Let's Elope

Until We Said "I Do"

The tiny clasp rested on the carpet.

No one moved.

Ada stared at the bracelet in disbelief, her hands trembling slightly.

"I... I broke it."

Her voice was barely a whisper.

"I'm so sorry."

Auntie Amaka bent down first and carefully picked up the bracelet. She examined it closely before letting out a relieved breath.

"It's only the clasp."

Ada looked up immediately.

"Really?"

"It hasn't snapped in half."

Her mother came closer.

"It's an old bracelet, Ada. Things that have lasted this long sometimes become fragile."

"But Grandma trusted me with it."

"And she still does."

Just then, the front door opened.

Grandma walked in slowly with the help of Ada's uncle.

She smiled the moment she saw everyone gathered.

"Why is everybody looking as though someone cancelled the wedding?"

Nobody answered.

Ada walked over with tears already gathering in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Grandma."

She held out the bracelet.

"It broke."

Grandma adjusted her glasses and took it gently.

She turned it over in her hands before smiling.

"This?"

Ada blinked.

"You're... not angry?"

Grandma chuckled.

"My dear, if this bracelet has survived three generations of weddings, do you really think a little clasp will defeat it?"

A small laugh escaped around the room.

Grandma reached out and held Ada's hands.

"Jewellery can be repaired."

She gently squeezed them.

"But kindness... patience... forgiveness..."

She smiled.

"Those are the things that keep a marriage together."

Ada hugged her tightly.

"I'll remember that."

"I know you will."

The following morning, Ada's father and Chika took the bracelet to an elderly jeweller who had been repairing family heirlooms for decades.

By midday, it was back in its velvet box, looking exactly as it had before.

When Chika returned home, he held the box above his head like a trophy.

"Mission accomplished!"

Ada laughed with relief.

"Let me see."

She opened it carefully.

The clasp looked brand new.

"You'd never know it broke," Dara said.

Grandma smiled knowingly.

"Some things become stronger after they've been mended."

As the days slipped by, both families became a whirlwind of activity.

Every room in Ada's house seemed to have a different purpose.

One bedroom was filled with neatly arranged aso-ebi.

Another had become a temporary gift room.

The dining table disappeared beneath ribbons, invitation leftovers and neatly labelled boxes.

Every few minutes someone shouted —

"Has anyone seen the tape?"

"Who took the scissors?"

"Where are the extra ribbons?"

"I left them here!"

"No, you didn't!"

Laughter followed almost every argument.

Chika walked through the sitting room carrying four different bags.

"I'm officially retiring after this wedding."

Auntie Amaka didn't even look up.

"After you drop those in the guest room."

He sighed dramatically.

"I withdraw my retirement."

Everyone laughed.

Meanwhile, across town, Tobi's house wasn't much different.

His mother stood in the middle of the living room reading through a checklist.

"Wedding rings?"

"Packed."

"Shoes?"

"Packed."

"Bible?"

"Packed."

"Tissues?"

Femi looked confused.

"Tissues?"

Tobi's mother smiled knowingly.

"Someone is going to cry."

Femi pointed confidently.

"Tobi."

Tobi laughed.

"Definitely not me."

His mother simply smiled.

"We'll see."

Femi leaned closer.

"My money is still on you."

Tobi shook his head.

"I'll be fine."

"You said that before your graduation."

"...We don't talk about graduation."

Everyone burst into laughter.

That evening, Tobi's father called him onto the veranda.

The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in soft shades of orange and gold.

For a while, neither of them spoke.

Finally, his father broke the silence.

"When I married your mother..."

Tobi listened quietly.

"...I thought love alone would solve every problem."

He smiled to himself.

"I was wrong."

Tobi frowned slightly.

His father continued.

"Love is the reason you begin."

"It's patience that keeps you together."

"It's respect that protects your home."

"And it's forgiveness that helps you stay."

He looked at his son.

"There will be days when you don't understand each other."

"There will be days when life feels difficult."

"But never let pride become louder than your love."

Tobi nodded slowly.

"I won't."

His father smiled.

"I know."

Then he pulled him into a hug.

"I'm proud of the man you've become."

For the first time that day...

Tobi felt emotional.

"Thank you, Dad."

That same night, Dara sat cross-legged on Ada's bedroom floor while folding the last of the wedding programme booklets.

"You know," she said quietly, "this is probably our last sleepover before you become a married woman."

Ada smiled.

"It sounds strange when you say it."

"Does it scare you?"

Ada thought for a moment.

"A little."

"But mostly..."

She looked toward the garment bag hanging from her wardrobe.

"I'm excited."

Dara smiled.

"So am I."

She reached across and hugged her friend.

"No matter where life takes us..."

"...you're stuck with me."

Ada laughed.

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

Much later that night, after the house had finally grown quiet, Ada's phone lit up.

Tobi ❤️

She answered with a smile.

"I was hoping you'd call."

"I couldn't sleep."

"Me neither."

They laughed softly.

"So..."

"So..."

"Tomorrow."

Ada looked at the dress hanging neatly beside her wardrobe.

"Tomorrow."

"No more planning."

"No more shopping."

"No more guest lists."

"No more cake arguments."

Tobi laughed.

"I'm especially happy about that one."

Ada smiled.

"Me too."

A comfortable silence settled between them.

Neither of them wanted to hang up.

Finally, Tobi spoke.

"I should let you sleep."

"I should let you sleep too."

"But..."

"I know."

"I love you, Ada."

Her smile grew wider.

"I love you too, Tobi."

"See you tomorrow."

"See you at the altar."

The call ended.

Ada looked at her wedding dress one last time before switching off the bedside lamp.

Across town, Tobi did the same with his suit.

The countdown was over.

There would be no more waiting.

When the sun rose...

They would no longer be two people planning a wedding.

They would stand before everyone they loved...

And finally say,

"I do."