Boundless Love (A Limitless Love Series.): (Christian Romance)

CHAPTER 26

Dedicated to ArielMasters

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Joe pulled into the parking lot at Halima's apartment complex. He engaged the hand break and sat back in his seat. Neither of them moved for a couple of minutes, sitting back, they let silence reign.

"Don't do anything stupid." Said Joe suddenly as he pulled the door handle.

"Why are you taking her side? If anything I am entitled to how I am feeling because she didn't give me the full information...sh..."

"And what would you have done then?" Asked Joe, cutting him off. "If she said no when you first asked her, would you have just walked away? Just like that without a fight?"

Ryan kept silent.

"That's what I thought, now stop throwing your little tantrum because she didn't drop to her knees when you sprung marriage at her. Without a ring might I add, and go in there, have a conversation with the best woman you've ever had... Or do I need to carry you in myself?"

Ryan shot his friend a chilling glare and opened the passenger door, he swung his feet and landed on the loose gravel. Joe's lips curled up in a victorious smirk. He alighted and followed after his rigid friend.

"Act surprised!" He whispered, just before Ryan pushed the door open.

"SURPRISE!" Came an obviously practiced greeting. Figures jumped from all possible hiding corners in the house. Doctors and nurses from both the county hospital and MSF hospital. All smiling brightly, some held drinks, a few held wrapped presents and those who couldn't wait any longer already held plates of food. Thanks to Joe's prior warning, he wasn't surprised, but none could tell as he instantly schooled his features to fit the expectation.

"Oh wow, guys, thank you..." He began.

"Wait for it.." Joe cut him off then moved to the side.

"Hello there handsome," Princess Diamonique's fruity voice filled the room. Ryan's eyebrows shot up, genuine surprise written in his face. He watched, mouth agape as the princess strutted down the small hallway, as she would a runway in Paris.

"Nika!" He said, still evidently surprised. "Wh-what are you doing here?" He managed, opening his arms to receive her.

"Why, for your party of course! Didn't think I would miss your thirtieth birthday did you? " she said settling in his embrace.

"Oh, wow, best birthday gift ever! Thank you for coming." He pulled back to watch her deep sea colored eyes.

"Don't thank me, it was all your girlfriend's idea. She pulled all this off, with a little help from us, but all this was her. She said gesturing at the party decorated room, a well lit mini buffet, a table filled with an assortment of snacks and beverages.

Ryan scanned the crowd trying to find her. Everyone had resumed what he could only assume was their previous activities. Music filled the room as small groups of people formed all around, chatting and laughing. Ryan wanted to go looking for her but every step he took, someone stopped him. He was pulled into hugs, presents were shoved into his arms before he knew it, he was pulled into a conversation about the latest soccer match in the English Premier League.

Halima watched from her chosen position in the kitchen, she had witnessed the surprised look he had exhibited when Nika revealed herself. It warmed her heart just a bit knowing that despite everything else, he seemed to be enjoying himself. She busied herself with refilling the quickly emptying dishes, keeping up appearances whenever anyone started a conversation. She was getting good at smiling through it all because not even Nika noticed the tension between the two.