Roots: The Saga of an American Family Chapters 61-65 Summary

Kunta learns that the man's true name is "Boteng Bediako," although he's known as Pompey here (61.2). He's from Ghana.
As they chat, Kunta realizes that Boteng would've been an important tribal leader back in Africa. That's even more of a bummer.
Before Kunta leaves, Boteng stresses the importance of Kunta finding a wife and procreating.

Kunta has been in a funk ever since he hung out with Boteng—it's brought all of his insecurities to the surface. He doesn't visit his usual crew at all.
Eventually, he can't keep it up any longer and visits the fiddler. The fiddler talks some trash but quickly forgives him, telling him that he suspects Kunta has "woman" problems (62.31).
Kunta leaves immediately, shocked that the fiddling fool was so on the money.

Kunta runs through his mental rolodex, considering all of the single ladies he's met in his travels. Still, he can't stop thinking about one special lady: Bell.
When he hints at this to the fiddler and the gardener, Kunta gets a sneaking suspicion that they've been discussing it for some time now.

Over the next few days, Kunta creates a pros and cons list for jumping into a relationship with Bell.
One day, he comes across a nice block of wood and quickly sneaks it into his a hut. He uses it to make a mortar and pestle.
He leaves it for Bell on the steps of the house one day. She's moved—it's the first time anyone has made something for her with "his own hands" since she's been at the Waller plantation (64.11).
The next few weeks are awkward, with both of them too nervous to just come out with their feelings. It's kind of adorable.
After dinner one night, Bell tells Kunta that she wants to talk, though their conversation remains surface-level. Hey—at least they're talking.
Two weeks later, Bell invites Kunta over for dinner. She makes "chicken and dumplings"—one of his favorites—and Kunta feels revitalized (64.34).
This ritual continues, until one day, Kunta gives Bell an intricately designed mat. In return, she gives him a nice pair of woolen socks.
Ah, yes—romance. Kunta and Bell lie down and cuddle, which is the first time in Kunta's life that he has "held a woman in his arms" (64.45). D'aww.

Belle has just heard word from Massa—her marriage to Kunta has been approved. Aw, yeah. They set the date for the weekend before Christmas.
Although Kunta finds himself longing for the traditional weddings of his homeland, rather than this strange broom-jumping ceremony, he can't help but be excited.
He also gets excited to enjoy the, um, fruits of marriage. It's long overdue, frankly.