DEAN'S POV

Twenty one days to plan a wedding, yeah right, easier said than done. I'd never even been to a wedding so planning one was more than I bargained for. The only upside to the whole situation was that River took the challenge on like a champion. She took charge and with the help of my mom, the wedding was finally coming to shape. Honestly if they'd just give me the date, time and a tux, I'd be there pronto. But I couldn't let River do it all on her own. We were both getting married so we had to put in effort no matter how much none of it appealed to me. Thankfully most of the time I was stuck with running errands which I managed just fine.

"Dean I'm hungry." Leah whined from the passenger seat next to me.

"Me too."

"I could eat."

Jasmine and Dwayne chorused from the backseat.

"You guys ate before we left home."I groaned.

I had no idea why my mom and River had thought it would be a good idea for me to bring my siblings with me. My task for the day was picking up everyone's outfits from the select store my mom and River had chosen. It was a simple pick up so I didn't need the company but now that I thought about it, I'd been stuck with them so they wouldn't bug my mom and River. Those two were clever and I was miserable.

"So? We need nourishment." Leah demanded.

It was futile arguing with them and the faster I gave in, the faster I'd get them to shut up and off my back.

"Okay, what do you want to eat?"I asked them.

"There's a KFC drive through over by the next exit."Leah grinned at me.

"Im not getting you KFC, do you know how expensive it is?"I exclaimed.

"Yes but you're loaded now."Jasmine grinned at me.

"He's not loaded, his wife to be is."Leah reasoned.

"Maybe we should ask River for the KFC money."Dwayne suggested.

"Okay none of that is happening and I don't care if I'm rich now or my fiancée is. You guys were raised better than that, you can't demand something just because you think there's money to throw away now. Fact is there's not, River and I just bought a house and paying for this whole shotgun wedding has not come cheap so there's not a lot of money to throw around. If you want something, you ask nicely and if I can afford it, I'll get it for you and if I can't we settle for a compromise. But I will not stand for you becoming spoilt brats just because you think your big brother is loaded now. Am I clear?" I demanded.

Silence.

"I said, am I clear?"I asked again more assertively.

"Yes Dean."They all chorused making me nod.

I didn't want my siblings morals or view of the world to change just because they thought I was rich now. I would never allow them to want for anything but at the same time, I drew a line between providing for all their basic needs and giving into their every whim and desire. I hadn't been lying when I said that the house and wedding had cost a significant potion of the money River had brought with her but there was still a huge chunk of it left but my siblings didn't need to know that. River and I had to be careful how we spent the rest of the money.

"There's a chicken Inn close to the store we're going to, how about you guys get that instead?"I suggested.

My siblings previously downed faces cheered up immediately.

"Yes that will work." Leah nodded with a polite smile.

"Good." I said happy we had come to a compromise.

When we arrived in town, I found a secure parking spot for the car first. I decided we should pick up the outfits first before going to get some food.

"Good afternoon, how may I help you?"The receptionist behind the desk asked when we walked in.

"Pick up for Dean Kamau."I replied retrieving my ID.

She took it from me, typed something into her computer before handing it back a second later with a smile.

"It'll be a few minutes, please have a seat." She replied showing us to the waiting area.

I guided my siblings there hoping they wouldn't take long.

"Are you nervous?" Jasmine who was seated closest to me asked.

"Nervous about what?"

"Getting married. Im still in shock myself, I could believe it when you told me."Jasmine replied.

The wedding had fallen perfectly in date with the kids end of term break from school so we didn't need to pull any of them out in the middle of their studies.

"I was nervous to propose but once she said yes, everything fit into place. I love River and she loves me, this is what we're supposed to be doing. It might be too soon but I know she's the one for me whether I marry her now or in two years." I explained.

"Well then I wish you two nothing but everlasting happiness, you two deserve to be happy together."Jasmine said.

The girl was too wise for her age.

"Thank you Jaz."I whispered pulling her in for a hug.

Thankfully the store was prompt and we didn't have to wait for long. I was handed five garment bags and a gift hamper for shopping with them.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, come again."

"We will."I nodded as I guided my siblings out of the store carrying everything.

Everyone's outfit was there except for River's gown and my tux. I didn't even know if River was going to wear a gown, when I asked she just kissed me and went about her business. I wanted River to look and feel beautiful on our special day but even if she showed up in jeans and a tank top, I would still be the happiest man in the world to be marrying her.

After putting everything in the car, we all went to chicken inn for some nourishment. I didn't want any grease stains in my car so we sat and ate instead of getting take away. We were there for an hour so and I hoped I'd given my mom and fiancée enough time away from the kids.

"Who else is coming to the wedding besides us?"Leah asked as I drove us back home.

"Guys you know this is a small wedding right? We're not having more than ten guests."I asked them.

Because of the time frame and the fact that River didn't have any family in the country had led us to have a small wedding in church. River was okay with it and so was I.

"Yeah we know but it can't just be us right. I mean who's your best man and woman?" Dwayne asked.

"Dishan is my best man and River's best friend Demi is her maid of honor." I replied.

"Aren't they supposed to be married"Jasmine ever the smart one inquired.

"Typically yes but the church agreed to a compromise because of our special situation. They are our witnesses so it works out for us."I explained.

Time flew by when you were busy and the wedding was in two days which to me sounded unreal but I was ready to get married. Part of me was glad that we didn't have months of planning since that just used too much money and caused stress and strain. Twenty one days wasn't a lot but it was enough to get everything done and give River a good wedding.

"When I get married, I'm having a big ass wedding."Dwayne declared.

"First of all language and second of all, we'll see when that time comes."I replied.

All I got was a shrug in response as he dismissed me.

"Home sweet home."I cried in relief ushering all my siblings into the house.

I loved being a big brother and my siblings even more but dealing with all three of them for extended periods of time called for patience even I didn't have.

My mom and River were in the living room going over last minute plans of our big day. It was exciting to think that in less than seventy two hours, River and I would become husband and wife.

"Did you get everything?"River asked getting up to kiss me.

"Yes I did. I'm a very good boy."I grinned at her.

"Indeed you are."She purred.

"You guys are gross."Dwayne scoffed.

"And you are jealous."I retorted kissing River again for good measure.

River laughed hitting my chest. She had taken a liking to Dwayne, actually she adored all my sibling probably brought over by the fact that she was an only child growing up. The feeling was mutual and all my siblings loved her especially Dwayne who had a huge crush on her. I didn't blame the guy, I had a crush on my girl too.

"Enough you two, leave some for the wedding night. Kamau your father is waiting for you upstairs."My mother informed me.

"Rooftop?"

"Yes."She affirmed.

"Why?"I asked confused.

"I don't know. Go see him, River and I have to finish up here in time for you to go pick Demi up from the airport."My mom demanded.

I didn't ask any more questions, just kissed River and left the house to go find my father.

It was rare for my father and I to have a one on one conversation. The man and I barely said more then greetings to each other so it was weird that he had requested to see me.

I found him smoking a cigarette hidden by some clothes hang up there. I would have missed him but it was impossible not to recognize the familiar smell of his favorite cigarettes.

I approached him and leaned against the wall since there was no place to sit apart from the stack of bricks my father was perched on.

He held out his pack of cigarettes for me but I shook my head in refusal.

"I quit." I replied.

I hadn't smoked in a month and in as much as I missed it, I knew I was healthier for it.

"Better man than I am."My dad replied.

My dad was the a big influence when I'd started smoking in high school. I stole his cigarettes and taught my self in secret until I was addicted. I kept it hidden until I was old enough to leave my mother's house.

"I'm sure you're surprised that I called you up here."My dad said after a couple minutes of long silence.

I didn't reply because he knew it as well as me how strange it was.

"You and I haven't had the chance to talk ever since you told us about your engagement. You went from dating River to marrying River in a span of three months. I know it's not my place, but as your father I wanted to make sure that you know what you're doing. Marriage is not easy even if you love each other and from what I've see love is not lacking between the two of you. I guess what I'm asking is, do you really want this?"My dad expressed.

"Yes I am."I replied without hesitation.

I felt like my dad needed a little more convincing and even though I didn't owe him anything, I found myself giving it to him.

"Part of me has always been afraid of marriage and commitment because of your relationship with mom. I know you love each other but sometimes I feel as if you're not committed to your marriage and I was scared of being like that. But then I met River and she taught me how to love her. Through her I learnt that all love is different and in as much as I was scared to love, she made it easy to love her. River is my person and when I marry her in two days, I will be the happiest man on earth."I explained.

"I'm sorry my marriage to your mom caused you such damage."My dad apologized.

"It wasn't your fault or moms and I take it as a lesson. You and mom are perfect for each other in your own way just like River and I fit together." I reassured him.

My mom loved my dad despite his shortcomings and my dad loved her the best way he could. My relationship with River was different and I liked that about us.

"Well in that case. I have something for you."My dad said reaching into his pocket and retrieving a jewelry box.

"What's this?"I asked taking it from him.

"Open it."

I tentatively opened the box to reveal his and hers matching silver wedding bands.

"Dad these look expensive, I can't accept this."I exclaimed closing the box and holding them out to him.

My dad shook his head and stood up ignoring my outstretched hand stomping the remaining cigarette filter with the sole of his boots.

"They are a gift for you and River to show my blessing for you marriage. And I hand crafted those myself. You know I'm a man of many talents. The diamonds on River's ring are fake but as long as she takes care of it, they'll always shine."My dad replied.

I sighed and pocketed the box feeling overwhelmed.

"I don't know what to say." I mumbled.

"Say that you and River will be happy together, you both deserve it."My dad expressed.

"Yes dad, I promise."I nodded.

He held his hand out for me to shake but I ignored it and pulled him in for a hug instead.

"Thank you pops."

"You're welcome."My dad replied patting my back comfortingly.

My dad would never be close but I would forever treasure the moments when he stepped up and actually became my dad.

We pulled apart and without another word between us, left the rooftop headed for the house. My mom and River looked to eyeing us skeptically but upon seeing smiles on both our faces they relaxed.

"Waridi are you ready? Demi lands in about an hour." I asked my beautiful bride to be.

"Yes I am, let's go. Mom, Demi and I will come by tomorrow for the finishing touches."River said addressing my mom.

"Okay dear, there's not much left to do so make sure you take time with your friend to get reacquainted."My mom suggested.

"I will."River nodded getting up.

"Mom keep these safe for me will you."I requested my mom handing her the jewelry box.

"Of course son." She nodded taking them from me.

"They turned out perfectly. ."

"You've seen them?"I asked and River nodded.

"Your dad asked me for our rings sizes two weeks ago and showed me the rings earlier, thanks again Mr Kinyua." River said.

"River please how many times will I tell you that's its dad now."My dad corrected.

"Of course, I'm sorry, force of habit. Goodnight everyone we'll see you tomorrow." River waved finally managing to lace up her sneakers.

I took River's hand because she was taking too long to say her goodbyes and led her out of the house.

"Did you finally pick a hotel for the reception?"I asked River as we descended the stairs.

"We're still torn between two but I'll be just the nine of us so it's kind of like a dinner not a reception but we'll make the decision tomorrow and make reservations."She answered.

"Are you sure you're not sad we're not having a big wedding?"I asked River.

"Not really, I mean every girl dreams of her big day but I never got that far. I didn't think my father would ever allow me to be getting married so I never allowed myself to dream. But now that's its finally happening it's with the people I care about most and that's all that matters to me." She replied.

I stopped midstep on the second floor landing and pulled River into my arms. I knew River wished her father would be at the wedding but he had already signed his fate and River seemed to have accepted it. At least my family was there for all of us and her best friend was on her way to make her dreams come true.

"I'm happy to be marrying the most beautiful princess and the fact that she'll have me for her husband only makes me happier. I love you River."I confessed.

River leaned up on her tiptoes and kissed me.

"I love you too."She whispered.

I took her hands in mind and kissed her fingers, her engagement ring scratching against my beard. With my permission because she was argued afraid to offend me River had swapped my makeshift key ring engagement ring for her mother's white gold, eighteen karat diamond ring. She'd found it in her mother's box and wanted it to be her something old for the wedding since it had been in the family for generations. I couldn't say no to her especially when I knew how much it meant to River to wear her mother's ring. It helped her feel more connected to her since she wasn't around anymore to see her baby girl get married.

"Let's go get Demi so you and I can get hitched."River said pecking my lips once more.

"Let's go."I nodded taking her hand and guiding her the rest of the way down.

Demi would be landing at Wilson airport instead of JKIA since she was flying in from Zanzibar having taken a connecting flight from South Africa. To keep River's location a secret Demi had to take extra precaution thus why she hadn't taken a direct flight to Kenya. It was a smart plan that River and Demi had come up with together and hopefully it would work. I didn't want to imagine what River's dad would do if he followed Demi to Kenya. He would take my girl from me and that would me my end. River already meant too much to me for me to loose her. I kicked those thoughts out of my mind because I knew the two best friends had been careful in covering their tracks. According to River everyone back home thought that Demi was at the Caribbean for a self wellness retreat for the next two weeks.

We made it to the airport just in time. Wilson sign wasn't that large so we didn't need a plaque for Demi to identify us. She would be able to spot is easily enough.

"There she is."River squealed when she saw her best friend dragging a purple suitcase behind her as she looked around trying to spot is. She was shorter than I imagined since I'd already seen her a few times as she was on facetime with River.

River ditched my hand to run towards her friend. Demi saw River and she abandoned her suitcase to meet her halfway. They collided into a hug, laughing and screaming attracting quite the attention but none of them seem to care. I approached them and picked up Demi's suitcase where she had dropped it.

Finally five minutes later after lots of tears and one giant hug the two finally pulled apart.

"You guys already know each other." River sniffed foregoing introductions.

She looked really happy to see her friend and I loved seeing her happy.

"Well hello there gorgeous, I'm Demi. I just landed, mind showing me around?"Demi teased holding her hand out for me.

I shook her hand biting my cheek to hold in my smile. I knew she was teasing me but it was cute to see her try.

"Sorry I'm engaged to be married soon."I apologized wishing I had an engagement ring to show as evidence.

I couldn't wait to get married and show off my wedding band.

"Soon being the key word, how about you and I risk it all before you big day, I might just change you mind."Demi insisted and I nearly laughed.

It was taking everything in me not to blurt out laughing.

"Thank you but my heart belongs to her alone." I said eyeing River who was watching the whole interaction thoroughly amused.

"Faithful man, nice trait. I like it, too bad you've missed out on the experience of a lifetime."Demi pouted patting my arm.

"I'm sure I have."I nodded trying to look sad but failing miserably.

"Demi enough messing around with my man."River scolded having had enough.

"I'm sorry, it's nice to meet you Dean, I'm Demi."The bubbly girl introduced even though I already knew who she was.

"My pleasure, welcome to Kenya." I replied.

"Thank you, I'm exhausted but it's all worth it to be here."Demi grinned.

"I'm so sorry, I know it's been a rough week."River apologized.

"Bestie don't you dare apologize. I'd climb mount Everest with my bare hands you told me it was your dream wedding destination. I'm happy to be here and I got to see some amazing places on the way here so that's a bonus."Demi retorted.

"Awesome let's go home." River declared leading Demi out of the terminal with their arms linked together.

I followed behind them carrying Demi's suitcase.

"Yes please, I'm ready for a shower, lots of food and catching up with you."Demi squealed excitedly.

"I'd missed you."River confessed.

"I missed you more."Demi echoed as they broke down into more tears.

The girls were talking a mile a minute the whole drive but I didn't dare interrupt. They had gone so long without seeing each other, they were bound to behave that way. I was just happy that River had someone there for her on our big day, she deserved it.

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Due to public demand, here's the blurb for my next book.

After Hannah's brother died in prison while doing undercover work for the FBI she started exchanging letters with Santiago, her brother's cellmate. Soon enough her relationship with him grew to so much more than mere penpals.

I'm not gonna give spoilers so interpret it how you will.

For the cover...

This one had my vote but it's giving mafia vibes which my book isn't really about. To those who voted for, I loved it as well.

And the winning cover is... Drumroll please.

It's simple but elegant portraying a lot about what my book is about.

Now back to completing Waridi so we can get to Mami.... It's gonna be good.