THE LAST PROMISE

CHAPTER 25 | They Were Their Wolrd

BUSANI

“Congratulations son. What you said was very beautiful. We could all feel what you said to her because you meant it. It was coming from your heart. Your mother would be very happy right now, your sister too.”
“Thanks Dad. I did wish they were here but I know they are smiling down at me because I am happy.”
“You need to tell your step-father, he could do with some great news from you”
“I am going to call him. I'm planning on taking Maya to London to meet him and his family. They are still part of my life and they need to know that I am getting married.”

“They are going to be happy”
“I know. I'm also going to take her to mom's and Angel's grave.”
“I should go too. I haven't been there since we buried them.”
“I'm sure she understands why you haven't been there.”
“Yeah. We need to talk about sending a letter to her family.”
“Which one, dad? She doesn't want Ace to get a dime and the Mdakane's didn't raise her. I suggested that maybe her friends receive the money on her behalf….”

“Busani, what's wrong with you? How can you suggest something to stupid!”
“I know dad and I regret it because she's considering it. I didn't think she would take it seriously.”
“Son, you're a very smart man. Tell me where have you ever heard that a bride price was given to friends and they received it? You make it sound as if Maya doesn't have a mother or a father. It's like she's something that was picked from the street. Her friends are not blood, they are related to her. You don't want the wrath of the ancestors to come down on your marriage because if she truly was introduced to the Madakane ancestors then that is where we are going to send the letter.

I know you hate this as much as I do but the Buthelezi’s also deserve to get something, Maya's mother especially because she is her first child. We are not doing this to please them but to bring blessings in your marriage. This about you and Maya. No one else. You need to tell her about her family then she will decide when and if she wants to meet her father and family but the first thing we are going to do is inform the Buthelezi’s about our intentions.”

“You're right about that. She needs to understand that it's not about them or the money but asking for blessings.”
“There better be no more talks about her friends getting money. This woman is going to be your wife. You don't want people to laugh at her because her friend received her lobola money ad if she didn't have a family. What kind of man does that make you allow such a thing to happen?. You should be proud and say it out loud that wazishaya zaphelela, you don't owe her family a damn thing.”

“You know how Luh came into this family the first time. We had to do things right again when she was reunited with her real family. I made sure that when your other two brothers got married too we did things right and that is what is going to happen with you two. You are technically my first born because you were the first one to be born and I am going to make sure that you have the best wedding and it starts here by writing the letter and sending it to both families.”

“Maya deserves the best and I am going to give it to her. I knew that I was going to ask her to marry me when I asked you when did you know that my aunt was the one. You didn't hesitate, you gave me an answer and I knew that how I would have answered if someone asked me. When Kabelo asked me, I answered him without thinking about it. It hit me and I was holy sh*t. I love her and want to call me Mrs Gumede.”

“Your whole demeanour says so and I believe you. Don't ever let the spark that she gives you or brings out of you dim out because it's rare to find something so beautiful, especially from people.”

“Thank you dad. I truly appreciate it.”
“You're welcome, go and sleep. I'm sure she's waiting for you.”
“When are we going to meet her?”
“Who?”
“The woman you're seeing”
“I don't know what you're talking about….”
“Dad, I know you and I'm not like my photocopy. It's been years since my aunt died. You deserve to be happy again and I am happy that you have met someone. I would like to meet her when you're ready of course.”
He smirks. “Good night” I chuckle..
“Goodnight old man. See you in the morning or you're heading out again?”