Chapter 13

KEZIA'S FATHER EXPRESSED IS SHOCK when Henry asked for his daughter's hand in marriage. He did not see it coming, when did they start seeing each other? Why is the wedding happening so soon? Henry smoothly explained to him that he has always been interested in Kezia, and the few past month that she has been working for him, he has come to realize that he needs her in his life. He seems to be satisfied with Henry's explanation but still insist on talking to his daughter first before he accept.

It's not the old age after all, and she is the one whose opinion really matters. Henry agrees to his decision. Knowing fully well that Kezia will not want to do anything that will jeopardize things. Henry had already started with the preparation; the priest that will join them in marriage has been notified. He plans to keep it simple and classy, that's the instructions he gave to the wedding planner after she had signed a non-disclosure agreement. Henry did not want the paparazzi all up in his affairs.

Henry was not surprised when Kezia's parents invite him for a meeting at their place. He was impressed that they were not intimated by the fact that he is a Prince, and they work for his family. Kezia too was on sit. They expressed their happiness, now that they are certain their daughter wants the union as well. Eunice ask him to take good care of her daughter, now that she will be moving permanently with him to Abuja. Henry promised to do everything in his care to make sure Kezia never lacks or want anything.

The King invites the Clarke's family over for dinner. They are now family, he said, after he has had a private chat with Kezia. Assuring her of his support. The King could not hide his happiness. Kezia was not expecting it when Henry knelt down in front of their family and brought out a huge diamond ring to propose. It felt so real for her; she whispered her response amidst cheers and beautiful chatters. Henry kissed her lightly on the lips, smiling with confidence.

Liam and Leo arrived three days to the wedding. Henry invited Sean as well; he's close to being family as well. They all teased Henry about his upcoming wedding, insisting on knowing the full detail about the marriage. Though Sean already guessed half of the story, Henry reluctantly explained how it all went down to them. The brothers were lounging by the pool side, enjoying the evening breeze. The four men were all in their shorts, with towels slung around their necks. William was busy playing with his father's beard.

"Now you know how things were, but I did not tell her family that she is pregnant. Though she can tell them if she wants to" Henry said before taking a sip out of the Chapman drink.

"This is serious man, but I respect what you did by rising up to the occasion. I married for a weird reason as well but here we are, so I'm sure you will be fine" Liam concluded, patting Henry on the knee.

"What is happening to the men in this family? First it was Liam. Now it's you, I'm starting to think something is fishy somewhere, but luckily I am immune." He flashed his wicked grin. "It sucks to be you right now. Everything happening all at once, marriage and baby? That's much, but I know you've got this brother. Cheers to your marriage" raising his glass up. He downed the remaining, before quickly discarding his towel and shorts, leaving him in a black brief that hugs his firm ass. Good looks runs in the family. He dived into the pool with a splash, laughing as the water splashed on his brothers.

"Way to go Leo, behaving like a child." Liam call out, getting a shrug from Leo, who continue to swim. "On the bright side Kezia is a beautiful and smart woman, so I'm sure you will have your hands full there. Just let me know if you need anything" Liam said turning back to Henry, who grunts his response.

"Let's go into the water son, let's show Uncle Leo how a Prince swims." Throwing the shade at Leo. He led William into the pool, with the floater in place. William's laughter fills the pool, as he splash inside the water. "Uncle Leo! See me"

"I can see you munchkin"

Sean was sipping his drink quietly, looking at his friend thoughtfully.

"What? You don't have anything to say?" Henry snorts.

"Not really. Still kind of in shock about the whole scenario, since I remember someone once telling me off concerning Kezia, let's see if I can remember the exact word, —I will corrupt her?" Sean chuckles "but like Leo said, you will be fine. Just take care of the girl, because I know you very well Henry" Sean said, his eyes boring into Henry's.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence man" Henry snorts, downing his drink.

"Just saying” before long step into the pool as well.

The ladies too were bonding while the men were at the pool side. Kezia had invited Naomi over, after she had assures Henry that she will not say anything to the press. Naomi was in awe of the Estate, she could not believe her eyes at the sight of the Palace. She was too keyed up to rest, after she arrived; it was only when Kezia promised to give her a tour of the Estate later that she finally agreed to rest.

Lola had invited the girls over to her wing in the huge Estate. Naomi could not keep her jaw from dropping to the floor. Lola chuckles good naturally at the look on Naomi's face. Lola has arranged for a small picnic in the garden area. The flowers around them add a touch of fairy tale setting to it. Eliza could not hide her excitement as well; her big sister is getting married to a live Prince. It's so surreal for her; ever since the King had invites the family over for dinner and their engagement was announced. She's been hyperactive.

"Oh my this is beautiful, thank you" Kezia whisper, totally taken in with everything. The ladies lay down on the mat.

"It's nothing Kez; I just want to do something for you, besides we need time to bond since the men are off somewhere" Lola replies, rubbing her tummy.

"This is lovely your highness, I'm so happy to be here" Naomi gushed.

"Please call me Lola." Smiling with warmth at Naomi, "how did you two meet?"

Kezia launched into how she and Naomi become friends back in the university. Regaling her of the beautiful memories they've shared together. They had a good laugh about their time together, causing Lola to laugh as well. It feels good to have new friends she can talk with. They had nibble on snacks and fruits, while they enjoy the fresh air.

"So seeing as both of you are already taken by two, out of the three hottest Gbadegesin men, with the last one being a certified Playboy, how about you hook a sister up with that tall glass of chocolate, the one with beard" Naomi ask, using her hands to fan herself.

Kezia and Lola giggles like schoolgirls, "You are something else Naomi, are you referring to Sean?"

"Is that his name? Sean—" testing his name, "I like it even better, yes. He is fine"

"Well I don't know much about him other than; he's a doctor and close friends with Henry. Don't know if he is available but if you like him, then shoot your shot." Knowing her Friend to be bold, Naomi will do just that, sometimes Kez wish she is that bold.

"Don't be surprised if I do"

"I like you, Naomi. You are a breath of fresh air, bold and beautiful as well. It's a shame though that you've set your eyes on Sean, because I would have said you will be a good match for Leo" Lola chuckles.

"Why did you say that?" Naomi asked, curiously.

"Well like I said you are bold, and you look like someone that will not allow herself to be taken for a fool. Leo on the other hand act like he's a God gift to women. He needs a strong woman to tame him"

"I guess you are right" Kezia retorted. "What are you smiling mischievously for young lady?" Addressing Eliza who has been quiet, listening intently to their conversation, with fascination written on her face.

"Me? I'm just enjoying the conversation" Eliza replied innocently.

"Let it remain like that, don't get ideas in that your pretty head."

"Oh God, I'm not a kid anymore if you haven't noticed."

"Oh please, leave the poor girl alone Kez. She's nineteen not nine" Naomi scoffs.

"That maybe, but you are still my baby Sister"

"Awn look at you two. Sometimes I wish I have a baby sister I can do stuffs with, but it's a brother I have" Lola chuckles. "Anyways enough about the men, let's talk about the wedding plans. I know Henry hired a wedding planner, hope you have everything you need"

Kezia smiled, telling them how easy things were going. Lots of shopping has been done for the wedding. Her wedding gown is now ready. It's a dream turn to reality for her.

Naomi could not help but wonder how her friend who was lamenting to her about the way Henry was treating is suddenly getting married to him. It did not add up to her, but she decided not to pressure her, knowing she will talk when she is ready to let her know about it. Though Kezia seems to be happy about it. In the main time she will enjoy herself here, and support her friend.

Lola sips her juice amidst the lady’s laughter as they discuss about the upcoming wedding. She has noticed the subtle signs and changes, call it intuition but she's certain that Kezia is pregnant. If she's right like she is certain of then Henry is on for a ride, Lola thought with a grin. She will ask Liam though, to be certain.

The men soon joined them, with Liam bundling his wife away amidst laughter and cat calls from the rest. Leaving Leo to baby sit William. Henry too follow suit, saying he needs some alone time with his wife to be. Kezia's face warm up at the way he said it, following him. After Sean promised to keep the company of Naomi.

"You don't need to pretend you know" Kezia mutters, keeping up with his long stride.

Henry appears baffled not sure what she is referring to.

"I meant the way you behave a while ago with your brothers, making them to believe we are in love and all, I know we are getting married because of the baby—"

"And so I should be mean to you?" Henry finished for her. "I don't need to pretend about anything. We need time alone together before we get married unless you don't want to be with me?"

"No. that's not it. I just thought—"

"Thought I will be an arrogant asshole? I don't blame you because I know I could be, but I thought we've past that, this is our reality and I will like us to spend time together."

"Okay" she mutters. "So what do you have planned?"

"How about we go to my quarters, and watch some movies?" He glanced at her, to study her reaction.

"Sounds like a fun idea."

"Good. So how are you? I mean are you experiencing any morning sickness?"

"Surprisingly, no."

"That's good hope it remains like that, have you told your mum about the pregnancy?"

"No I didn't. I will tell her after the wedding. It's better that way, I think" she said, not meeting his gaze.

"Well whatever you decide." Henry said, pushing the door to his quarters open. Each quarters is furnished tastefully. This is the first time Kezia will be coming to his side of the house by invitation from him after he had chased her out years ago. She felt a bit self-conscious as she stepped into the living room. Toeing off her sandals, her feet seeking into the off white Persian rug. She sat primly on one of the soft sofas occupying the spacious room.

"Are you okay?" Henry asked, gazing down at her "Yes I am. It just that I recalled the first time I was here, and you were mean to me" she mutters.

"Yes, I remember that day, but you caught me off guard and you were so young, looking at me with those beautiful innocent eyes of yours. Like you are looking at me now" he whispered. Henry move closer to her, towering over her. He rest his hands on the sofa, each beside her, caging her in. She moved back a bit to create gap between them, but he only moved closer.

"What? I'm not looking at you any how" she denied getting flustered.

"Yes, you are, guess I was angry then because truth be told, I found myself attracted to you. A. Grown up attracted to a girl not even legal at that time, but here we are"

"You were attracted to me? But I thought you hated me?" Surprise written on her face.

"Very much attracted, but if you are still doubting it, permit me to change your mind" he mutters. His voice deceptively quiet, as he close the little distance between them, claiming her lips with his. Kezia's felt like a jelly in his arms, her brain scattered. This is what it really feels like to be thoroughly kissed. He moves his mouth to her ear and she felt his breath. They stayed for a moment, his hands running along her arms, caressing her, then moving to her back. He placed a moist kiss to her nape before returning to her reddened lips.

Henry had a hard time controlling his breath after he pulled back. "Now you know how attracted I am to you. I promise you movie night so that's what we are going to do." He snag the TV remote off the glass table, powering the television on as he sat down on the long couch facing the television, with one feet raised, resting on his other ankle. Henry appears unbothered, as he scroll through the movies on Netflix. Kezia still speechless from the kiss, she cleared her throat, hoping to dislodge whatever is stuck inside her throat. She twist her engagement ring around her knuckle, it’s going to be a long night.

Henry glanced at her, patting the space beside him gently. "Come over here for better view. I won't bite, at least not yet" he added with a grin. Causing Kezia to squirm further in her seat, this is a new side of Henry she has never seen before the flirty side. She joined him, and they both settled on a movie to watch, a romantic comedy.

Towards the middle of the movie, Henry draw her close to his side, "relax" he drawled. Giving her no other choice but to rest on him. Out of the blue he asked, "can I ask you something?" Peering down at her.

"Sure" she said, glancing up briefly to meet his gaze, before lowering it. The intensity in his eyes makes her to feel nervous.

"How come you were still a virgin? I mean you are beautiful and I'm sure lots of men will literally die to be with you" he mutters gruffly.

Kez did not expect his question, she attempted to pull back from him but he is having none of it. His grip around her like a band, causing her to squirm the more. "I—I was just not ready, why did you ask?" she stutters.

"I find it odd, and to top it off, I was a bit mean to you, making it seem like you are the type that sleeps around. I'm sorry" he said softly, pressing a kiss on her head.

"It's alright" she whispered. Kez could not bring herself to tell him that, the main reason why she's not ready was because deep down she wished it will be with him. For her to say that, it will make it look like she planned the night they slept together.

Just as Lola thought, Liam confirms her suspicion after they are both sated with hours of lovemaking, but Liam ask her to keep it to herself since Henry does not want it to be known to the public for now.

"Darling I knew it! Besides I'm not 'the public', who will I tell" Lola pouted, rolling her eyes at him.

"Of course you are not the public my darling. You are my queen. My nosy nurse" Liam grins with a wicked glint in his eyes, as he kissed her warm lips.