Chapter 38: Traditional Talks Begins.
In the Adebayo Family house.
Tammy thought she was safe for at least a few more weeks before anyone in the family started mentioning anything that sounded like "marriage." Apparently, she was wrong, because one random Sunday evening, she found herself sitting in the Adebayo living room while Jeremy's grandmother and her own parents tag-teamed her like a press conference. Well, she thought they might as well get this over with.
"You know in our culture, ehn," Grandma started, her wrapper tied with the kind of authority only a Yoruba grandmother could carry, "when children are on the way, the families must come together. It is not just about you two, it is about the lineage. About protection. About honor."
Tammy blinked rapidly, like maybe if she didn't understand English suddenly, she wouldn't have to respond. Her mother chimed in, voice calm but firm, "Your father and I also think it's best to begin traditional talks. For the sake of the unborn babies, Tammy. They deserve a proper foundation."
Her mother finished smiling while looking at Jeremy's grandmother. She then turned to her husband hoping he's saying something but he still remained quiet. She sighed and sat on the chair well.
"Foundation ke?" Tammy muttered under her breath, sinking further into the couch. She glanced sideways at Jeremy, who was suddenly way too interested in the cup of tea in his hand. Oh, so this was what betrayal looked like. She would get him back soon badly.
"You knew about this?" she hissed at him quietly.
Jeremy had the nerve to clear his throat and give her the most diplomatic smile she'd ever seen. "I may have… heard it mentioned," he said, trying to look innocent but failing spectacularly.
Tammy folded her arms. "Heard it mentioned? Jeremy, you set me up!"
The adults pretended not to notice their side drama and kept talking over them. Grandma's voice carried, "It doesn't have to be the full ceremony now, but at least the introduction. The knocking. Families greeting each other. Then, when the children come, everything else can follow. That way, no one outside will insult them. After you have given birth if you're up for it we can then have the White wedding and reception."
Tammy wanted to sink into the floor. Traditional marriage? Knocking? White wedding? Reception? She was barely processing the idea of being someone's wife, and now her entire family tree was planning rituals.
Her father gave Jeremy an approving nod, as if the man had already agreed to everything. "You will handle it well, I trust. Adebayo family knows how these things are done."
Jeremy nodded slowly, then turned back to Tammy with those annoyingly soft eyes, the ones that always made her insides betray her better judgment. "Tammy," he said gently, almost pleading, "just… think about it seriously. Please."
The room went quiet. All the older folks looked at her expectantly, like she was supposed to whip out a PowerPoint presentation on why or why not.
She rubbed her forehead, muttering, "I just wanted fried rice tonight, not marriage committee."
Jeremy almost choked on his tea trying not to laugh.
Grandma's eyes twinkled knowingly as she stood up, leaning on her walking stick. "It is settled then. You two will think. We will reconvene."
Tammy groaned, flopping back against the couch as everyone began packing up, discussing dates and possibilities like she wasn't even there. Jeremy leaned closer and whispered, "For what it's worth, I don't hate the idea. But only if you're ready."
Tammy shot him a look. "Jeremy, if you weren't fine and rich, I swear I'd have thrown this tea in your face."
He grinned, dimples deep. "So… I'll take that as a maybe?"
She sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes toward the ceiling. "You'll take it as me thinking. Don't push your luck."
But Jeremy noticed the corner of her lips twitching into a reluctant smile, and for once, he let the silence speak for him.
But that didn't last long obviously. 'So you think in fine. That's nice.' He said showing her his signature smirk. She coughed and got up running to catch up to her parents. She heard his loud chuckle and something like he careful not to fall. She quickly escaped leaning on the wall when she was out of sight.
Smiling brightly she saw that she didn't hate the idea at all. She loves the idea of marrying him and having his children and all. Just is he doing this for the children, her or his parents and the mass. Does he love her too?