"Princess, the gazelle sanctuary is overflowing with gazelles. Some people have advised me to start selling them as wild game meat," Benjamin said thoughtfully.
"That's interesting," Megyn responded, shifting in her seat. "You won't do it though, because the law doesn't allow the commercial consumption of wild game meat."
She paused and added with a sparkle in her eyes, "But biblically, gazelle meat is permitted. So next time we visit the sanctuary, we can have one for dinner!"
Benjamin stared at her, stunned.
"What?" Megyn asked, choking with laughter.
"I know what you mean," Benjamin replied, trying to hide his amusement. "But still, how can I allow the shedding of a gazelle's blood?"
"Benj..." Megyn touched his arm gently, realizing the weight of what she had just said and how seriously he had taken it. "Look, everything I said is true - gazelles are a great source of protein. But they're protected by law. So no bloodshed," she smiled. "Still, you could consider using them to restock other game reserves and parks, locally or even abroad—at a fee."
Benjamin relaxed, giving her a side hug. "Thanks, Gazelle, for the insight. I can reduce their numbers without bloodshed. But if my princess wants a taste - she'll get it. Me too - I'll taste my gazelle... on our wedding day."
He winked at her playfully.
Megyn burst into hearty laughter, playfully hitting his arm. "Naughty, naughty man."
Cindy and Megyn's cousins were also in the chopper, seated at the far end, engaged in a lively discussion that had them laughing a lot. True to her nature, Cindy - ever the social butterfly - had already made two new friends.
As the chopper approached the city skyline, Megyn marveled at how fleeting moments were. Days were moving very fast, and their wedding day was to be that weekend.
Within forty-five minutes, at exactly 9:45 a.m., they landed on the grounds of Sunset Hospital in the city.
Benjamin and Megyn had planned a full day ahead: dress fitting in the morning, followed by cake sampling in the afternoon. After a mid-morning snack at Mr. Hawi's office, Benjamin arranged for a car, driver, and bodyguard to take Megyn to their wedding designer's boutique, where her gown was being held. Cindy and Megyn's cousins accompanied her, with Cindy as her best maid.
The dress was a perfect fit. Cindy's outfit was just right too, and Megyn's cousins—her bridesmaids—were also satisfied with their attire. Happy with the fittings, the group returned to Mr. Hawi's office where Benjamin was waiting.
While Benjamin and Megyn went for the cake tasting, the driver was instructed to take Cindy and the cousins elsewhere. Mr. Maringo, ever a man of order and foresight, had secretly arranged with Evans to secure a fully furnished house in the city's suburbs. Evans had found a beautiful four-bedroom maisonette in a prestigious neighbourhood—separate from the Hawi's residence, but closer to Evans' apartment.
This house would serve as the Maringo family's temporary city home for the next three weeks—close to all wedding-related activities and perfect for hosting both nuclear and extended family. It was a secure location with a spacious compound. Mr. Maringo had directed that Megyn and her entourage from Randi should head there directly. The Hawis had even assigned one of their house helps to assist in making them comfortable.
Meanwhile, Megyn and her fiancé drove themselves to the city arboretum for a quiet afternoon picnic. The arboretum, open to the public for a small fee, had become a popular spot for such special occasions. Benjamin and Megyn had already coordinated with their wedding planner and the baker.
Dressed in casual warm clothing to guard against the city's cold season, they parked the car and walked to a reserved section. Under a tree, a table had been set up with an array of cupcakes and soft drinks.
"Good afternoon, sir. Good afternoon, madam," the baker greeted politely.
"Good afternoon, Nafula," Benjamin and Megyn replied in unison.
"Thanks for being on time. I guess we have a lot of tasting and planning to do." Nafula said shaking their hands.
"What do you have for us today?" Benjamin asked with a smile.
Nafula led them to a mat spread under a nearby tree, where a basket of bottled water sat.
"We've prepared a variety of delicious cake flavours for you to sample as you enjoy your picnic. Once you're done, you can let us know your top picks for the wedding," Nafula explained warmly.
They sat on the mat, and Nafula began serving cupcakes one at a time. First, strawberry without toppings. Then orange cake, followed by black forest, salted caramel, red velvet, and vanilla. Megyn took notes, detailing the flavour, texture, and colour of each.
They were nearly done with the tasting when Megyn suddenly removed her hoodie and shouted, "Benj, catch me!"
She bolted across the field at breakneck speed.
Benjamin quickly placed his cupcake on the mat, with a smile, and sprinted after her. No matter how close he got, she dodged him, laughing wildly. Eventually, he caught her, scooped her up onto his shoulder, and carried her back to the mat. They were both breathless and bubbling with laughter.
Nafula watched them in amused silence, then cleared her throat.
"Now," she said gently but firmly, "let's settle on the final flavours and choose a cake design."
They decided on all ten flavours - each to be included in a grand wedding cake shaped like a female gazelle (a doe), with smaller cakes for their parents designed as two fawns.
Nafula assured them that the cake would be delivered as promised. Though time was tight, she was a highly recommended baker known never to disappoint.
After the day's events, Benjamin dropped Megyn at the new house to join Cindy and her cousins for supper and some rest.
He would pick her up the next day to inspect the church and the reception venue. Her parents and Mex were scheduled to arrive the same day. Her father would also pick up Melissa from City High School. Her wedding dress would be delivered too. So many moving pieces—yet everything was unfolding as planned.
Megyn was filled with anticipation. She knew her wedding day would be wonderful and memorable.
That night, she slept peacefully - rested and ready to welcome her parents, siblings, and relatives from Randi and her aunt from Mabonde County.