FATE

73 - Christmas Preparations.

Christmas season was here. It was a season of glad tidings and the Daniel's were meerying.

I and Lemuel had put a lot of work to decorating their house. From the inside to the outside. The Daniel's had a way of celebrating Christmas Eve to a wonderful family dinner at anybody's house, this time; they chose Lilly and Lemuel's.

The house was full and this time even fuller because they welcomed a new member on Chisom's wedding day. Annabel entered into labour while at the reception and put to birth.

The children were running around, playing games. The women were in the kitchen working so hard to prepare delicacies. The men were having a nice time with their drinks, getting to know each other and listening to soft Christmas songs from the eighties and nineties.

The newly wedded bride helped in boiling the rice. Lilly was able to do much, then she expected at least she made the salad. Annabelle had to chop the onion while seated. Tessa helped her watch her baby. Nancy was at mom's service having everything she asked for to her. Then someone had to make the chicken, Lilly opted to do that. She had it baked and dressed herself. Chisom and Annabelle set the table and Nancy rinsed the dishes. Mom then did the wine selection.

"Food is ready." Mom yelled and every one started approaching the banquet table.

It was a long one. Enough to contain the whole family. Dad sat at the head of the table with mom next to him. Everyone occupied their seats making sure that they sat next to their partner.

"Lets pray." Dad said and every one shut their eyes.

Dad muttered some few words in prayer and the whole family echoed an amen. I sighed, eager to dive into this ecstatic meal.

We chartered as we ate, whispering sweet things into the ears of our partners. It was a sweet moment and we all savored it, sipping our wines; with soft chuckles and hot words into our ears as the soft music played on.

********
Dinner was finished. It was wonderful. The men gone to do the dishes, I was spending some time alone in the balcony; with my juice. I wasn't sure what other women would be doing but I knew I wanted some time alone.

The weather was cool, I felt goosebumps on my skin when the cold evening breeze brushed past me. Harmattan wind had started its job already.

I smiled, gazing at the stars in the sky. I pressed my lips together when I sighted the christmas decorations.

I missed my family. We used to spend Christmas together at our country house in the East. I missed my dad too. Jason was in charge of slaughtering the chicken that would serve for dinner on Christmas and Cynthia kept me company.

I sighed and sipped a bit of my juice slowly, rubbing my stomach.

"Merry Christmas baby." I whispered softly, with a smile as I rubbed my tommy.

You know, the last few months have been the best time of my life. Meeting Lemuel was the best thing that happened to me.

I don't regret being pregnant. And I'm happy I'm having this baby. I wanted to the best for my baby, bring her into a world where she would be accepted even though she was born out of wedlock. I wanted her to be happy.

I wanted dad to take me back.

"Hey flower, I searched for you everywhere." I heard that deep voice and my heart fluttered.

The breeze blew again and just immediately strong arms wrapped around my shoulders, giving me warmth.

I let myself relax into his touch.

"Hey." I whispered.

Then he placed a hot chaste kiss by my left cheek.

"Merry Christmas baby." He let his hands roam through my hair giving me a massage.

I chuckled. "You too, in advance."

He chuckled and turned me to face him.

Then he bent low to my tommy.

"Merry Christmas to you my baby." He pulled my crop top up and kissed my bare bump.

I chuckled, feeling a little ticklish.

"Will you always kiss my bump?"

He smirked. "Always baby."

I licked my lips and wrapped my arms around my body.

"Babe you are cold."

I shrugged. Then he placed his jacket over my shoulders. That was warm and smelt good.

"Thanks."

He smiled. "I love you flower."

Then I turned to continue gazing at the stars.

Lemuel wrapped his arm around my tommy.

"Its beautiful." He confessed, and leaned into the crook of my neck. He was just fanning me with his breath and then he kissed me just once.

I said nothing.

It reminded me of home and family. I felt happy with this family but not complete because I hadn't seen my family in months.

"I miss my family Lemuel."

He said nothing for a while. "I know." He whispered into my ears.

"I wish I could see them."

"Babe you know you are free to see your family. I don't own you so I'm not restricting you. I could arrange a meeting."

My mood lit up at the sound of that.

"Really?" My cheek heat up.

"Yeah. I'll arrange something."

I smiled, and turned raising my head to kiss him.

I placed my lips on his.

Our first Christmas eve kiss.

Lemuel trailed hot kisses down my neck, to my chest.

"Really?" I raised his head up from my chest, and cupped his face.

He smirked. "I could kiss you all night baby. Even down there." His husky voice re-sounded and I heated up when I followed his gaze.

I blushed, pressing my lips together.

"Babe what do you say to spending Christmas alone?"

"Just you and me?" I raised my brow, seductively; trying to make my voice sound as seductive as possible.

"Uhmm."

I shrugged slowly. "Yeah." I bit my lip.

He smirked devilishly, raising his left brow.

"Is that a yes to kissing you all Christmas?"

I licked my lips. "Yes." I squealed with excitement.

Then Lemuel swept me off my feet and carried me in bridal style.

Where to?

My head was doing spins as he carried me inside the room.