CHAPTER 19

“Someone is in a chirpy mood this morning?” Liam observed, strolling together with his brother outside. Leo had suggested he that he shows him around the house.

“Yes that’s because, I am very happy.” Leo replied.

“So we are having a wedding after all?”

“Yes brother, we are getting married.” Beaming at him.

“Wow so everything is settled?”

“Yes it is. We both realize how much we love each other, and she forgives me.”

“Good then, this lift the guilt I felt earlier off my shoulder.” Liam mutters.

“Guilt? What guilt?”

“Well father and I may have exaggerated a bit about you becoming impotent, and the curse stuff—” coming to a stop around the pool area.

“What? How could you and father do that?”

“Don’t look at me like that, everything works out in the end, and you are finally getting married to the love of your life.” He said with a shrug.

“That’s so not the point! You both tortured me! I can’t believe this, did Henry knew about this too?” glaring at his brother.

“No he doesn’t.”

“I will get back to you and that cunny old man, but in the main time I will start with you” Leo said, a mischievous glint entering his eyes.

“Don’t do anything stupid Leo, you know you can’t take me on, I’m bigger, stronger than you, and besides I am the crown prince which makes me your soon to be king” bracing himself up for a playfully brawl.

“Oh brother save that entire lecture for your wife, what I have in mind does not require much assertion of energy on my part” with that declaration, Leo pushed his brother into the pool.

“Leo! You are such a baby” glaring at him from the pool, wiping the water from his eyes. “You have ruined my suit and shoe!”

“Stop whinny, you have money to order for another pair” laughing boisterously at his brother.

“I like this one, idiot. I could just wring your neck right now.” Wading out of the pool.

“No you won’t, because you love Me.” grinning at him “Just help me out, my shoes are dragging me down” stretching his hand to Leo.

“Sure” stretching out his hand to help him. It all happened in a flash, one minute he was standing by the edge of the pool grinning at Liam, the next he is in the pool with him, sputtering out water. “Come on Liam! You are so petty.” Splashing water at him.

The splash must have been heard in the house as Tonya ran out of the house to see what’s causing the splash. She giggled with delight when she saw her father and uncle in the pool, splashing at each other.

“Mummy come and see daddy and Uncle Liam!” she called out before launching herself into the pool as well.

“Oh no princess now your mum will surely kill me, for making the new hair she did for you wet. I thought you were not feeling well” Leo groaned, at his daughter.

“You should know by now that this little rascal here missed you, and she wanted to spend time with you, hence the not feeling well story” Liam chuckles, as they all stepped out of the pool.

“Oh dear! What happened to the three of you?” Claire asked as she came out to see what the commotion was about.

“Long story darling” causing the trio to burst into fit of laughter, as they went into the house to dry themselves, leaving Claire open mouthed and baffled.

******

TWO MONTHS LATER

THE COUPLE GOT MARRIED IN a civil ceremony like Claire wanted, with the Gbadegesin clan in attendance, with the exception of the king and the children. The royal physician advised against the king travelling because of his health, though he grudgingly accepted after Leo had promised him that he will have his traditional wedding in Nigeria once Tonya school is on holiday. It was a wonderful feeling to be joined together in full view of the family.

Tonya couldn't keep the excitement off her face even if she tries. Despite the rush in which the wedding was planned no stone was unturned. Claire's wedding gown was simply exquisite. She insisted on something not too extravagant, and the design simply brought her fantasy to life. It's an off-white mermaid gown with a train that's not too long making it easy for her to navigate without having anyone holding her clothes from behind for her. It shows a hint of her cleavage, and ample view of her creamy neck and hands.

The makeup was minimal and her hair were piled atop her head, held in place with beautiful silvery hair Combs. The diamond necklace and tear drop earrings she used were presented to her by Leo. As it is customary for a groom to gift his bride with one, though Claire didn't want to accept it, seeing he has done more than enough already in planning their wedding but he gently rebuff her.

Now the necklace graced her neck, it warmth spreading to the rhythmic rise and fall of her cleavage. Leo's eyes lock with hers as they exchange their vows in front of the justice of peace. He could not take his eyes away from her, and neither could she.

Their daughter was the ring bearer.

Leo looks every inch the prince that he is in the dapper bespoke navy blue suit he wore. His flirtatious trade mark smile in place the moment they were announced married. He swoop in for a kiss—a kiss that left Claire breathless, hot and very bothered. Leo lips twitches with a knowing smile as he interlink their hands together and face their seated family admits cheers.

****

“You are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen.” Leo whispered to his wife, pressing a kiss on her forehead as they sway to the slow song.

“Thank you, you make me feel beautiful as well” she mutters.

A small reception was organized for the family in their home. It was perfect just like she wanted. They have decided to wait for the school to be on vacation because of their daughter before they travel for their honeymoon.

Leo was pleasantly surprised when Claire told him that, she will prefer if they travel to Nigeria for it. He has been planning on taking her to Paris after all, though he still has it in mind to take her. And when he does, it will be just him and Claire.

Lola and Kezia were just so happy to finally have Claire join the family. Claire could not hold back her joy at the thought of having them as her new Sisters.

“Excuse me, I believe it’s my turn to dance with our new bride” Liam drawled, cutting in between the couple.

“Fine, but I will be back.” Leo said, releasing Claire to his brother.

“I don’t know how you cope with him” Liam said to Claire who chuckled at him.

“I heard that” he called out, sauntering to the food table, to put together something for his bride.

“Welcome to the family Claire”

“Thank you”

“Have never seen my brother this happy, and its saying a lot about you. Don’t hesitate to let me know if Leo does anything stupid, I promise to knock some sense into him for you.” He chuckles.

“I will thank you”

“What are you telling my wife, making her to smile like this?” Leo ask indignantly as he returned to claim his wife.

“Telling her that if you do something stupid in the future, she can count on me to whoop your behind into shape.” Liam declares handing Claire back to him “Very funny Liam, I got enough ribbing from Henry few minutes ago.”

“Good. Now if you will excuse me. I need to go find my lovely wife.”

“I like your brothers” Claire said.

“I’m happy to hear that, now let’s stop taking about my brothers and talk about how I’m going to make you scream my name tonight without waking the neighborhood.” He growled.

“Leo! You are so naughty!” she giggled.

“Wife, you have no idea” giving her ear lobe a love bite, oblivious of their family around them.