by Shelby Clark
Colin’s jaw line was straight and tight. “Yes, it’s OK. She’s just a little excited.”
The nurse looked at Monica. “Ma’am?”
“Yes, everything is fine. We apologize for the noise.”
The nurse responded, “Yes, please keep the noise down. Some of our patients are just recovering from surgery.”
“We will and again I apologize for the noise.”
Monica confirmed with a wave of her right hand. Her left arm was still in a sling with bandages still around her shoulder, neck, and chest area. They had to be changed daily. The intense therapy caused her wounds to bleed occasionally. Monica signaled Colin to continue pushing her chair with a light slap over her shoulder onto his hand. He continued on quietly.
“Babe, just listen to me for a second. These people here are suffering and some of them, worse than I am.”
“I know, Moe, that’s why…”
She interrupted before he could finish his sentence.
“Listen! Some of them are really bad off with no one to care for them, no one to love them. I come here when I feel down. I look around and realize things could be worse. I could’ve lost my arm or full use of it, worse, my life or the baby.”
“I wouldn’t let that happened to you. That’s why I got you the best doctors to help with your recovery.”
“No, Colin! Again, there are some things money can’t buy. You can’t buy love, you can’t buy health, or life for that matter. Look at the patients that have family and love ones. Do you see anyone throwing money around or trying to buy doctors?”
“Dammit! What’s your point, Moe? What the hell is it you want me to see? Because I don’t get it!”
“My point is that even though some of these patients don’t have the money you do, their loved ones are still here. Love, Colin, doesn’t cost a thing. Our whole relationship with you has been about nothing but spending money.”
“I can’t help it if I have money. What I’m supposed to do with it? You want me to give it away?”
Monica signaled Colin with her good arm to come in front of her so she could look into his eyes. He came around to the front of her wheelchair.
“You could use your money to help others too sometimes. You’re in a position to create avenues to help and assist those less fortunate than you are. Stop being careless and self-indulgent with your money.”
His eyes widened as his face turned multiple shades of red. He responded in low tone with gritted teeth.
“If it’s my money, why shouldn’t I be allowed to do what I please with it? Even if I gave it away I would have more then I need in a matter of months because of the interest.”
Monica touched his cheek with her right hand before she said another word. She knew it would only take one touch to defuse all his anger and frustration.
“Yes, you can do what you want with your money. But just as you said about the interest, you would end up having more than you need anyway if you gave it away, right”
“Right.”
“So what’s the harm in being a little more caring for others and using your money to make a difference in the world as well as change life?”
Colin knelt down further to hug Monica. He whispered in her ear and held her tight without putting pressure to her left side.
“I don’t want to fight, argue, or disagree about anything anymore. I just want my family. I want to marry you. Tell me now. How can I change and make this up to you without spending my money foolishly?”
Monica laid her head on his shoulders as she responded back in a whisper. “Mm. Let’s see. I’m thinking of two ways.”
“Name it and I’ll do whatever you say,” he pleaded as he grabbed her hand to kiss it gently.
“Take me to Africa. I want to see my sister and you need to meet her properly if we’re to be married.”
“We’ll see, but nevertheless you’ll have to wait at least two more weeks before you can be release from the doctor’s care.”
“Now is the time you can act overly possessive and get me out of here. This is where you come in and order a physical therapist to travel with us.”
Colin laughed, “Oh, OK, only when it’s convenient for you, huh. I got it. It’s a done deal, babe.”
Monica joined in the laughter, “But of course, my darling. Aren’t you ready to see me out of here too?”
“Hell yes! You don’t have to tell me twice.”
Colin spun Monica’s wheelchair around as if she was a race car driver and sped down the empty hall back to her room.
Chapter XI
Colin and Monica had been in the air flying for eight hours. They had some ways to go before they reached Africa.
“How are you feeling, Moe? How’s the baby?”
Colin leaned forward to check on Monica. Their chairs were facing opposite of each other. The physical therapist was sitting across from Monica to her right. Colin made sure they all flew first class to give Monica more comfort and flexibility in her seating.
“I’m fine and so is the baby. He’s moving a lot now, especially at night.”
“Wow, really! Can I feel it?”
Colin jumped from his chair to reach for Monica’s stomach. As soon as his hand landed on her stomach he felt the kick. His eyes lit up as if they were almost glowing.
“Babe, I love you and our son.”
Smiling back at Colin with a raise eyebrow Monica responded. “Son? How do you know it’s a boy? What if it’s a girl?”
“It’s a boy because boys are dominant in my family.”
“What? That means nothing to me, girls are dominant in my family. So don’t be disappointed if it’s a girl.”
He chuckled, “I won’t, because I know she’ll be just as beautiful as her mother and maybe a little bull headed too, but I can handle that. I’m in training with her mother.”
“What? Bull headed! Excuse me?”
Colin leaned back in his seat and took a sip of his drink. “Yes, bull headed, but I can handle that. You keep me on top of things so I’m ready.”
“Whatever, Colin. Look at you, you’re feeling pretty proud of yourself right now aren’t you?”
“Yes, Ma’am, I’m the proud daddy!” he stated with a smile holding onto his cock.
Monica raise her brow and lowered her voice. “Behave yourself and stop before someone see what you’re doing.”
Colin leaned forward to whisper again. “I’ll behave for the moment, but when we land and get our room, we are going to make up for lost times. I feel like I’m walking around with a baseball bat between my legs, Moe.”
“Aw, poor baby.” Monica laughed.
“It’s not funny, babe, I probably can hit a home run right out the park. If we don’t do something soon I’m going to have blue balls.”
“Shut up man, before someone hears you. Besides, I’m not in any condition to be horse playing with you.”
“Ah, yes, that’s where I come in. You don’t have to do anything, babe, I’ll do all the work and play.”
Monica threw a balled-up napkin at Colin and then opened a magazine to ignore him. She tried to pretend as if she wasn’t moved by the words and intentions Colin was suggesting, but truth be told her panties were soaked from the thought. How she longed for his touched and his thrust between her legs. They continued to make random gestures toward one another the rest of the plane ride.
****
Colin, Monica and her physical therapist arrived in Nairobi, Kenya at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Africa. This time Leah and Justin met up with them at the arrival gate. Leah was overwhelmed when she saw Monica and hugged her with no end. Monica knew her sister was reacting to her getting shot. She felt like Leah was never going to let her go.
Leah stood up and looked at Colin as she reached to hug him too. “Thank you! Thank you for saving my sister and my niece or nephew,” she stated with a tear in her eye.
“Of course, Leah, it’s my duty. It’s nothing in this world that would keep me from d
oing so otherwise.”
“See, I told you Moe, I love this guy. Please, cut it out, Colin. Call me Le. We’re practically family now. By the way, what are you two waiting for? When are you going to tie the knot? You are ready had a near death experience. Life is too short my friends.”
Monica laughed as she responded. “Well, I’m waiting on Colin. He’s the one dragging his feet. He thinks I need to heal first.”
“What? I don’t believe what you’re saying in front of all these people!”
“Well, we’ll settle this back at the resort where we stay. And who is your traveling guest, Moe?”
“Oh yeah, everyone this is Hannah. She’s my Physical Therapist. We hired her to aid me while I’m here to regain the usage and strength of my arm.”
Leah and Justin responded. “Hello, Hannah. Welcome to Nairobi.”
Justin grabbed Monica’s wheel chair, Leah held onto Monica’s left hand, and Hannah and Colin grabbed the bags from the luggage belt.
****
After spending five weeks in Kenya with Leah, Colin and Monica were amazed at the involvement and the difference Justin, Leah, and their organization made in the lives of many at-risk children. Monica never felt as proud of her sister as she did now when she saw up-close the dedication of her work.
Monica walked out onto her ground level balcony. She was dressed in a long cotton summer dress. A soft early morning breeze was blowing. Her single back length ponytail blew back and forth without course. Her pregnancy was very agreeable causing vitality and growth to her hair and nail. She was beginning to feel her normal self again. The breeze caused her dress to press against her body, exposing her growing belly. She heard Colin step out onto the balcony and walk up behind her. She turned around to face him. He was wearing a tee and a pair of linen shorts on.
He hugged her as he rubbed her stomach. “It’s so beautiful here, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is.”
“What are you thinking about, babe? What’s on your mind? Is your arm or shoulder bothering you? Maybe we sent Hannah back to the States too soon. Talk to me.”
Her arm was no longer in a sling, but she still didn’t have all her strength. Because of limited movement she was only able to hug around his waist.
“No, I’m fine. We’re on my mind, you and me. Especially the baby. Did you realize that today I’m exactly five months?”
“I know, I’ve been keeping track. I’m so excited. It’s getting really close. We should find out what the sex is. Do you want to know?”
“I don’t think I want to know. I want to be surprised. But that’s not what’s on my mind.”
Colin moved her bangs out from her face. “Tell me, babe, is it me? Do you need me to get you something?”
“No, I don’t want anything. It’s just… I don’t want our baby born out of wedlock. I want us to be a real family before our baby arrives.”
“I agree with you. I know what you are trying to say. Come, let’s take a short walk before we go to breakfast. Wow, you’re really glowing. You’re even more beautiful than I first met you.”
Colin led them to a short trail. It was in the same direction of the Chow Hall. It was still early and quiet. The only noise that filled the air was birds chirping and an occasional bee or insect flying by. No one was up on the resort. The smell of honeysuckles and fresh flowery scent were everywhere. They found a gazebo to sit in for a minute.
Monica was filled with smiles. “I love it here. It seems like for the first time in a long time I have been able to really relax. It’s because of this place. How did you know about this trail?”
Colin held her hand as he looked into her eyes and planted a kiss on her lips. “Justin.”
“Justin? Really?” she responded puzzled.
“Yes, Justin. He and I have been spending a lot of time together talking and sharing. He’s really OK. I also spent some time occasionally with both Justin and Leah. Usually during your nap time.”
“Yeah, I know I’ve been more tired. It feels like I can’t get enough sleep, but it feels good to close my eyes.”
“That’s good for you and the baby. But listen, I believe I learned some things. I believe I’ve changed since we’ve been here.”
Monica tried to be a little more attentive by repositioning herself. “How so, what do you mean? I do notice something different about you, but I can’t put my hand on it so you tell me.”
“Well, Leah and Justin entertain me when you take your naps. They allow me to help and work with the children. I see and understand just like at the hospital in Denver, just how unfortunate some of these children are. Some of them have no parents or families.”
“Yes, it’s heartbreaking to see isn’t it?”
“Something inside of me helped me to see how I too could help and make a difference in their lives. I know we couldn’t adopt them all or even some without hurting the others causing them to feel left behind.”
Colin jumped up and paced back and forth with excitement as he explained everything to Monica. His face was glowing and his thoughts were so obvious it was almost as if you could hear gears turning inside his head. He rushed back to her side and grabbed her hand.
“Before I get ahead of myself, let me ask you one question.”
Monica stared hard at Colin. OK! Is he about to ask me if we can adopt? We already have a baby on the way. I’m an inexperienced mother-to-be. I can’t handle more than one right now!
“What is it, babe?”
Colin took a short step backward and turned his back. He quickly turned around again and fell to one knee. He held a beautiful diamond ring out to her lying in a satin black cloth. “Remember this beauty? Monica London, will you do me the honors by making me the happiest man in the world by being my wife?”
She tried to jump up. Because she was still sore, weak, and pregnant, she reached for Colin to help her.
“Oh my god! Aw, sweetie, you brought my ring back to me. Yes, babe, yes! I never thought or expected you would do this here. I’m never parting with it ever again.”
Colin gently pulled her closer to celebrate with a wet passionate kiss. Monica was suddenly startled by two voices. She turned around to see Leah and Justin smiling and clapping.
Leah walked over to hug her sister. “You two might want to wait until after the ceremony for that.”
Monica chuckled, “What ceremony?”
Leah directed her to follow her. She saw Justin doing the same thing to Colin.
“Come on big guy! You already know the drill. Let’s get going, we have a lot to do by this afternoon.”
“Babe, go with Leah and do as she instructs you. This is also part of my surprise for you. I have one more after the ceremony. I can’t share right now. I love you, Moe. You and my son!” Colin yelled to her as she walked away with Leah.
“What are you up to, Colin, what’s going on?” Monica inquired as Leah pulled her along.
“Just go, Moe. I promise you’ll love it!” Colin yelled as he ran off with Justin.
****
Monica and Colin were separated as their wedding ceremony was being prepared. It was about that time, the top of the hour at high noon. Monica could see from a distance through the crack of a door leading to outside a grounds-keeper. He was placing flower pedals all over the grounds. She was still being prepped for her wedding.
Leah was fixing her makeup and decided it was a good time for girl talk.
“Did you enjoy your breakfast this morning with the woman in the resort?”
“Oh my goodness, Lele. I did! I can’t believe you’re doing all this for me. How were you able to pull this all off without any notice or preparations? Eek, I’m getting married!”
“I don’t know why not. I almost lost a part of me and so did Colin. He called me when he got to the hospital. He told me they had operated on you. He was beside himself. That’s when I knew he really loved you, and he did too.”
“What? I didn’t know that. I do love that man! Le, I’m so ha
ppy right now. That was a sad and painful moment for me. If I never left him this would have never happened.”
“I told him I was on my way. He said no, that he would bring you here once you were strong enough, and he did. He brought me back my sister.”
“That man is something else. What would I do without him? I never want to go through something like this ever again, Le.”
“Yeah, I wanted to argue with him at first because nothing was going to keep me from my sister, but Justin told me wait to and let you two have some healing time. You’ve been through a lot.”
“Yes, we have. I love him too, very much. For a minute there, I thought we were never getting married. Wait, don’t we need to have a license to get married?”
Leah started wrapping Monica’s hair up to a fancy pinned up-do with diamond hair pins. Monica was surrounded by women on every side pampering her.
“Relax! We got this, sis! When he called and told me you all were coming, he told me that he was going to marry you when he gets here. I then told him to bring all your originals and copies of your Passports, your birth certificates, and then asked if we would be your witnesses.”
“Well getting my birth certificate was easy for him I know, because he knows where all my important documents are. So this was a perfect set up for him. We shared information like that with each other just in cases of emergency when we’re out on a special mission.”
“Yeah, about that, sis. Are you going to continue in this line of work now that you’re having a baby? It’s too dangerous! Please, don’t be like mommy and daddy. Don’t do this to your child.”
Monica turned around and caressed Leah’s hand. “I know. I don’t plan to. I want to enjoy the addition to my family.”
The time came for Monica to be carried to the altar, which was located on the other side of the resort. Monica looked as the door opened. The whole resort was adorned with festive decorations for the wedding. Flower pedals were all over the grounds. Everyone’s hair and faces were painted in various colors and designs. Moe wore no shoes on her feet. Her full wedding attire was decorated in many shades of lilac with silver sequences all over. Her feet and hands were painted too. Her carriage had no wheels, but was carried by six strong men. They all were barefoot, wore white pants, and was shirtless with white designs paint all over their backs and chest. The carriage was clothed with white sheer linen. Music was sung by the women and children, and drums and flutes were played by the young boys. Monica felt like she was dreaming and living a fairy tale. She could see Colin from a distance. Her heart beat fast and the baby began kicking.
