The plane ride back to Lagos from Abuja was pleasantly silent as the two lovers nestled together against each other. Since their love proclamations in Enugu, they had barely stayed apart from each other, starting from the night of the dinner convention.

Lucas got well enough the next day to make an appearance at the pageant show and insisted she go with him. She had gone along just to make a statement to everyone making googly eyes at her man. It was hilarious seeing girls throwing flaming balls of fire at her when he announced out of the blues that they were together just to support the rumor circulating the media.

The announcement had forced them into a hectic schedule for two months where they had to appear majorly in public functions as couples and substantiate to the general public that they were here to stay. At least, for longer than two years. She was by his side early May when he launched his eco-friendly lubricants line with Mr. Luchtein. The launch was a huge success that brought more millions to the company. But with good news came bad gossip.

One of which was that Sara got back together with him just for his money. She was fairly certain she knew who the culprits were. Karen's friends, Lola and Simi, had been quite bitchy lately on social medias, trying fervently to paint her black but Lucas's love these past few weeks had assured her that they were meant to be.

Just two days ago, they travelled to Maitama in Abuja for a red carpet event. The Polo club held an awards night and Lucas was honoured with two for being their biggest sponsor and an active patron.

Now, however, they were on their way to his parent's house for the weekend. Freddie, who had already resumed school, insisted on Papa Fred staying longer than was initially planned for but Lucas could sense it was the mischievous old man who put the idea inside the boy's head.

They were welcomed warmly by the family, with hugs and laughter and merriment. Freddie was overjoyed to hear that Sara would be staying with them for a long time too, so he quickly glued himself to her side all night. After dinner, Eric and Hailey had suggested Lucas tell Freddie about Sara being his mother and while he contemplated the best way to go about it, Grandpa Fred had crooned and hummed that he was the worst parent ever. That statement very nearly led to a brawl.

The next day after lunch, the two made their way to Freddie's room, to find him in the middle of directing the revenge of the green frog. He sat cross-legged on the floor chatting animatedly with his puppy and his toys were strewn carelessly on the bed and on the floor of his room.

Sara paused by the door to allow him alone time to break the news to the boy. Taking deep breaths, Lucas walked up to him and smiled.

"Hey, musketeer. You did not invite daddy to play with you. I'm offended." He pouted, pulling a sad face.

Freddie grinned at him before returning his attention back to his toys. "I can do it by myself. Papa Fred says I'm a big boy now." He stated proudly.

Of course, he did. Meddlesome old man, Lucas thought wryly, wondering what else the old man had told his son. He squatted down to his son's level to meet his gaze. "Freddie, there's something I want to tell you and I need you to listen attentively, alright?"

He looked at his father's eyes, noting the seriousness in his tone before nodding. "Okay, daddy."

"Do you remember last year when you asked me about your mother and I told you your mother was angry with me for what I did and went away because of that? Do you also remember that I told you she would come back when she's no longer angry with me?" Lucas reminded him, watching his reaction carefully. His small eyes flickered between his father to Sara standing by the door before coming back to meet his gaze. He nodded slowly.

"Well, she's no longer angry with daddy and that's why she decided to come back home with me." He took a dramatic pause to let his words sink in. He pointed to the door and his son's eyes followed his movement. "This is your mother, Freddie. Sara is your mother."

Freddie looked between his parents and pursed his lips instead. Lucas's eyes narrowed suspiciously at him but before he could react, Freddie stood up and strolled to go stand in front of Sara hesitantly. She bent down to his height, barely breathing in case her breath affected the tense atmosphere. The boy said nothing, just watched her curiously with hazel brown eyes as if seeing her for the first time.

To clear the awkward air, Sara asked. "Would you like a hug?"

He nodded again and she smiled before pulling him into a warm hug. She held him close to her, breathing in his baby scent and reached up to stroke his curly afro hair. His small hands held her tightly and his head rested on her right shoulder. When she heard him sniffle, she broke the embrace and faced him, watching his small face where a lone tear had trickled down.

"What is wrong, Freddie? Why are you crying?"

He looked into her eyes and sniffled again, briefly casting a glance in his father's direction first. "I don't want you to go away again. I want you to stay with me always. Even if daddy makes you angry, say you'll stay with me?"

She smiled, trying to not cry at his innocence. "I will stay with you, baby. I won't go away again." She promised.

"If daddy makes you angry again, we'll run away together with Papa Fred and leave him behind, okay?" He insisted, his tone serious.

Sara saw Lucas's brows lift at that idea and he frowned, shaking his head mildly at his son. "That is betrayal, Freddie. How could you?" He was standing a few meters away, watching the pair adoringly.

His miniature version stuck out his tongue in retaliation. "Papa Fred said I could and he'll help me. He says he likes mommy more than you and we have to protect her against you."

While Lucas argued about the treason going on in his family with a five year old, Sara basked in the moment her son called her 'mommy'. He probably didn't register saying it out loud but she did and she knew he didn't mind her presence in his life. Without thinking it through, she pulled him into a hug, whispering.

"I love you so much, my baby boy. Mommy loves you so much."

He wrapped his small hands around her and replied. "I love you too, mommy."

After some minutes, they pulled away and Freddie began to hop on his feet as an idea popped into his head suddenly. He looked excited, unlike earlier when they entered his room.

"My papa already told me that you are my mother. He even showed me all your wedding pictures and I want to show you all your pictures that Papa Fred showed me. I saw a picture where you put lots of cake on daddy's face and the one where you were hitting daddy with a pillow. I did that with daddy in Abuja but I want to do it with you. Let's go, please," he pouted, pulling her along.

Lucas felt his jaw drop at that information. That conniving old man!

Sara cast a glance at Lucas and saw him frown. This day just got better, he thought exasperated. His plans of having her all to himself was being ruined effectively by his own son. Talk about having competition.

++++++++++

The next day, they had lunch with the whole family where Freddie wouldn't stop gushing about Sara being his mom and agreeing to his runaway plans. And while Sara was having a little bit of problem adjusting to sharing a meal with the Caspian-Asiegbus again, Lucas decided he would help her feel welcomed.

In a flash, he reached over her plate and took her piece of chicken lap. Sara reached for her meat instantly but he was quicker as he leapt out of his chair, chicken in hand. She went after him immediately, the speed causing him to stumble backwards. She tripped suddenly, unable to break her fall and landed on top of him instead. While Hailey gasped at the uncultured behaviour of her son, Freddie and Grandpa Fred laughed loudly and Eric guffawed. To hear the family laugh as they reminisced the good old times, she knew they welcomed her back with open arms.

That evening, after a steamy toss in the hay with Sara, Lucas strolled downstairs to the living room to find everyone there, well, except Sara. She was still trying to look unruffled for when she finally decides to appear.

Freddie ran quickly to him in an ecstatic mood, his puppy in hand. Coincidentally, he and the stuffed puppy bear the same name. With a straight face, he decleared. "Daddy, I want to marry Sara."

"What?" Lucas choked on air. He was heavily flabbergasted.

"Papa Fred said I could if I want to and I want to." He had a serious demeanor on his face as he cast a glance at the old man in the wheelchair who snickered in reply.

"That is ridiculous! Why would you want to marry your own mother?"

"I know you made her cry on the day of Papa's birthday and I don't want to her to cry anymore because of you, so if I marry her, I'll make her happy always."

"You have to agree that the boy has good intentions," Grandpa Fred cackled, nearly choking on his laughter. It was certain now who gave Freddie the courage he needed.

Eric and Hailey chuckled too, obviously enjoying the display instead of being alarmed. "I really think I support this idea. I mean, Sara needs a man who won't make her cry anymore and you're obviously not that guy."

"You guys cannot be serious!" He rasped, glaring at the members of his family in annoyance. Even his son was not left out. From their knowing glare, he relented hesitantly. "Even if that's true, why would it be my own son?"

"Because, unfortunately, I'm too old for her, and your father is married," Grandpa Fred replied smugly. "But apparently, she prefers younger and gorgeous men who would never cheat on her and Freddie definitely fits that bill."

"All that is missing is a ring and a very heartfelt proposal," chirped in Hailey with a smirk.

"I have a ring!" Freddie yelled showing a gold band which he displayed proudly. Lucas's eyes narrowed on his grandfather's right hand and noticed his wedding ring was missing. It was as though the whole family were in cahoots against him.

"What is going on? What did I miss?"

Lucas swung around at the voice to find Sara at the top of the step down wearing a pink nightie that contrasted sharply against her white chemise robe and peering curiously at everyone. Before he could form a reply, Freddie ran to his mother and blurted out suddenly.

"I want to marry you."

Everyone chuckled again, watching the pair. Amused, Sara opened her mouth to speak only for Freddie to brandish the ring. She looked up to find expectant looks on almost everyone's face. Well, except for Lucas. He looked like he just swallowed a dead frog!

"I really don't think this is a very bad idea. I mean, he's handsome and rich..." She began wistfully, smiling slyly at Lucas.

"And he obviously has a ring," interjected Grandpa Fred and everyone laughed at that.

Sara nodded, bending down to accept the ring Freddie offered. Then he pulled her along and they went to sit on one of the red sofas. Lucas swore.

Trying not to choke on his anger, he stared at his mother stoically. "Mom, I need to borrow something from you. Now."

"B-but, I really need to watch this union." Hailey stammered, looking briefly at her son before pointing to Freddie who was whispering sweet nothings to Sara. It infuriated him more when she blushed at his charms.

"It is very urgent, mom."

Thirty minutes later, he walked into the living room and made a beeline for Sara who was still entranced by her son's charms. He found it hard believing Sara would choose Freddie over him. After everything he went through for her! Talk about loyalty.

Ignoring protests and chants of rebellion from all and sundry, he pulled her along with him until they exited through the heavy doors that led to the lawn. He didn't stop until they rounded the house and the swimming pool came in sight.

Sara pulled away now and shivered slightly, pulling her chemise robe tighter on her body.

"Lucas, let's go inside. I don't want to catch a cold."

He nodded, agreeing that the faster he did this, the better it would be for him. "Just give me a little time, please. I have something I need to tell you."

They were now standing a few feet from the pool as he held her gaze. "I want to show you how much you mean to me in the loveliest of ways. I want to worship your body with kisses and love bites until you'll want no one else but me," he murmured suggestively, tilting her head to pull her closer to him for a kiss.

Sara knew where this was going but she was surprised nonetheless. How could his mind be going in that direction when they were together intimately barely an hour ago?!

"Are you horny right now?" She was incredulous as she laughed slightly, looking quite annoyed with him.

He shrugged unapologetically, his arms snaking around her waist. Suddenly, she gave him a hard shove and he went falling uncontrollably into the pool below. The dip made a splash but she was quick on her feet and only a few splotches ruined her gown. He pulled his head out of the water and glowered at her.

"That is a very cheap thing to do!"

"Says the one who obviously needs a cold shower," she retorted sharply. "You should be thanking me right now."

He nodded, making his way to the edge before climbing out. She moved back a few meters away from the pool in case he had revenge in mind. He stopped in front of her, completely drenched but not entirely so in that part of his body.

"I'm not joking. I really want to be with you more than anything else. I know all my offers scream sex but I'm referring to the emotional aspects too. Like crying with you, that time you were pregnant and complained about not being able to wear really long heels all the time."

She smiled fondly at this, averting her eyes from his intense gaze. "Or when you were pregnant and decided to have revenge on me for all those times we fought over your piece of meat. You were quite determined about biting off my fingers and my little friend down here!" His eyes bulged in horror at the memory which caused her to laugh gaily.

It was a blackmail tactic that got him to release all her credit cards after he had blocked them earlier, saying she was spending 'too much money' on sugary substances.

"You sure you're ready for that stress again?"

"No, but I'm ready for this."

One minute she was standing in front of him and the next, she was lying across his left shoulder as he made a determined march for the pool. She shrieked for help but since the family had approved of this getaway, no one would come rescue her. Her cries were muffled when her body met harshly with cold water. She surfaced to find him make a jump into the pool, splashing water.

"You're a child, Lucas."

He swam closer to her and smirked. "Of course, I'm a child. I'm my mommy's boy." He treaded water until they were barely one meter apart. "Now, where were we? Ah, yes. I was coaxing you to let me treat you right, beautiful, with delicious kisses and mind-blowing love making."

"Freddie offered me a ring. That's a real man right there. I don't want no mommy's boy." She snapped her fingers at him.

Swallowing against the huge blow to his ego, he nodded and turned serious. "I want to be a real man, too. Like in the real sense of the word. I want to be the one you run to when you're afraid, the one you tell your fears to, the one who's the first to know when you have doubts. I want to be your gossip partner, not Jules or Judy or your sisters, or even my mom.

"Most importantly, I want to be your best friend so we can fight over silly things and binge on chocolates and seasonal movies and talk about handsome guys we have a crush on. I want to be..."

"Your sex partner?" She giggled mischievously.

"Ah, you just had to ruin it!" He complained, pouting at her. "I had composed a really beautiful speech right there."

She giggled some more before replying. "It was getting too long already. Tell me what you're up to so I can go."

"I want you to marry me, and this time, let's take it to forever," he proposed, right before grabbing her left hand and pushing the ring down her fourth finger. She gasped before pulling her hand away to study the ring.

"This is not how proposals work, you fool!" She cried indignantly, still admiring the ring.

He grinned cheekily at her, mentally giving himself a pat on the back. "I could not give you room to refuse me. You had your eyes set on Freddie!" He accused.

She looked up at him in incredulity. How old was this man again? "Seriously, Lucas. I hope you realize that 'show' inside was a ploy to get you to propose to me and not that my son actually wants to marry me."

"Really? I did not think of it that way," he muttered, frowning at his family for playing him the fool. "But still, my grandfather cannot be trusted. Who knows whether he'll replace Freddie with an eligible bachelor you could fall in love with."

"Well, you have effectively stopped that from happening," she scoffed, referring to the ring. It was a silver band with a big sapphire stone that glistened against the night lights. It didn't look very new, though. "This is beautiful. Where did you get it?"

"I borrowed my mom's out of desperation. My family was ganging up against me, so I had to do something. Although, I would have preferred to give you a diamond ring instead."

"You mean the one Karen stole to use against you?"

His eyes bulged at the information. Martin's tale never mentioned a ring! "But I asked her about it after we had fought and she swore on her brothers she didn't steal it."

Sara shrugged, reaching over to encircle her arms around his neck. "It doesn't matter now. That ring was not meant to bring good things into our lives and I'm glad she took it. Who knows, I might have rejected your proposal that night."

"But you won't reject this, right?"

She pursed her lips, a smirk playing on them. Since he was asking, she was quite prepared to milk his dry with this. "Give me a good reason why I should marry you."

He thought about it, knowing women could hardly be satisfied but hoped to score points with her. "I'm all yours for whatever you need but I'll ask for one favour. Let's have our wedding in Dubai. Just us, without our meddlesome extended family."

"You want us to elope?!"

He was unrelenting. "We don't need them in our marriage. Besides, they already had their fun the first time around. Let's go low key this time. We might even get married tomorrow before everybody wakes up. That way, we can start off on making siblings for Freddie. Do you know he's been dying for those since."

She made a show of trying to think about it. "I don't know."

He pouted and she laughed, so he brushed his lips against hers, every indication that he was serious. For once, she did not argue with him. She craved what he wanted too.

She shivered uncontrollably from the cold of the night and he realized they were still in the pool. A mischievous idea came into his head suddenly like a light bulb as he made his way out of the pool and then proceeded to help her out too. She let out a shriek when he lifted her up with both arms and she clung to him tightly.

"Say, yes, Mrs. Billionaire-to-be. I'm not a very patient man."

His gaze flickered to the pool and she knew he would throw her in again if she didn't reply him. She shivered again and decided that her pride be damned.

"Yes, Mr. Billionaire. I'll definitely marry you."

~~~~~~

There you have it, a beautiful last chapter to a beautiful book. Don't go anywhere though, there's still a little bit left. 😉

Dedicated to chidinmasdiary for requesting a chapter about mother-son reunion. I hope you like it? 😅

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Thank you 😍😘