Saved by Love - Episode 18

 

     That same weekend, Akinola and Adara travelled to Lagos for a Singles and Marriage Conference and they decided to chill at the beach after Church the next day. They went back to their hotel rooms and changed into something appropriate for their next place of visit. 

Adara opted for a blue lengthy chiffon skirt that swept the floor, and it had slits by her knee. She paired it with an off shoulder white crop top that said 'Hello Sea'.

Akinola wore a God bless America t-shirt with a white knee length chino. 

After walking the length of the beach, discussing and observing, they hit the ground and Akinola offered to get them Ice-cream and grilled meat, which Adara agreed to. 

Some minutes later, he was back with their package and they dug in . As they began to devour their tasty treat, Akinola asked, 

“Why have you not gone on any fashion competition or dress shows or whatever it is being called?”

She chuckled, “It is not that easy and I do not want to fall flat on my face and not bring back an award. Moreover, my couture has not been nominated.”

“Really? You have to be nominated?”

“Yes, that is for the fashion comp...hmm...”

“What?” Akinola asked, 

“There is something in my mouth.” She mumbled as she removed the 'something' which turned out to be an engagement ring for with diamonds on it. Her eyes collided with Akinola's eyes as she held the ring gingerly. 

Just then, Akinola went on one knee, attracting the attention of other people on the beach. 

“Adara, I love you so much

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/saved-by-love

. Do you see these spaces between my fingers? (He splayed his fingers before her and she nodded) They are there so you could place yours in it and fill the space. Do you know why this finger is called 'the ring finger'?” He raised his left fourth finger, counting from the thumb, 

“It is so you can place a ring on it to seal the bargain of 'forever' and fulfill God's purpose of the creation of a virtuous and faithful woman like you as a help meet to your man. And if only you will have me, I want to be that man. Will you marry me?”

Her reply was instantaneous, “Yes, yes, yes. I will have you as my man now and forever.”

Akinola slipped the ring on her finger and kissed it. Their well-wishers on the beach applauded them and some were videoing the proposal already.

Read " Meant To Be " by the same author ( Olufunlola Adeola )

. Minutes later when Adara surfed through Instagram, the news was already trending and their pictures were all over the web. 

Who would have known that Adara's relationship status would change as a result of going to Lagos?

......... 

     The next Saturday, Akinlolu was finally able to go to the store. He got there around past eleven and dumped the polythene bags on the counter and the sales lady asked, 

“How can I help you?”

“I need to return these items and get the ones I picked out.”

“And when was this?”

“Last week.”

“I was not here when you bought them so I can't help you.”

“What do you mean you can't help me?”

“Please, I would not like customers to meet you here. Leave.”

“Excuse me? Is this how you treat your customers here?”

“Mister, you had better move away before I call the security.”

“Are you okay? Do you know who I am?”

She said again, “If you don't...”

Another voice interrupted, “Hey! That's enough!”

The sales lady stammered, “Ma..Madam...”

The other lady said, “Will you shut your trap? I am so sorry, sir. Can you come with me to my office to sort the issue out?”

Akinlolu nodded and followed her. 

“I am sorry I had to invite you to my office, I like orderliness in my shop and I did not want the customers to be distracted. Hope you do not mind sir?” She apologized as soon as they sat down. 

“No ma. I just want to get the items I came in here for last week 'cause it caused me a lot of trouble, I was not able to cook throughout the week.” He explained. 

“Cook? You are not married?” The lady asked as her eyes got the answer from his ring-less manicured left hand before he said, 

“I am single ma.”

“Okay, will you list the items you need here? Let me send someone to pack it up for you.” She said, handing him a notepad and a pen which he received and he listed his needs and she placed a call to someone to come into her office. The person came in and took the list from her to carry out her instructions. When she finished attending to her, she noticed he was looking around and she decided to continue her abandoned work on the computer, he then asked picking up a card leaflet, 

“Are you going for this Youth Camp-out?”

“Yes, do you know anything about it?”

“I actually do. I coordinate the older teenagers in my church and we are all going to have a nice time there but I am still having some problems with accommodation.”

“Like how many people will be going?”

“About fifty of us plus Youths.”

“Fifty? Well, well, well, it seems God orchestrated this meeting. What if I tell you I know how many you can get an accommodation without stress?”

“You do? How?”

“My uncle is one of the guest ministers, Bishop Oladele Thompson...”

“Yes, I will just let him know the situations at hand and of course, he would not want about fifty youths to miss out on God's package for them.”

“Wow! So, what's the name?”

“Taraoluwa Abigail Thompson but call me Tara.” She replied and extended her hand to him and as he shook her hand, he said, 

“Akinlolu Michael Coker is my name; it is really nice to meet you. So, how do I get this issue solved?”

“Umm, I will inform my uncle tonight, I believe by God's grace you should be settled by Wednesday.”

“Thank you so much, do you know how happy I am.”

“Don't thank me, we are our brother’s keeper?”

“Umm, so, can I get your number?” Akinlolu asked and she dictated her numbers to him.

“Thank you so much ma.”

“It is no big deal sir.” Tara said and she stood up and they both left to meet the sales girl at the counter who Tara made sure she apologized to Akinlolu and he made to pay after receiving his items but Tara stopped him and he left after thanking her profusely.