Becoming Mrs Dekan

Chapter 19 Meeting Parents

When they got home, Rose led Yoseph to her room.

The room was neat and tidy. It was obvious that Daniel had been cleaning it regularly in her absence.

After unpacking their belongings, Rose freshened up and stepped out while Yoseph took a shower.

She used the opportunity to call Beatrice.

Unfortunately, Beatrice was tied up with something important.

"I'm sorry," Beatrice said over the phone. "I can't make it tonight, but I'll come first thing tomorrow morning."

"Alright," Rose replied. "I'll see you tomorrow." She hung up with a small, contented sigh. Even from a distance, hearing Beatrice's voice made Ibadan feel a little more like home again, and she found herself already looking forward to the morning.

By seven o'clock that evening, Daniel was already eager to head out.

"Brother Yoseph, let's go to the night market!" he said excitedly.

Rose hesitated.

After the long journey, she was worried Yoseph might be too tired.

Before she could object, Yoseph smiled,It's fine. I'd like to go.

Seeing that he genuinely wanted to join them, Rose agreed.

The three of them soon headed to the night market together.

Daniel was practically bouncing with excitement.

Surprisingly, Yoseph was just as happy.

It was his first time visiting a place like this.

However, unlike Daniel, he kept his emotions since he couldn't show it like Daniel due to age difference.

Growing up, he had never experienced the warmth of a happy family outing.

Even sharing a peaceful meal at the same table had been a rare luxury.

His mother always seemed to find a reason to argue, and family gatherings usually ended with everyone leaving in silence and frustration.

Because of that, moments like this were precious to him.

Tonight, he intended to cherish every second of it.

Lost in thought, Yoseph unconsciously tightened his grip on Rose's hand.

Rose looked up at him and offered a gentle smile.

Ahead of them, Daniel walked happily through the crowd, occasionally turning around to point out interesting stalls.

From a distance, they looked like a family of three.

By the time they returned home, it was nearly ten o'clock, they were exhausted.

****

Rose was awakened by a loud knock on the door.

Groaning, she dragged herself out of bed and shuffled toward the entrance.

The moment she opened the door, she was engulfed in a tight hug.

Ah! Beatrice!" Rose squealed.

My baby girl!" Beatrice exclaimed. "I thought you'd forgotten all about us."

Rose laughed as they pulled apart.

How could I ever forget you?"

How are you?"

I'm good. What about you?"

I'm doing great."

Just then, Daniel walked into the living room, already dressed for school

Good morning," he greeted.

Good morning," Rose replied. "Do you have classes today?"

Daniel, yes, Daniel tried grumpily obviously not wanting to go.You guys have to wait for me before going to see Mom and Dad.

Beatrice blinked in confusion, who were you guys? Because she was obviously not there to visit their parents.

Just as Rose was about to explain,Yoseph walked into the living room.

Beatrice froze.

Her eyes widened as she looked from Yoseph to Rose and back again.

The look on her face made Rose want to disappear into the floor.

She rubbed her forehead, Okay, before you start looking at me like that, let me explain.

Beatrice folded her arms, I'm listening."

Rose pointed toward Yoseph.Beatrice this is Yoseph, my boyfriend.

Then she turned to him.

Yoseph, this is Beatrice, my best friend.

Yoseph offered a polite smile,it's nice to finally meet you. Rose has told me a lot about you.

Beatrice recovered from her shock and smiled back.

It's nice to meet you too.

Rose quickly excused herself to freshen up.

When she returned downstairs, Beatrice was already in the kitchen making breakfast.

Daniel had left for school, and the aroma of food filled the house.

The three of them sat together and ate while chatting.

As the conversation continued, Beatrice gradually became comfortable around Yoseph.

The more she learned about him and everything he had done for Rose, the more impressed she became.

By the end of breakfast, she was completely convinced.

Time flew by as they talked and laughed together.

Before they realized it, it was already noon.

Beatrice finally stood up to leave,I should get going.

Rose immediately walked her to the door,Don't disappear again.

Beatrice laughed,"I should be the one saying that to you."

“Rose,” Beatrice said as she pulled her into one final hug at the door, her voice quieter now, “I'm happy for you. Really. After everything you've been through, you deserve someone who looks at you the way he does.”

Rose blinked back sudden tears. “Don't make me cry twice in one morning.”

“I mean it.” Beatrice squeezed her tighter. “Your parents would be proud of the woman you've become. I know I am.”

“Thank you, B.” Rose's voice cracked slightly. “For staying. For everything.”

“That's what best friends are for,” Beatrice said, pulling back to wipe a stray tear from Rose's cheek. “Now go on, before Daniel eats all the food and blames it on me again. And Rose? Call me more often. I don't care how busy Lagos keeps you.”

“I promise,” Rose said, laughing softly through her tears.

The two friends shared one last hug before Beatrice headed home.

****

When Daniel returned from school, he found Yoseph and Rose curled up together on the sofa, watching television.

Brother Yoseph,Sister Rose good afternoon.

Daniel, Yoseph greeted with a smile, "Good afternoon.

Good afternoon," Daniel replied.

Hey, Danny, you're back! Rose said, immediately sitting up. She glanced at the clock,Why didn't you have breakfast before leaving, foodie? Your food is still on the table in the kitchen."

Daniel scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

"I was running late."

Rose shook her head helplessly.

"Go eat before the food gets cold."

Daniel grinned and headed toward the kitchen.

As he passed by, Yoseph asked, "How was school?"

"It was fine," Daniel replied.

"Anything interesting happen today?"

"Not really. Just classes and assignments."

Yoseph nodded.

"That's good."

A few minutes later, Daniel returned from the kitchen with a plate of food and settled into a nearby chair.

Watching the easy interaction between the siblings, Yoseph couldn't help but smile.

The house felt lively in a way he had never experienced growing up.

And for the first time in a long while, he found himself looking forward to moments like these.

"The day has finally come!" Daniel announced excitedly after finishing his meal. "Our first meeting with the new brother-in-law!"

Beatrice laughed.

"The way you're acting, anyone would think you're the one getting married."

Everyone burst into laughter.

Daniel grinned mischievously.

"Well, if Brother Yoseph weren't interested in my sister, I wouldn't mind marrying him myself."

Yoseph nearly choked.

Rose stared at her brother in disbelief.

"Daniel!"

The others laughed even harder.

Watching the pair of siblings bicker, Yoseph shook his head with amusement.

These two really were something else.

A short while later, the three of them headed to the cemetery.

Standing side by side in the quiet afternoon breeze were two headstones.

One belonged to Mrs. Chris Olumide.

The other belonged to Mr. Chris Olumide.

The cheerful atmosphere gradually faded as they approached.

Daniel stepped forward first.

Before Rose could say anything, he pointed proudly at Yoseph.

"Mom, Dad, Rose brought home a brother-in-law. He's in love with her, so you have to bless them."

Rose couldn't help but smile through the tears gathering in her eyes.

She stepped forward and gently placed a hand on her mother's headstone.

"Mom, Dad, today I'm not here just to visit you."

She glanced at Yoseph and smiled.

"I want to introduce someone important to me."

Taking a deep breath, she continued.

"This is Yoseph."

Her fingers intertwined with his.

"You always told me that one day I'd find someone who would love me and cherish me. I think I've found that person."

Tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Even though you can't see us physically, I know you're watching over us. And I know you'll bless us from above."

Yoseph gently squeezed her hand before stepping forward.

For a moment, he looked at the two headstones in silence.

Then he spoke.

"Mom. Dad."

His voice was steady and sincere.

"I'm here today to pay my respects and to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage."

Rose's breath caught.

"I promise to love her, protect her, support her, and stand beside her through every challenge life brings."

He looked at Rose.

"I will cherish her, respect her, and care for her for as long as I live."

By now, Rose was openly crying.

She threw her arms around Yoseph and buried her face in his chest.

"I want a hug too!" Daniel suddenly shouted.

The emotional atmosphere shattered instantly.

Rose laughed through her tears.

"Come here, you brat."

Daniel hurried over and wrapped his arms around both of them.

The three stood there together in front of the graves, sharing a moment that felt both bittersweet and beautiful.

That night, after Daniel had fallen asleep and the house finally quieted down, Rose stood by the window staring out into the calm Ibadan streets.

The day replayed itself in her mind—the laughter, the teasing, the way Yoseph had stood before her parents’ graves without hesitation, as though he already belonged there.

Behind her, soft footsteps approached.

“You’re not sleeping?” Yoseph asked gently.

Rose shook her head. “I can’t. My mind is too full.”

He came to stand beside her, slipping his hand naturally into hers.

“Good full or bad full?” he asked.

Rose hesitated, then smiled faintly. “Both.”

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence between them wasn’t heavy—it was comfortable, like something that had finally settled into place after a long storm.

“Today felt… real,” Rose said quietly. “Like I didn’t just imagine it.”

Yoseph looked at her. “What part?”

“All of it,” she replied. “You. Me. Daniel. My parents… I felt like they were actually there.”

His grip on her hand tightened slightly.

“They were,” he said softly. “And they’re still watching.”

Rose exhaled slowly, leaning her head against his shoulder.

“I used to think I was unlucky,” she murmured. “But somehow… I ended up here.”

Yoseph gave a faint smile. “Then maybe luck isn’t the right word.”

“What is it then?”

“Maybe… endurance,” he said. “You endured, I endured, and somehow we still found each other.”

Rose let out a small laugh. “That sounds less romantic.”

“It’s honest,” he replied, brushing his thumb over her knuckles.

She turned slightly toward him. “So what happens next?”

Yoseph met her eyes, steady and sure.

“Next,” he said, “I take you back to Lagos… and I do things properly.”

Rose raised a brow. “Properly?”

A faint smile tugged at his lips. “Your brother already approved of me. Your parents did too. I think I’m running out of excuses.”

Rose blinked, then laughed softly. “So this is you proposing… in stages?”

“I’m a busy man,” he said calmly. “I need strategy.”

She shook her head, still smiling, but her eyes softened.

“Yoseph…”

“Hmm?”

“Don’t disappear again,” she said quietly. “Not emotionally, not physically. Just… don’t shut me out.”

His expression softened immediately.

“I won’t,” he said. “Not anymore.”

For a moment, Rose studied him like she was trying to confirm if it was real.

Then she nodded once.

“Good.”

Outside, the night deepened, wrapping the house in stillness. Inside, for the first time, neither of them felt like they were chasing something uncertain.

They were simply there.

Together.

And that, somehow, was enough.

****

For the rest of the week, Yoseph and Rose stayed in Ibadan.

They went shopping, tried different restaurants, visited the night market, and spent as much time as possible with Daniel.

For Daniel, it was the happiest week he had experienced since losing his parents.

When the weekend finally arrived and it was time for Yoseph and Rose to return to Lagos, Daniel struggled to hide his disappointment.

He didn't want them to leave.

But after they promised to visit more often, his expression finally softened.

As he watched them board their bus, Daniel smiled.

For the first time in years, the future felt bright again.