DIANA'S POV

"Stop tugging at your collar, you look fine."I scolded Kareem slapping his hands away.

"Just fine?"Kareem inquired.

"First of all lose the glasses, why are you wearing my glasses anyway?"I asked him.

"You left them in the car."He replied as if that was reason enough as to why he was wearing my glasses.

Kareem and I were headed to my parents house for supper and introductions. I knew for a fact that everyone would be there including Ashton and Salome since she had called to ask me if Kareem had any allergies. To say Kareem was nervous would be an understatement but at least he wasn't bailing on me. He had also dropped his usual rugged look for a more sophisticated look of plaid pants, white t-shirt, dark green sweater and white sneakers. He'd also gotten a fresh trim so his hair was shorter but still long and curly. He'd kept his beard but at least it was neat. He looked like a sexy teacher as compared to the mechanic he was.

"Honestly you've got to stop fidgeting. If you're that nervous we can call the whole thing off."I proposed but Kareem was quick to shut me down.

"Not happening, I want to do this. It's just my first time meeting someone's parents so cut me some slack."Kareem replied.

He was so nervous he was letting me drive us to my parents which was huge for Kareem since he liked driving everywhere.

"I understand but you'll be fine. They'll love you and you've already met Salome and Oliver, that's two down and five to go."I encouraged.

"Oliver doesn't count and that hasn't made me feel any better."Kareem retorted I gave up on trying to make him feel better.

He would have to figure it out on his own since my words were useless. My parents lived outside the city so it took us an hour and a half to get there.

"You grew up here?"Kareem asked as we drove up the driveway leading to the house.

"The house has been remodeled a lot over the years but yes this is my childhood home."I replied.

My parents lived in a two storey brick mansion, with lots of windows. The area around it had a lot of trees so it gave off a huge cabin in the woods vibe.

"Wow this is beautiful, extravagant but simple at the same time."Kareem commented next to me.

"Make sure to tell my mom that, it will earn you points."I advised and Kareem nodded in agreement.

I parked next to my brother's car and got out with Kareem by my side making sure he took off my glasses first.

"Looks like we're the last to arrive."I commented.

"Shit, is that bad?"Kareem asked starting to freak out again.

"No it's not, we're on time, the rest are just early probably getting as much information as they can out of Salome before we arrive."I explained beginning to walk up the steps leading to the house but Kareem stopped me by tugging me back.

He pulled me into his arms and hugged me tight.

"What's wrong?"I mumbled rubbing his back soothingly.

"Nothing I just need this, something to keep me grounded."He mumbled kissing my neck.

"No hickeys, I have no idea how I can explain that to my mom."I mumbled.

"Okay no hickeys."He promised.

We just stood there in the cold hugging as I have Kareem enough time to gather his wits.

"You've got to give me the number of the place where you buy your clothes."Kareem commented running his hands over my bare thighs.

I was wearing a cream romper over a white t-shirt and a pair of sneakers.

"Why?"

"To send them a thank you card for always making you look so sexy."Kareem mumbled making me laugh.

"I'll take you with me one day so you can help me out in the changing rooms."I commented trying to flirt back.

"You promise?"

"Cross my heart."

"Okay I'm good now let's go."Kareem declared pulling away.

I saw him adjusting his pants making me laugh. He rolled his eyes after me before taking my hand and leading me up the stairs. The door was unlocked so we took our shoes off at the door, put on some slippers before going further into the house.

"Wow, this place is amazing."Kareem declared.

"I know, my mom has interior design blood in her."I replied.

The hallway opened up to a marble staircase leading to the second floor. On one side of the staircase was the living room, my dad's mancave as he liked to call it, the gaming room and an extra bedroom. On the other side was the kitchen, dining room, laundry room and patio that opened up to the pool. Upstairs it was just five bedrooms, four bathrooms and an office.

All the noise was coming from the kitchen so we headed there first and everyone was there like we had expected. The whole room went silent when Kareem and I walked in, which made it super awkward. Kareem's grip on my hand tightened but not enough to hurt me. I rubbed my thumb over his knuckles hoping to give him some comfort. Thankfully Salome saved the day by breaking the silence.

"Finally you're here, we were about to start eating without you guys."Salome commented.

"Mom wouldn't let you and besides you guys are all early."I retorted.

Kareem squeezed my hand reminding me that I was yet to introduce him.

"Okay guys since we're all here let me introduce you to my boyfriend Kareem. Kareem this is my family, my dad Harold, my mom Edith, my big brother Ashton, Silas the second born, Walter the third born and you already know Salome and Oliver."I introduced.

They were all gathered around the kitchen table so Kareem had no choice but to shake each other their hands individually as I introduced them.

My brothers looked exactly alike except for their difference in age and they were the spitting image of my dad. I looked like a combination of both my parents. My dad was dark skinned, tall standing at 5'9, buff and intimidating when he wanted to with a small beer belly that was starting to show. My mom on the other hand was my height at 5'5, light skinned with a bubbly personality. My parents balanced each other out perfectly.

Ashton used to be like my dad but once Oliver was born he had softened up, Silas was the goofy one and Walter was the nerdy brother, that's why he and I were the closest topped by our closeness in age.

"It's nice to meet you all, Diana has told me great things about you. You have a beautiful home Mrs Njoroge."Kareem said speaking up.

"Thank you but call me Edith please and welcome to our home."My mom replied giving him a huge smile.

Kareem relaxed, his hold on my hand loosening immediately but he didn't let me go. Only then did I realized that he hadn't let go of my hand at all. It was so sweet that he was depending on me for comfort like that.

"Okay now that they are here can we go eat?"Silas asked.

"Yeah of course to the dining room."My mom replied.

My brothers helped her carry all the food that had been on the kitchen table to the dining room. Everyone seemed calm and collected but once we say down to eat, I was pretty sure that's where everything would go down.

"Are you okay?"I whispered to Kareem as we walked behind everyone else.

"So far so good."He mumbled back.

"You're doing great."I encouraged him squeezing his hand.

Kareem smiled at me sneaking in a quick peck on the lips before we joined everyone else in the dining room. We took our seats and once my mom had prayed, served herself and my dad, we were free to do so ourselves. Kareem was a guest in our house, specifically my guest so it was up to me to serve him. Once his plate was full with a little bit of everything my mom and Salome had prepared, it was my turn to serve myself. Kareem waited for me to start eating so he could pick up his spoon and do the same.

Bringing Kareem to meet my family has been no easy feat so I hoped that they would be nice to him because I really liked him and wanted to keep him around.

KAREEM'S POV

Everyone must have been hungry since no one spoke during the first five minutes as we ate. I took that time to get a reading on Diana's family. Harold and Edith were obviously complete opposites but very much in love. Harold was the broody kind who didn't talk much, he was more of an observer while Edith was a jovial woman who was always all smiles. Ashton dotted on his wife and son while Silas and Walter enjoyed the attention their mother dotted on them. Diana was the baby of the family no doubt considering the warning glares I was getting and the firm handshakes I'd received when Diana introduced me.

"So Kareem tell us more about yourself. What do you do for a living?"Harold asked.

"Dad let the man eat first and don't pretend you don't already know, what Salome didn't tell you I'm sure you found out on your own."Diana defended.

"No it's okay, I don't mind."I assured Diana.

I knew they had done their research on me, they wouldn't be a loving family if they hadn't.

"I'm an automotive Engineer by profession. I work at Riverside Autoshop under Vihaan Mbati. I live alone but I have a widowed sister and niece that I take care off."I answered telling them the most vital things about me.

"That's good young man, looks like you're doing well for yourself."Harold commented.

"I try."I replied trying to keep it simple.

"Dad are you done because I have a few questions of my own."Ashton asked.

"Sure go ahead."Harold replied.

I braced myself for the worst because according to Diana Ashton took his role as the big brother very seriously. He was the most protective meaning he would do anything to make sure his sister was safe. I just hoped that they would all deem me worthy of dating Diana.

"Where did you get the Pontiac GTO?"Ashton asked taking me by surprise.

I had expected a more personal question but since Diana had already told me about her brothers' love for cars that question made sense.

"I found it in a junk yard three years ago, it was in terrible shape and the owner didn't know the gold mine he was sitting on. He practically gave it to me and with Vihaan's help I was able to restore it."I replied.

"Damn, I'm jealous. I mean there's only three of those in the country and one looks like it's falling apart."Silas commented joining the debate.

"I get offers all the time to sell it but I would never."I said.

"I can understand why, did you drive it tonight?"Ashton asked.

"No, Diana isn't comfortable driving stick and since she drove tonight we used the Hellcat."I answered.

"You let her drive your cars?"Walter asked speaking up.

"Yeah she's a better driver than I am."I admitted.

"Takes a real man to admit that a woman is a better driver than he is, I like that."Harold said making me smile.

Looks like I was earning good points with the family already.

"Okay enough car talk, you can pick all that up later. I want to hear all about your trip to the coast."Edith demanded.

No one fought her on that issue which let me know that as much as Harold was the head of the family, Edith ran the household. It reminded me of the talk Diana and I had where she told me she would like to be a lioness if she was ever to become an animal. I understood where she got that idea from as I observed the dynamic of her family.

"Babe you want to take that one."I requested Diana who nodded.

She filled in the family about our trip to the coast leaving out the naughty details of course. Edith and Salome were the most interested in that conversation but the gentlemen paid attention too.

After supper and dessert courtesy of Salome we all moved to the living room to catch up some more. The Njoroge's were a rich family as well advertised by their extravagant home but you couldn't tell by interacting with them one on one like that. I was in a room of very power powerful people in the country but I was talking to them like long life friends.

I mean Harold had been the minister of education before he retired, Edith had also been the principal to the best girl's national high school in the country, Ashton had followed his dad's footsteps and was Director in charge of education in Nairobi, Silas was Kenya's top model and voted actor of the year two years in a row while Walter the brain of the family was head IT consultant at Safaricom, the largest telecommunication company in the country. I was doing well for myself but they were on another level of rich. I'd grown up surrounded by money too so I didn't feel so intimidated by their wealth but I would be foolish not to notice it. If Diana hadn't followed her dream to own a book store she would have become very powerful too. She wasn't doing so badly for herself either, I'd been to her apartment and that place was not cheap.

"Diana you were supposed to help me with my financials last week."Edith reminded Diana.

"I'll come by next week and do it mama."Diana replied.

"Nonsense, it only takes you thirty minutes. Let's do it now before you leave."Edith insisted.

Before Diana could protest Harold cut in

"We'll behave."Harold assured Diana.

"I'll come with you guys as I put Oliver down for a nap."Salome said getting up.

Diana sighed before turning to me.

"Come find me if they become too much."She whispered in my ear.

I nodded even if knew that I wouldn't take her up on that offer. I wasn't going to be that man who his behind his girlfriend's skirts when things got rough. The three ladies left leaving me with the dad and brothers.

"Why don't we move this conversation somewhere more comfortable."Harold declared getting up.

We all followed after him and I walked behind them calmly like a lamb being led unknowingly a slaughter. I'd survive it though because I knew that I was deserving of Diana and I would do anything to keep her. Harold opened a door at the end of the hallway leading to a man cave. It had shelves upon shelves of alcohol, a huge TV, dim lighting and comfortable sofas.

"Whiskey Kareem?"Ashton asked reaching for the glasses.

"Thank you but I don't drink."I replied.

"Really? At all?"Silas asked shocked.

"Yeah I was an addict a few years ago but I went to rehab and haven't touched a drop since then."I answered being honest.

None of them looked surprised by my admission meaning they already knew, they had been testing me and hopefully I'd passed their test. Ashton served everyone whiskey before giving me a can of soda.

We all settled down on the sofas and I prepared myself for the conversation we were about to have.

"I'm not going to beat around the bush with you Kareem, I've done my research and I know all there is to know about you. You have a very disturbing past but you seem to have turned your life around. Lucky for you I believe in second chances and Vihaan, your boss is a good friend of mine who vouched for you. I also raised my daughter well so I trust her judgement when she chose to date you. Just know this if you ever hurt her, I will definitely hurt you back, I've done it before with her ex Kyle and I'll not hesitate to do it to you."Harold threatened.

I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't scared after Harold's threats but I maintained a straight face so I didn't seem weak.

"I can assure you sir that hurting your daughter is not my intention. I knew Kyle, we went to campus together and he didn't treat Diana right so he got what he deserved. I'm not perfect either but I will always treat Diana like the princess that she is. She means a lot to me."I assured him.

"Good then we are in agreement, hurt her and I hurt you back though I sincerely hope we never have to come to that. I never did like Kyle for Diana but she was infatuated with him. You on the other hand seem different and your feelings for each other are more genuine and mature."Harold added.

"I'll do my best sir."I assured him.

"One last thing, what team do you support?"Silas inquired.

"Chelsea through and through."I admitted proudly making everyone in the room cheer.

"With that said welcome to the family son."Harold declared holding his hand out for me.

I shook it a sense of belonging encompassing my whole being when he called me son. They had accepted me and I couldn't be happier.

Ashton turned on the TV and found a re-run of a football game. Since all the serious talk was done we talked about sports and vehicles until the ladies came to find us an hour later. It was getting late so we winded up the evening and to me it had been a great success.

"You must come visit again Kareem."Edith demanded as we said goodbye at the door.

"I will."I assured her.

I waited for Diana to say goodbye before we left the house. I'd made plans with her brother's to go play golf soon and I couldn't wait.

"Quick question, what did your dad do to Kyle when you two broke up?"I asked Diana recalling that little detail.

"They told you about that huh?"Diana retorted.

"What happened?"I insisted.

Diana looked at me and she knew me well enough to know I'd not let it go so she explained everything to me.

"The police got an anonymous tip that Kyle was a drug dealer. They raided his house and they found nothing but a used blunt under his bed. Instead of letting him go with a warning he got six months in jail thanks to my dad and his friends in high places."Diana replied.

"No wonder that guy just vanished off the face of the earth. It was a little harsh but he deserved it."I added.

"Yeah but I made up for it and found him work when he got out. We never spoke about that incident again."Diana added.

"You're too kind."I praised admiring her ethics.

"Away from that, looks like my family really took a liking to you. I just hope they weren't too hard on you, sorry to have abandoned you like that."Diana commented as we stood next to the car.

"I liked them too and you didn't have a choice. And besides it was great talking to your dad and brothers, we really bonded."I replied.

"That's great now let's go, I have a reward for you for being so brave tonight."Diana said with a suggestive wink.

"I'm driving."I exclaimed excitedly.

Diana just chuckled and handed me the keys. We both got in and I drove out of there happy that I'd met her family and gotten that phase over and done with.

🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

I had to split the chapter so you guys could engage with Kareem's perspective as he met the family. I hope you guys enjoyed it.

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