RELATIONSHIP STORIES: #14,THE LOVE STORY 2

While waiting for more formal talks, I had to rush back to my PPA at 14 Brigade Medical Centre, Nigerian Army, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks, Ohafia, Abia State where I spent my Christmas in 2012 (the first time without family members). Did I mention that Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is the 14th Nigerian Head of State?? Now you know... Meanwhile, 14 Brigade is the newest Brigade under 82 Division Nigerian Army head quartered at Enugu, the other existing trioka being 2 Brigade Port Harcourt, 13 Brigade Calabar and 31 Brigade Owerri.( And that was how I almost joined the Nigerian Army)

Then came year 2013 which I began in Uyo, Akwaibom State with my cousins. I went back to Ohafia then journeyed to Lagos for the 59BOE of CFi as another JAM Summit was fast approaching, which was the 17th Edition that took place in UNiLAG and being a handover year for International Officers I had decided it was time to handover because I needed to focus on building my relationship. However before then, multitasking was the way as always. #14Logistics was just being birthed and assignments started up with doing excellent romantic things on my behalf, YES, Pastors are romantic and you heard me right. Thanks to the 3 musketeers - Nd, Imogie and Dare, Chocho and of course May 16th (he knows himself), not forgetting Viktree Omoike, on point sister. We were able to pull 2 major surprise stunts for February 14 and then March 21 (those details are beyond the scope of this brief, contact me privately) which succeeded in convincing Oy that I was seriously serious.

JAMSummit2013 came and I had to continue with an extra year of service in CFi Leadership. It was not debatable for me but of course Oy was understanding and encouraging with me all the way. I met Mrs Ikponmwen officially June 14, 2013 and Mr Ikponmwen officially December 14, 2013 (were the dates planned? Maybe) and I became Son-in-Law-in-waiting. She was introduced to my parents and siblings unofficially in June and officially in December and we were good to go.

Finished serving my country in Ohafia in October 2013 and moved over to PortHarcourt almost immediately thanks to my senior chief and friend, Dr Lexy Idiaghe. It was a whole new life for me but settled quickly with friends and church folks. Oy and I decided we wanted to settle down in 2014 even though very many things were not clear but it was a walk of Faith.

Then came 2014 and BEN - 14 EX came along so timely I knew it was God. Thankfully travelling was already a hobby courtesy CFi, I knew East-West road so well I could dodge potholes at night, made and broke personal records BEN-PHC and back, had some night stopovers though at WWR with family and friends. It was awesome and adventurous with the likes of Olisa Tony Jnr but of course I did all of that for the love of my life.

Family Bilateral talks began and introduction was fixed for July 19 and suddenly I discovered I needed to put a ring on her finger, albeit for the engagement formality. July 4, 2014 was going to be unforgettable, every single detail of the proposal was put together under 24hours and real-time too (I'm a fan of Jack Bauer 24, it has increased my IQ too) Thanks to #14Logistics brethren, soooo on point. Hear Jeremy speak...

"Xela and Jeremy confirm position"..."Pastae, abeg Na hold up hold us for Ugbowo, But we dey come shortly..."

That was an excerpt from a telephone conversation between Dr David #14 Orhewere and some of his guys @ #14Logistics the night he popped the 14-Letter Question to his Sweetheart, Oyenmwen Ikponmwen.
With a soft voice well cultured for that purpose alone "OY" I said, then 4 cardboard stands reading "WILL YOU MARRY ME"  appeared behind me and literally completing the statement I started with my knees for the first time on the floor and flashing a multi-studded crystal ring before her. She couldn't contain her joy, enveloped in sheer surprise and garnished by the awesome feeling of being "The Special One", I slipped the ring into the appropriate finger and immediately she helped me up from my 'kneeling posture' and a warm hug followed as photographs  were the next un drafted agendum as flashes from virtually every photographic device available filled the room...and that was the confirmatory stage of this romantic classique.

To be continued
Warm Regards,