The One Who Holds Me (Sovereign Love #4)

39. Olanna

39

OLANNA

NOW

“ D addy, I’m home.” I shut the door behind me and make my way to the living room, where Dad usually spends his evenings relaxing. As I expected, he’s sitting on the couch, a glass of SuperMalt in front of him and his nose buried in a book.

I never thought I would ever see the day where my Nigerian dad reads a book for pleasure. He started off reading memoirs about successful business executives, then before I knew it, he transitioned to thriller novels. I don’t know how or when that transition happened, but those books have him in a chokehold.

“Hello, Princess.” He places his latest thriller novel on the table when he sees me and I plant a kiss on his cheek before sitting on the couch next to him. “How was your Bible study?”

“It was good. We also watched a movie, which was fun as well.” I place my bag on the central glass table and lean against his arm. “What are you reading this week?”

He takes off his glasses. “It’s a book about two siblings who set off to find their missing mother and they uncover some deadly secrets about their family.”

“Ooh, that sounds very interesting. Maybe I’ll read it after you if I have time.” I take a seat next to him.

Since his retirement two years ago, Dad has picked up all the hobbies he didn’t have time for when he was the CEO of Madu Health. Apart from his newfound love for reading, he has been having more golf battles with Manny and one time he even tried fishing. He is having fun and I love that for him.

“What are you thinking about, Princess?” Dad asks and my mind wanders again to Alex.

I open my mouth to voice out my thoughts when realization dawns on me. I’ve been speaking to Heather and Manny all this time about my love life, but I’ve never brought Dad into the loop. He and Mom were happily married for thirty years before she died. I’m sure he’ll have some words of wisdom for me.

“Dad, can I ask you a question?” I sit up as he gives me his undivided attention. “How did you know Mom was the woman you wanted to spend the rest of your life with?”

“Hmm.” He smiles. “That’s an excellent question. You see, marriage, my dear, is something I’ve never taken for granted. God gave me a lot of dreams and visions and I knew I needed a companion to fulfill those dreams with.”

He turns his head and looks at the photo frame on the bookshelf behind him. It’s the same photo Alex put inside the snow globe. When the stranger at the airport took that photo of us, we never knew it would become our family’s favorite photo shortly after.

“I left Nigeria at twenty-five,” Dad continues. “But as you know, your mother and I met when we were studying for our Masters at NYU. We had only been speaking for a week when I knew I was going to marry her.”

“Really?” I raise my eyebrows, wondering if Dad is stretching the truth. “What made you so sure after only a week?”

“We had the same vision for life. We shared the same interests, we served God together in the business world, she was a wonderful friend to me, she made me laugh, she brought out the best in everyone around her, and she encouraged me when the world thought I was a failure.” Tears well up in his eyes and his voice breaks. I’ve only ever seen Dad cry when we’re talking about Mom.

“I remember when we were struggling to set up Madu Health. The first year was so difficult. I wanted to give up, and I would’ve if she wasn’t there with me. We hit so many roadblocks, but she reminded me that there is no problem God cannot solve. She always believed God would help us find a solution.”

“That’s what Manny said. Mom always told him that, too.” I say, tears streaming down my eyes.

“She was a woman of faith, an exceptional mother, and she loved me—not just with her words, but her actions, too. I saw a lot of those attributes as I got to know her that first week, and that’s how I knew I wanted to marry her.”

“Wow.” I dab my tears away. “That’s so sweet. I miss seeing the two of you together, and I miss her so much.”

And I miss Alex too. Hearing Dad speak so fondly of Mom reminds me of that night Alex first told me he loved me. I still remember how elated I felt and how his eyes sparkled when he looked at me. The beautiful thing about this is that when Alex told me yesterday that he still loves me, that same sparkle in his eyes was still there.

Dad holds my hands, bringing my thoughts back to our conversation. “I had a wonderful life with your mother and my prayer now is that both my children will also win when it comes to marriage. God has already done it for Emmanuel by bringing the wonderful Heather into his life. I know He will do the same for you. You just have to trust Him, okay?” He pauses before tilting his head. “Or has God already answered my prayer?”

If I were two shades lighter, this would be the time where my cheeks flush with embarrassment. “Daddy, stop.” I avert my gaze and try to stand up, but he holds my hands.

“Should I tell my designer to start sewing the Isi Agu I will wear to celebrate?” He chuckles and I join him.

“When the time is right, I’ll let you know.”

“Okay. If you say so.” He puts on his glasses again, sips on his SuperMalt, and picks up his book. “I’ll be right here waiting patiently. It’s not like I have anything else to do.” He laughs and I kiss his cheek again before hanging the ornament Alex gave me on our Christmas tree and going up to my room.

As soon as I put my bag away, I get on my knees in front of my bed and whisper my prayers to God. “Lord, it’s me again. Give me assurance that You are in this. Just like You gave Alex confirmation that this is what You want for both of us. Speak to me, Lord. I don’t want to hold on to past hurts anymore. I want to move on from it because I love Alex. Please speak to me, Lord.” And in that moment's stillness, my God speaks.

Olanna, My beloved.

I am your Restorer.

I am your glory, the One who lifts your head high.

I make a way for you in the wilderness.

Open your eyes and see the new thing I’m doing.

Trust Me.

Thank You Jesus, my Restorer. Words of thanksgiving leave my mouth because at this moment, I know without a doubt that God has answered all my prayers.