

The center of the sitting room’s hardwood floor was graced with a brown rug, and a glass table. The room was elegantly furnished in a modern style, and a sliding glass wall that partitioned it from the bedroom. The bedroom itself was spacious and the French empire bed was paired with an antique Venetian striped carpet. The large bed was mere steps away from the glass door that opened out onto the rooftop Terrazzo, allowing the sunlight to spill over the bed, casting a warm glow around the room. In the ensuite bathroom a huge pedestal bathtub graced a corner, while the other end had a shower stall.

The hotel was indeed a home away from home. Claire watched Leo stir in his sleep, a serene look on his face. She pressed a soft kiss on his lips, earning her a moan from him.

“Hmm, good morning darling,” she muttered, his breath feathering her face.

“That’s a lovely way to wake up,” he murmured, wrapping his strong arms around her as his eyes flickered open.

“I was watching you sleep.”

“A new habit of yours. Instead of just watching, let me show you—”

“Stop,” she giggled as Leo rained tiny kisses all over her face, “We need to get up. The day is waiting for us. We need to explore Paris!”

“What if I want to stay in bed all day with you, exploring you instead?” he pouted.

“Sounds good, but we should go out,” she giggled again.

“Fine, you win, but tonight no sleep for you again.” He flashed his flirtatious grin.

“Yes your highness,” she chuckledas she left the bed, dropping the bedcover away from her naked body.

“God! How do you expect me to see you like that without wanting to have a taste all over again?” he growled, making a move to pounce on her, but she dodged into bathroom.

“I’m coming for you,” he chuckled, following her into the bathroom.

***

PARIS INDEED IS THE CITY OF LOVE. So many places to sightsee, the couple took pictures with the Eiffel Tower behind them, laughing and smiling at their own private jokes. Claire shopped till she almost dropped, buying lots of souvenirs for her family, and of course, Lizzie. Lizzie would almost die with excitement.

Their daughter was on holiday with her niece and nephews in Nigeria, Claire was certain that she would be spoilt rotten by the time they got back to Nigeria. Claire never knew what it felt like to have siblings around her, but now things have changed. She now belonged to a large family that genuinely loved her, the king was more of a father to her than she ever imagined. Speaking of the king, she needed to call that old man to know what he was up to.

Everything was as it should be. Life had been kind to her, and soon there will be another addition to the Gbadegesin Clan “You practically bought the whole store” Leo teased her as they entered their hotel room.

“I couldn’t help it” dropping the shopping bags she was holding on the sitting room floor.

“I hope there’s something for me in those bags.” Sauntering to the bedroom.

“You will soon find out in a bit” following him. A small wrapped rectangular shaped gift in her hand. Claire extend the box to him with a smile.

“Really? I was joking! Let’s see what do we have here” grinning as he unwraps the gift, he stared open mouthed at what he is holding in his hand. A pregnancy test stick nestled inside the box. “Are we pregnant?”

“Yes we are!” jumping into his arms.

“Oh my God! We are having a baby! I love you. This is the best gift ever.” Kissing her.

“I love you too darling.” Returning his kisses, soon their kisses gets intense and the two proceeds to celebrate their love and good news in the best way they know how.

******

KING GBADEGESIN PLACED HIS mobile phone down. Happiness radiating all over his aged wrinkled face. He just received good news from Leo and his wife; the two are vacationing in Paris. Another grandchild will be added unto the family. What more can an old man ask for from God?

“Pearl,” he mutters to his late wife’s picture on the bedside table. “We have done well. All our sons are settled, with a lot of grandchildren as well. I wish you were here to see all this with me. It would have been wonderful, but I know whereever you are, you are watching over them, my angel, my Pearl,” he whispered with a wistful smile on his face.

THE END