𝟑𝟎 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐥

~~ 92. ~~

"Daddy." Lola with a grin. She was surprised to see him. She expected him to be at the church. They already talked the previous night that they will meet at the church. Her mother also called her while she was dressing that they were at the church already 

"Hi, dear," He smiled back and looked down at her gown.

"We will give you a moment." The girl beside Lola said and she gestured to the other three in the room.

They left the room leaving the bride and her father.

"Dad, you didn't have to come here," Lola said.

He nodded. "I know. I have to leave your siblings and mother at the church. I just need to see you before I take you to the altar." He admitted.

Lola smiled broadly at him and she fought the urge not to tear up.

"Okay, sir. You should sit then." She gestured to the seat beside her.

He came toward her and took a seat beside her. She did the same and she turned to her father.

"You look really beautiful Lola. So beautiful." He commented. Lola just smiled. "Your gown is one of a kind." He chuckled. "I don't expect less knowing who your husband is." Lola nodded in agreement.

Silence filled the room for a while before the man spoke again.

"I couldn't sleep really well last night." Lola peered at her father with worries written all over her face.

"What happened, Dad? Why?" She asked.

He smiled. "You don't have to worry. Nothing happened." He was quiet for a while. "I was just thinking about all of it. How it all started. I remember that day when I was deep in thought thinking about everything. Your grandmother's kidney problem, the house rent, and your schooling. That day I requested something for the first time from my boss. I told him that you needed a job." He chuckled. Lola smiled. "Instead of finding you a job, he made a deal with you. I never thought in the world that he would ask that of you. You were not in his class. You were just his driver's daughter. I was scared. I really was so scared." He admitted. "But I know you wanted to do it because you want to help me. But that wasn't even the worst of it. I was more scared and furious when you told me you love him and he was your boyfriend."

Lola could still remember that day clearly. The little fight between her and her father is because of her new relationship with Demilade.

"... I don't want you to get hurt. I was scared for you. But it looks like God has a separate plan for both of you. You were destined to meet in such circumstances. And I am grateful that it turned out well."

"Me too Dad." She spoke honestly.

"I know you already get engaged but you will be swearing your oath at church today. Today is the last day of you being a single lady."

"Yes, Dad." She agreed with a smile.

"Don't forget everything I told you."

"I won't forget them."

He nodded appreciatively her way. "It still seems like a dream that you'll be leaving us finally."

"Dad, we've talked about this. I'm still around. You can still see me when you want to."

"I know. But I can't help the feeling that it can't be like before. It won't be the same. You'll become a wife and you start your own family." He paused. "One day, you were born and you were just a little girl. And now," He smiled. "You're a grown woman, ready to have your own family. I can't be any happier than I am right now. I am so happy Tiwalola mi. And you should know that I am proud of you. I am proud to be your father Lola." He said looking at her face. [My Tiwalola]

He strokes her hair softly.

"You're getting married, Lola and you've made me so proud. With your actions, your choice... With everything. I am so proud of you, my dear. You won't understand how much it means to me. You made me so proud. I'm so lucky to have you. Just promise me that you are going to be a good wife like you have been a good daughter to me and a good mother to your siblings. It's not always going to be a bed of roses but you should know that you can solve whatever it is. Remember... "

"Don't sleep over a fight," Lola said. Her father has been saying that over and over again since the issue between her and Demilade that ensue before their introduction.

"Yes, you should work it out between yourselves. Communication is the key to understanding. Don't keep anything silent."

"Yes, Dad. I won't."

"Thank you. I wish you all the best in your matrimonial home."

"I am so grateful, Dad. Thank you for everything. Thank you so much for being a wonderful dad."

He nodded. "It's nothing, my dear." He took her hands in his and patted them softly. "I am going to miss you so much, Lola."

She looked up at him. He was looking down at their hands. He won't look at her and she realized he was tearing up.

She leaned closer and embrace him tightly.

"I'll miss you too, Dad. You should never forget that you're my favorite person in the world. I will always be your daughter. And I love you very very much." Lola said in his arms. She was trying so hard not to let the tears pooling at the back of her eyes fall.

Mr. Bamidele pressed a long kiss on the side of his daughter's head and he dabbed away the bead of tears that rolled down his face with his handkerchief.

He pulled away and stared at his daughter's face for long seconds.

"I think Demilade paid less than what he is getting. You're too beautiful than that." She chuckled at his statement.

"You're the one who decided not to collect high bride prices."

"That list was more than enough." He answered smiling. "You looked just like a queen."

"I prefer being your princess."

The old man grinned. "That's good to hear." He kissed her forehead lightly. "You're gorgeous my dear. Have fun. It's your day."

"I plan to do that."

"Good. Let's go then. They are all waiting for you." They both stood up and Lola called to the girls that will help lift her dress so she could walk properly. They came in and helped lift the side and back of the dress while they all walked out of the hotel room.