Thank you @kay_sworls21 â¤ï¸
Andre's POV
I take a look at Ann who's by my side, eating and listening to the conversations being made around her. She's sitting there with her innocent face and those brown eyes looking intently at her food, I don't even know what's so interesting on her plate. She's always looking perfect but tonight she's flawless even with no make up.
I wanted to introduce her to some of my business acquaintances the time I saw her arrive but couldn't because of those promiscuous ladies who couldn't keep their hands of me, dragging me to secluded places to talk about the trash they always say. I can't comprehend if they're just dumb or are refusing to be sensible, I've told them on more than ten occasions to leave me be yet they always harass me with their unwanted sexual advances.
They infuriate me anytime they do that and tonight was no exception, I yelled and threatened them yet it was of no use, it was as if their ears have been blocked from hearing anything but sex.
I left them pissed to search for Ann and finding her with Achille got me enraged. What was Achille doing with Ann at the dark balcony? I do trust Ann, I know she can't do anything shameless but with Achille, you'll never know. I don't trust him around anything or anybody related to me not even our parents. Freaking scumbag!
He had the audacity to wink at my Ann, my cute brown skin girl. I know he did that to irk me and trust me he did achieve his aim. Whatever thing he told Ann is important if Ann who usually doesn't zone out seems lost when we were at the balcony and even now.
I saw her facial expression the time Achille came to the table, a blank look. It tells there's more to the 'it's not important' crap Ann was telling me. I need to get to the bottom of this anyway I can.
And as for Mia and those floozies, I'm surely going to get a restraining order against them. I can't let them tamper and destroy totally this beautiful thing I have with Ann, it means so much to me.
"Anniella my dear." My mother called out to Ann, who raised her head to look at her, "I'm so pleased it's you that Drey finally chose, I never thought I'll see this day." Mother said her eyes getting moist, tears ready to fall any minute. So did I think beautiful.
Ann blushed smiling shyly, I took hold of her hand under the table and rested it on my lap, drawing circles on it, to help her relax. "Mother stop embarrassing Ann."
Father joined in, "My boy, we're all pleased with this great news. I secretly was rooting for Ann to be my future daughter in-law when I saw her at Richard's party, she was so modest and well mannered in the way she carried herself."
"Dad we were strangers then and you were already choosing ?" I can't believe my parents, not that I'm mad, I'm surprised they were all secretly choosing Ann for me just in a night they met her, they sure have good taste like I do, after all I'm their son.
"I saw the way you two looked at each other, the way you couldn't take your eyes off her when you were introduced and the whole dinner" father smiled , "your mannerism on the dance floor, son I've been a youngster like you to know you were already love struck."
"Daaaaaddd." I face palmed in embarrassment, was I that obvious that night for my dad to know of my feelings back then? Geez I need to be more discreet next time.
My parents and Uncle Richard and his wife laughed at Ann and I's misery, El joined in. Whispering things into Ann's ear causing her to blush more. We were all happy except for that scumbag who rolled his eyes, apathy written all over his face. I'm not the least surprised, someone like him can't be happy for others and share in their joy.
"We accept you for our son, he's told us how you're helping rekindle his faith and love for God, that's a good step. Girls like you are rare." Mother said smiling broadly at Ann and sipped her wine.
Aunt Bertha nodded her head, "I agree with you Ava, girls now take boys to the club unlike our days, where girls take delight in leading the love of their lives to church."
"Your girls are the real wife materials in all aspects, I've know Elisa for a long time to be certain and Ann too though for a short while." Father added to their discussion after keeping mute and listening to what the others were saying after he embarrassed us.
"That's because we try to imbibe in them good qualities and values that are worth emulating, we don't want them to disgrace us when they get married or anywhere they go."
"Africans don't joke with their cherished values." Mother said , "you're officially welcomed to our family Anniella! I'm looking forward to being called to help with the wedding gown and preparations."
"Uh thank you for accepting me, I'll try my possible best to love your son more than my life and provide him with all the support he needs." Anniella shot me an eye crinkling smile, showing how genuinely happy she is in being accepted by my parents.
I brought her hands to my lips, kissing her knuckles and her lips.She doesn't know the joy she's brought in my life just by being accepted by my parents. They in the previous years never approved of my dating choices, sometimes causing a rift between us. I was a fool then, I had conflicts with my parents over girls who in the end betrayed me, making me look like the idiot I was.
Elisa spoke loudly for everyone to hear "Lovey doveys please keep it censored." She's one crazy girl, I don't know what x rated stuff we're doing now when in fact, she and her boyfriend should have censored their 'stuffs' at Times Square, there were teens around but even those things were doing stuffs Ann and I can't do.
Anniella pinched El's thigh under the table causing El to yelp not loudly though. She gave her a mean face, laughing.
We, meaning Ann and I sat making conversations, tuning that of the others out. I wanted to whisk Ann away to my old room in the house, to have a just us moment with her. Kissing the breath out of her and cuddle with her, she'll soon be resuming school and I'll be very busy this new month. I need all the time I can get with her before then, I don't want to be a distraction in her education. I'm to love and support her be her best not her worst.
The way you look tonight by Maroon 5 came on, the elderly couples went on to the dance floor though it's a modern song. I guess if the song is good, it doesn't matter the age group.
I had asked the DJ to play Perfect for Ann and I. I sat waiting for it to come on, I have a surprise for Ann which I know she'll love. It's only Elisa who knows she even suggested I do it.
Ann rested her head on my shoulder and laced our fingers something we've gotten used to, tracing lines and shapes on my hand as we sat watching the elders have the dance of their lives. I'm kinda nervous, the song is about to End and Perfect will be on any minute, I've to leave from here. "Babe, I'll be right back." I told Ann gently unlacing our fingers and stood up.
"Okay boo." I pecked her, it waned my nervousness and left to the DJ's studio. As the last part of the way you look tonight was playing, the DJ turned the light off, leaving only two bulbs on, there were 'ohs' from the crowd. Sorry guys! I mentally apologized to them.
DJ Spinal gave me a microphone and ushered me to the stage in the darkness, he put a spotlight on me. All eyes landing on me made me more nervous, I mentally motivated myself.
I fixed my gaze on one woman, the only love of my life now,Anniella. I couldn't really see much of her in the darkness. I cleared my throat bracing myself, "In these past years, I never believed I'd find a love like this in a woman, I thought love was never meant for me but this special lady has shown me love is not for lucky fellows, it's for all. Her simplest actions got me love struck, who's smiles, beautiful brown eyes and skin, who's modesty and simplicity, kindness and caring nature got me thinking if God really moulded a woman blessing her with all these qualities, I always thank God for sending this special angel into my life. I'm not sure of tomorrow or what's going to happen in the next minutes but I'm sure about one thing, I love you. I know I've asked you to be my girlfriend but on this day and forever" I made my way cautiously to where Ann is seated, spotlight was thrown on her, "I want to ask you one thing, will you give me the joy of being the love of my life, Anniella Naana Morrison?" I got on a knee taking out a box of promise ring I sent El to buy and asked Ann who sat there completely stunned, the lights came on so I could see her face and read it's expression.
I can feel people holding their breath waiting for Ann's answer, whatever her answer will be is going to be massive by tomorrow, imagine the headlines if she's to reject the offer of one of the most eligible sought out for bachelors in New York. I suddenly became more nervous at Ann's quietness, Please please don't disappoint me Ann.
Ann helped me off the floor, pulling me into a hug, "Yes! Andre Caleb Archambeau, I'll be the love of your life!"
I immediately brought my lips on hers, kissing her passionately, tonight Ann has made me more happier by accepting me in front of everyone. The crowed cheered and the females who love romance 'awwwwed' saying 'how cute!', 'I want a man like him' and stuffs. Sorry ladies, men like me are only one in this earth and guess what I've already been taken. I wasn't even aware people had their phones in hand making a video of what was happening and pictures till I heard 'click' 'click' from the crowd. I slid the ring on her finger and kissed her one more time, I gave her the second box of ring for me and she also slide the ring on my hand blushing, El stood there taking pictures and making videos of us.
"I found a love for me
Darling just dive right in
And follow my lead
Well I found a girl beautiful and sweet
I never knew you were the someone waiting for me." I sang into the microphone, looking over at Ann who took it from me.
"Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own
And in your eyes you're holding mine
Baby, I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song"Â I stared at Ann in awe, not only is she beautiful and intelligent, she also has a melodious voice, the kinda voice that sets your skin on goosebumps. I'm loving her more, Thank you so much Lord for this beautiful blessing.
I stood staring at her, lost in her sweet voice and beauty, I wasn't even aware she had finished singing the song and the crowd was cheering her on.
I gathered her in my arms,kissing her forehead, "Love, I'm never going to forget this night, thank you so much for making me the happiest man."
"Baby boo, thank you so much for this beautiful surprise, you really knocked me off my feet."
"It's worth it babe, you're worth it, everything is worth it with you. Can I have a dance from the love of my life?" I held out my hand to her.
"Yes you can babe." She took my hand I hers. I led us to the dance floor, dancing to Perfect which was playing.
I leaned in whispering into her ear, "I didn't know you could sing that perfect, you really wowed the crowd babe, I deserve a song from you before I sleep tonight."
"Quelque chose pour toi mon amour." Ann whispered into my ears and winked at me. This girl is surely going to need El to pull her out of my arms tonight, she's awakening things I've kept hidden now.
"What have I told you about you speaking French?"
"I don't remember, can you remind me please boo boo." Ann pouted before breaking into a smile.
"Later babe." I pulled her closer to me, slowing down our dancing pace. Some ladies came nearer to us requesting to take pictures of us, Ann wanted to say no but changed her mind when she saw how excited they will be if they're to get a picture of us.
We struck different poses for them, they took as many pictures as they could. Once again I stared at Ann, this lady is full of surprises, I was once in the modeling industry, I can tell people who're naturally models and this pretty queen right in front of me is one. Her poses aren't that of amateurs, she poses like a real model in a photo shoot session.
Lord God above, I don't know what I've done to deserve this great blessing, Father, thank you so much for the millionth time. I'll never get tired of expressing my gratitude for giving me Ann.
We resumed our dance, laughing and swaying our bodies to the beat of the diverse music that were played. I caught Ann admiring the heart diamond encrusted ring I gave her. The night wore on with Ann in my arms, I can't get enough of her.
This is officially one of my favorite chapters, gosh Drey is sooo romanticð©â¤ï¸.