More of Chapter 12
The only question in Suzan’s mind was how many carats the diamond and emerald ring was.
When she opened the box she saw it glitter and gleam light from the small lamp on the table. It was a dazzling sight. It was a very large solitaire surrounded by perfectly sized emeralds. She knew that it was a very expensive ring. It was nearly the largest diamond she had ever seen outside of a jewelry store window. That was who Chad Williams was and it spoke volumes to Suzan.
“Will you marry me Suzan?”
A million thoughts ran through her mind as she heard those words. A parade of former suitors flashed by. Men who had asked her out and men she had slept with passed by as if in a parade. It wasn’t a large gathering but impressive in a certain way, none the less. She felt no shame or guilt. It was the journey of perhaps most woman in search of a lifelong partner. Perhaps no different from any other woman in America or the rest of the modern world.
Suzan placed her left hand on Chad’s right hand that rested on the table cloth next to the small box. She squeezed his hand.
“Of course I will, I love you.” Chad picked up the ring and slowly slid it onto her finger.
She had thought about this moment often since those hormones of adulthood had risen in her veins. She had no power over them. Only the powerful, human desire to fulfill that one, most important mission in the life for a human or any other animal. To procreate and to create a family.
Who the man might be seated across from her at this important time had always been an unknown up until a few weeks ago. But she knew the moment would arrive someday. That day was now.
“Oh Chad, we have so much to plan and so little time if this marriage is to happen soon. I had always hoped to go to Africa for my honeymoon.”
“I’ve always wanted to go there too Suzan. We can do that. It can be the our honeymoon destination. Are you certain that’s where you want to go?” “Well, when are you thinking about us getting married?
“That depends. Do you want a big fancy wedding and a long honeymoon? What do you want? it’s up to you.”
“Well, if I have a choice, I say a small wedding now and a grand reception when we get back from our honeymoon.” “I’m fine with that Suzan, but my parents may have a say in all of this as you might expect. I’m the oldest child and the first to marry.”
“I’ll do whatever they want, Chad I will give them that. I’m getting you, after all. I know tat their social position makes our marriage very important and special to them and gives them chance to show off their new acquisition, so to speak.”
“Oh Suzan, don’t make this sound like a bad thing. My folks love to throw a big party every chance they have. And me having a wife is important to them on a few levels. None of us are getting any younger, you know. It’s their way of showing off and spreading a little of their money around. Don’t begrudge them that on our special day.
You”re right Chad, sorry. But as far as the actual honeymoon goes, I Have already planed a trip down to the last detail and bought my ticket. I’ll get another for you and we’ll be set.” Chad wondered why he hadn’t heard about this, but it was par for the course as far as he was concerned. Suzan did have that secretive side to her, after all.
I have always wanted to go to East Africa if it were possible. I’ve been saving for this trip for sometime. It’s been a dream of mine for years to see the Mountain Gorillas. That was a lie, of course.
She had only lately seen the area on the map, thanks to Joe. He loved the Mountain gorillas and the mountain landscape around the massive volcanoes and especially the Virunga Mountains. But Suzan had loved the idea too. It had seemed “primeval.”
She had little imagination when it came to planning anything like this, but she had gotten excited after they had picked the location and she worked hard at it even though that wasn’t her best trait. Her forte was planning parties and going on shopping sprees. But Joe’s lack of interest in planning anything made her have to dig in and make all of the arrangements.
“East Africa it is then my dear;” Chad said with a bright smile that hid his surprise at all of this new information.
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So, here’s some new information for you to digest.
More in a while.
Remember that my novels, “Atlanta,” “Kazu, son of Osheda Kamasaki” and my book of short stories, “Sunrise, Sunset” are on Amazon and Audible.
And don’t worry, I didn’t narrate the books. They were all done with some very talented voice actors.