After Megyn and Benjamin completed their marriage registration at the government registrar's office, Megyn had to fly back home to Randi. Cindy accompanied her. Benjamin and his friend Evans saw them off at the airport. Seeing Megyn and Cindy seated next to each other on the plane brought Benjamin a deep sense of peace.
They landed in Randi on a chilly evening. The taxi dropped them off at the Maringo residence. As they alighted, Cindy pulled out her suitcases while Megyn grabbed her small bag. Cindy was determined to stay by Megyn's side until her wedding day.
At the gate, they were warmly received by Amanda, Mex, and two of Megyn's cousins.
"We are here to support you, dear cousin," one said, hugging her. "Until we see you married and safe." "…and we'll be following you everywhere. Don't get tired of us," added the other with a laugh.
That night, after dinner, they all gathered in Megyn's room for a cheerful chat party that lasted until midnight. Megyn gave up her room for her cousins and slept in Mellissa's room instead. Cindy took the guest room, as usual.
Megyn slept soundly until late the following morning, undisturbed by anyone. When she finally checked her phone, she found a message from Cindy:
"We've gone to the town centre for a few hours. We couldn't wake you. Wait for us at home."
Megyn smiled but felt a slight pang of disappointment because there was no message from Benjamin.
Just then, a video call from Benjamin came through. She picked up instantly.
"Hello, my love," she greeted. "I thought you'd forgotten me," she added playfully with a chuckle.
Benjamin smiled and wagged his index finger gently. "On the contrary, my Gazelle," he said, scratching his chin. "I just wanted you to have time with your mum, dad, and Mex. I also knew your lovely cousins were visiting. I didn't want to steal you away from them. That would've been too selfish of me."
"I missed my goodnight wishes from my man - for the first time," Megyn protested lightly, pretending to pout.
Benjamin chuckled. "Your man wishes you were here with him right now."
"Should I say your wish is my command and take the next flight to the city?"
"No Princess. I'll see you sooner than later."
They sat in comfortable silence, both smiling warmly at each other.
Then Benjamin added, "Everything is going smoothly. Let's meet in two days. I love you."
"I love you too," Megyn replied. "See you then."
By four o'clock, Mex had returned from school, still in his dusty football uniform - a sign he had been playing hard.
"Hi, baby boy," Megyn greeted as he ran toward her, ready for a hug.
"Meg, what you see here is a football captain, not a baby," he said proudly.
"I'm proud of you, baby brother," she replied, gently touching his cheek.
At five o'clock, Cindy returned with Megyn's cousins, their arms full of shopping bags - new clothes for Megyn, Cindy, and the cousins.
"We're going out tonight," Cindy announced.
"Where to?" Megyn asked, puzzled.
"We're going to gatecrash a party," Cindy replied cheerfully. "Dress up!"
Megyn hesitated. "I'm not sure about this…"
"Don't worry, Meg. You'll be fine."
Her cousins dressed and left almost immediately, leaving Cindy and Megyn behind.
Cindy led Megyn to a restaurant by the lakeside. Before entering, she blindfolded her and walked her into a private room. Megyn immediately suspected a surprise.
The moment they stepped inside, Cindy removed the blindfold. A shower of glitters rained down as shouts of excitement filled the room. Her cousins, neighborhood friends, church friends, and even friends from medical school were all there.
They had planned a surprise bridal shower for her.
Megyn gasped. "Oh my God!" she exclaimed, stunned.
On the wall, the words "Bride to Be" were beautifully displayed. A large banner at the entrance featured a photo of her and Benjamin, taken the first time they met at that very restaurant.
Soft, classical gospel music played in the background.
Cindy guided her to the seat of honor at the head of a long table. Twenty-two girls sat around it, all dressed in solid-colored dresses of various hues.
Only Megyn, the bride-to-be, wore a white knee-length dress and hot pink open-toe heels. A delicate floral crown of hot pink and white adorned her head, glowing under the soft lights.
Everyone applauded.
Megyn also noticed the restaurant waiter who had taken her and Benjamin's first photo. He was now their cameraman for the evening, and he was visibly thrilled to see her again.
Dinner was served, and the girls ate leisurely, chatting over a range of topics. After the dishes were cleared, the room became livelier.
One of Megyn's cousins took the role of MC and invited the girls to introduce themselves and share how they knew Megyn.
Then came a fun challenge: proving who knew Megyn best.
Cindy was first.
"Who is Megyn to you?" "My best friend," Cindy answered confidently.
"What is her maiden name?" "Pendo."
"When is her birthday—and how old will she be this year?"
Cindy paused and scratched her head. Suddenly, it hit her.
"What! Megyn's wedding is on her birthday—and she'll be turning twenty-four!" she exclaimed, turning to Megyn. "Did you know this when setting the date?"
Megyn laughed. "Of course. It'll be a double celebration for me."
Applause followed.
The MC continued, randomly selecting another girl. "What are Megyn's favorite colors?"
"Royal blue, hot pink, and cream," came the reply.
"Royal blue and cream are my favorites," Megyn confirmed, smiling. "Hot pink just happens to be the theme tonight because when I met Benjamin at this restaurant, I was wearing a hot pink dress - not for the color, but because it was well made."
They continued with questions and answers for sometime. The final question was for Megyn herself.
"How did you meet Benjamin?"
Without hesitation, Megyn said, "An arranged date. It was love at first sight."
There were murmurs. "Does love at first sight even exist?"
"Yes," Megyn declared. "When you meet the love of your life, your whole being knows. And if the feeling is mutual, you just know."
It was time to open gifts. There were twenty-three packages. Megyn opened them one by one - watches, shoes, nightdresses, and wigs (clearly from her cousins, who always wanted her to keep long hair).
The final gift basket arrived late. Inside were golden and burgundy lingerie pieces. Megyn looked a bit embarrassed and couldn't guess who the sender was.
Suddenly, the song "Princess" started playing in the background.
Megyn stood up, eyes scanning the room. She sensed something.
Sure enough, Benjamin walked in boldly to loud applause and raining glitter. He reached Megyn in a single step, embraced her, and kissed her as they began to dance to their song. Others joined in joyfully.
"Benj, where did you come from?" Megyn asked as they danced.
"I flew in from the City this evening - to see my Princess, the woman I love and adore. My fiancée."He looked at her and said, "you are beautiful. I can't wait to have you as my wedded wife."
Megyn tiptoed, kissed his cheek, then buried her face in his chest as they danced until the song ended.
The party concluded at 9:00 p.m. Benjamin offered to drive Megyn, Cindy, and her cousins back to the Maringo residence after they packed all the gifts in his blue hatchback. Designated drivers transported the rest of the girls to their homes and hotels.
As Benjamin walked Megyn to the door, he said, "The wedding gown is ready. I'll pick you up on Wednesday for gown fitting and cake tasting."
Megyn nodded. He kissed her goodbye and drove off to spend the night at his aunt's place, ready to wait for Wednesday when they would travel together.