Just call me Naomi,” she said. He smiled and nodded. “Okay, boss lady Naomi.” They both laughed.
Then Andrew summoned the courage. “Naomi, can we talk, please?” “Just 5 minutes.” “Of course,” she said, feeling butterflies in her stomach.
He led her to the small garden at the back of the house. The flowers were in full bloom.
The birds sang softly, and the sky was a soft orange. “Andrew turned to her and looked straight into her eyes.”
“Naomi,” he began, his voice shaking a little. I know this might sound funny or surprising or even foolish to you, but I can’t keep it inside anymore.
Naomi stood still, her heart racing. I am deeply in love with you, he said.
From the first day I saw you step out of the cab, the way you moved, the way you smiled, the way you cared.
I couldn’t stop thinking about you. You’ve stolen my heart, and I don’t want it back.
Andrew continued, “Life is short, and I know you’re out of my level, and I might even lose my job, but I just can’t keep this feeling inside anymore.
I wanted to know if you by any chance feel the same way about me.
Please don’t say no.” For a moment, there was silence. Naomi stood frozen. Then slowly, she stepped closer, her eyes full of emotion.
“Andrew,” she said softly. “From the first day I saw you, I fell for you, too.
But I couldn’t say it.” Why? Andrew asked surprised. She smiled. Because I’m a woman and it’s the man’s duty to say I love you first, not the woman.
Andrew laughed, tears forming in his eyes. So all this while, you loved me, too.
Naomi nodded. Yes, I just didn’t know if you felt the same. Andrew held her hands gently.
I do with all my heart. He pulled her into a warm hug, and the flowers around them seemed to dance.
The wind blew softly as if it was clapping for their love. Inside the house, Madame Tina looked out the window and smiled.
And somewhere far away, Johnson knelt in his small room, praying, “Lord,” he said, “Wherever my grandson is right now, please let him be happy.”
He had no idea that his grandson was already walking into his answered prayer. A few days later, Andrew said to Naomi, “I would like us to go and visit my grandfather.
I want him to meet the woman who has stolen his grandson’s heart. I want him to meet his soon-to-be daughter-in-law.
Naomi smiled sweetly and nodded. I’ll be happy to meet him, too. That Saturday morning, they both dressed simply but neatly.
Naomi looked calm, but her heart was beating fast. They were on their way to visit Johnson, Andrews grandfather.
“Are you nervous?” Andrew asked her, holding her hand. Naomi chuckled. “A little. I’ve never met someone I like’s parents as a fiance before.
Andrew laughed. Relax. He’ll love you. Just be yourself. As they reached Andrew’s grandfather’s house, Andrew looked around.
The area was quiet and humble. They knocked gently on the wooden door and Andrew pushed it open.
They both stepped into the living room and sat down on a simple brown sofa.
The air smelled like home, warm and real. “Is your grandfather around?” Naomi asked. I think he stepped out to buy something, Andrew replied.
But he’ll be back soon. A few minutes later, the front door opened. Johnson walked in slowly, carrying a black nylon bag.
His face looked tired but brightened when he saw Andrew. My son, you didn’t tell me you were coming today, he said with surprise.
Andrew stood up to welcome him. Grandpa, I wanted to surprise you. I brought someone with me.
Johnson turned to look at Naomi. She knelt and greeted him respectfully. “Good afternoon, sir,” she said.
“Good afternoon, my daughter,” he replied, looking at her closely. “You didn’t tell me your visitor was this beautiful,” Johnson teased, laughing.
He looked at Naomi for a second, then turned. But Naomi kept staring at him.
Something inside her stirred. A memory, a voice, a face. As Johnson turned back around, she stepped closer, her voice soft and a little shaky.
“Sir, please. Your name? Is it Ogre Johnson? Johnson looked confused. Yes, I am Ogre Johnson.
Do we know each other? Naomi smiled sadly. You don’t remember me, do you? He shook his head slowly.
No, I’m sorry. Many years ago, I was just a little girl. I had lost my school fees and was crying by the roadside.
Johnson’s face remained still. I told you everything. How my stepfather would beat me if I didn’t pay.
You were sitting in your small shoemaker shed by the roadside. You listened to me.
You gave me 4,000 naira, your last money, and told me to be serious in school.
Johnson gasped a little. You prayed for me. You told me to never forget you.
You said your name was Ogre Johnson, and I never did. His mouth slowly dropped open.
Wait, are you that little girl? Naomi nodded. Yes, sir. I am the little girl you helped.
She stood and knelt gently before him. You didn’t just help me, sir. You gave me hope.
You saved me from the shame and pain of being chased out of school. That one act changed my life.
I became something because of that one moment of kindness and encouragement. Johnson’s eyes filled with tears.
He covered his mouth and sat down slowly, shocked. “My goodness. You mean that little girl was you?”
“Yes,” Naomi said. “And I’ve been looking for you for years. I never knew the man I fell in love with is your grandson.
Andrew also had tears in his eyes. Grandpa has always spoken about you ever since that day.
He always prayed that God should guide you wherever you were. Johnson couldn’t speak for a moment.
He just sat there looking at Naomi with shaking hands. See how you’ve grown. See how God lifted you.
Naomi held his hands. Now I want to bless you the same way you blessed me.
I will be marrying your grandson, sir. I want us all to be together as one family.
This is not just love. This is destiny. Johnson broke down in tears. God, you are too faithful.
He looked at his grandson. Andrew, you didn’t tell me you were in love with an angel.
Naomi laughed through her tears. I didn’t even know she was the girl you helped.
I just loved her for her kind heart. Johnson smiled and looked at Naomi. You’re welcome, my daughter.
I thank God for this moment. They hugged tightly. In that small room, hearts were reunited and a beautiful future was born.
The next morning, Naomi woke up with one thing on her mind. Honor. She didn’t just want to marry Andrew.
She wanted to honor the man who had changed her life with one small act of kindness.
