chapter 41

Jeff picked Gina from her house at 6pm. By 6:45pm, they were already at Director Lamptey's mansion. When they got out of the car, they were led in by one of the maids, who had come out to welcome them. They got to the living room and made themselves comfortable.

" Please, what would you like to drink?" the maid asked them.

" Please get me a glass of water", Jeff said, politely.

" Erm, get me the same thing, okay?" Gina replied.

The maid frowned a bit, because this was the first time Gina had actually requested for just water when she came to her father's house. Her frown turned into a slight confusion, but she quickly smiled.

" Okay, I will bring the water to you right away", she said and disappeared into the kitchen.

As they waited for their water, they heard giggles coming from the direction of her father's study. Their attention was turned towards that direction till they saw who it was. Mirabel, Gina's younger sister, was the first to appear, followed by John, her future husband and the director. They were happily chatting among themselves.

Mirabel was the first to notice Gina and Jeff sitting down. When Jeff saw them, he quickly stood. Mirabel ran to them and hugged them both.

" It's been a while since I saw you both. How are you guys?" Mirabel asked, excitedly.

" Well, we are doing well, little sis. How are you doing, John?" Gina said.

" I am good, Gina. It's nice to see you again", John smiled.

" Oh John. I don't think you have met Jeff. He is my father's employee and a very good friend of ours", Mirabel introduced the men.

" Are you Jeffrey Asante? The famous reporter everyone keeps talking about?" John asked and shook Jeff's hand.

" Yes, yes I am. But I don't think I am that famous", Jeff replied, returning the handshake.

" I really like how you work. You do most of the things most reporters don't do. And I like that about. It makes the news more credible", John commended.

" Thank you", Jeff said.

" Okay. I have been told dinner is ready now. Why don't we head to the dinning table and eat? Director Lamptey announced.

All of them headed to the dinning table. They were served by the maids. When they were served, they prayed over the food. Then they ate. Once they had finished eating, they moved to the sitting area to talk. Director Lamptey sat on the three in one chair, opposite the television.

Jeff and Gina both sat on the single chairs at the opposite side on the right and Mirabel and John sat on the two in one chair at the left side.

" I am happy that all of you made time from your busy schedules to come to this family gathering. First of all, Mirabel and John has something to tell us. So please, Mirabel, tell us", director Lamptey announced.

Mirabel smiled. " Thank you father. I and John has an announcement to make. We have decided to get married in three months time".

Gina squealed. " Oh my God! Mira, that's so good. Congratulations."

She hugged her sister tightly. They both jumped up and down like little girls. She then moved on to hug John as well and congratulated him.

" The other thing is, we have also decided we are going to make it a private one. With few of our friends and our family", John added.

" That's good. Whatever you two decide is fine by me. I will do everything to support you", Director Lamptey said.

" Thank you, daddy", Mirabel hugged her father.

" So, what about you, Gina? Where is the man you said you wanted me to meet?" Director Lamptey asked, Gina. 

" Father, I know you are all wondering why I brought Jeff to this family gathering. Well it's simple, Jeff and I are dating now", Gina said, smiling to herself.

Everyone in the room was quiet. The room remained silent for a while before director Lamptey spoke again.

" Wow, I don't know what to say. But, how come I never saw you two in any romantic way? I mean, I see you two talking a lot but, that's it".

" Yes, you are right, father. Jeff and I have been close recently and we realised that we love each other, so, we decided to give our relationship a try", Gina replied, stealing glances with Jeff, who just smiled back.

" Aww, that's so sweet. Big sister, I am so happy for you. That means we will be hearing wedding bells soon?" Mirabel winked at her sister.

" Hopefully, little sis. Hopefully", Gina responded.

" I never thought I will see this day. Jeff, please come to me", Jeff walked over to the director and knelt in front of him.

" I am so glad my daughter chose you. Welcome to my family, my boy", Director Lamptey hugged Jeff who hugged him back.

Gina, Mirabel and John joined Jeff on the floor and director Lamptey blessed all of them. He was happy and relieved that both his daughters were now on their way to get married. The happiness he felt showed on his face throughout the night. 

Jeff dropped Gina off at her home. They were both smiling to each other and had a lot to talk about on their way. Once they got to the gate, Jeff parked his car at the front.

" So, now that this is over, what happens next?" Jeff asked.

" I'm sure by now my father is planning on how to get us married", Gina said and laughed.

Jeff laughed too. Then he became serious all of a sudden.

" Jeff, are you okay? What's wrong?"

" I can't stop thinking about your father. What if he finds out about us? I don't know how he will feel about this. I was so nervous when we were at his place, that's why I did not talk much while we were there", Jeff explained.

" I know this has been a lot to take in. But, this is the only way I can think of. I don't want to deceive my father too. And, I think about how he will feel. I just need you to help me with this. When all this is over, I will compensate you, greatly, okay?" Gina said.

Jeff nodded and smiled.