Charles and I have lived on the same street for over three years. But I didn’t notice him until one rainy morning when my car didn’t start. He was heading to work and stopped to help me. “It just needs to get warmed up” he said to me. Even people can fail to function properly sometimes when they’re cold.

I didn’t realize the man was hitting on me. But I did notice his dark shiny skin, his air of quiet determination and how selfish he was with words. I like men who use words sparsely, especially those who speak gems when they do decide to speak.

Two meetings later, Charles and I were taking walks together in the estate. The day that sealed our fate we walked back into the estate park and sat on the creaky swings just chatting. As we said good night, the tips of our fingers touched and magic happened. That day, logic made away and every sense I didn’t have told me that Charles for me.

A few minutes from now, Charles will be here. I typically get back from work before him. My gate is open every night because I know he will stop over. The rhythm never fails; I hear the gate swing open, the clump, clump of his shoes as he walks to my door. And even though he knows its open, a knock on my door.

Every time he comes in the door, my face breaks into a rainbow before he greets me with a kiss. “Let’s go the swings babe”. No thoughts of dinner tonight.

“I have something to share with you”. It’s finally happening, he’s going to ask me. “I’ve been due for promotion at work but my boss has been calling me to private meetings to negotiate other possibilities. (That is not what I was expecting).

There’s a new opening at the Abuja branch and its two steps higher than the promotion I am due for. It’s a great opportunity with lots of responsibility. The salary is great and the perks are very generous. I want to take it babe.

Will you come with me? Will you marry me Atoke Phillips?

Then out popped a ring and a resounding Yes.