During the week, Megyn made a phone call to Cindy, who had decided to stay with her mother in Pwani County for a short while.
"Cindy, please come over to Randi," Megyn pleaded gently. "Benjamin and his kinsmen are coming for a formal introduction visit. I can't help thinking it's going to be a big occasion. My cousins will be around for support, but your presence—I can't trade that for anyone else."
Touched by her friend's request, Cindy took the next available flight to Randi with her mother's blessing. She knew how important this occasion was and couldn't imagine letting Megyn go through it without her.
Once in Randi, the two friends worked hand in hand preparing for the day. They compiled a guest list that included Megyn's extended family members from different counties, church friends, former schoolmates, and a few close university friends who had promised to attend. The air was charged with excitement.
Mrs. Maringo, ever the gracious host, had hired a catering team and an experienced event planner to ensure everything would go smoothly. The compound was cleaned and tents erected. Fresh flowers were arranged in vases and banners printed with Megyn and Benjamin's names. Everything had to be perfect.
Dr. Julia, always supportive, gifted Megyn a stunning floor-length dress made from a chocolate brown and cream African print. "Promise me you'll wear this on the day," she told her with a wink. Megyn smiled and hugged her, deeply grateful.
Matching dresses were also made for Mellissa, Amanda, Cindy, and two of Megyn's cousins who were her age mates. Her parents and younger brother Mex had their attires tailored earlier, so everyone would be in sync.
As the week flew by in a blur of preparations, the big day finally arrived. On Saturday evening, Benjamin and his family arrived at Sunset Hotel in Randi by helicopter. His entourage included his parents, their long-serving nanny, two uncles and their wives, and his two sisters.
The penthouse suite at the hotel, which had four bedrooms, was fully occupied by family members. Benjamin took a separate room at the hotel to give them space.
On Sunday morning, three vehicles formed a convoy and made their way to the Maringo residence. They carried with them a wealth of gifts—wrapped boxes, baskets of fruits, suitcases, and traditional foodstuff. In total, thirteen adults and two toddlers made the trip. Two of the adults were the designated drivers.
Benjamin drove his signature blue Toyota hatchback, and with him were his great-uncle and great-aunt, as well as his close friend, Dr. Evans. The elderly couple lived in a neighboring county where they had purchased a ten-hectare piece of land and established a ranch. Their children lived abroad, scattered across the United States and the United Kingdom. Though Benjamin had never personally visited them, his mother and aunt often did, since they were the only remaining paternal relatives of Benjamin.
That morning, Benjamin was dressed in an outfit gifted by Aunt Julia—an elegant cream shirt with chocolate brown African print patches, matched with tailored chocolate brown trousers and shoes. The ensemble gave him a regal, polished look. Heads turned as he stepped out of the vehicle.
The visitors were received warmly by Megyn's family, including her uncles, aunties, nephews, and nieces. Benjamin was surprised by the large turnout. He hadn't realized Megyn had such an extensive family network.
Inside the lounge, the guests took their seats. Benjamin's family occupied the right-hand side of the room, while Megyn's side took the left. The aroma of food wafted in from the kitchen.
They were soon invited to a table laden with a feast—boiled, stewed, and dry-fried meats: goat, chicken, and fish. Local delicacies, traditional vegetables, and colorful fruits were beautifully arranged on the table. Laughter and conversation filled the air as everyone ate to their satisfaction.
Mr. and Mrs. Maringo were visibly delighted. Benjamin's family was warm, polite, and engaging. The two sides got along so effortlessly that it felt more like a reunion than a formal event. Benjamin and Evans remained quiet, allowing the elders to steer the conversations, as was customary.
Dr. Julia arrived before the meal ended and joined them at the table. She carried herself with grace, greeting everyone with hugs and firm handshakes.
Each side of the family had a spokesperson. On Benjamin's side, the spokesperson was his paternal uncle, affectionately called Uncle Tom. On Megyn's side, the role fell to her father's uncle, Papa Tausi—so named because of his love for all things elegant and beautiful. He was dressed flamboyantly, as always, in a brightly colored traditional robe and feathered hat.
Though Benjamin's maternal family hailed from Randi County, his paternal lineage was from Mabonde County, which bordered the capital city. Uncle Tom still lived there, managing a large farm with dairy cows, goats, and wheat fields.
Megyn's maternal family also hailed from Mabonde, while her paternal family resided in Randi. Her father's younger brothers lived in their late parents' home on the outskirts of Randi town. Her great-uncle, Papa Tausi lived close by as well.
After the meal, Papa Tausi stood to speak. His presence commanded attention. Clearing his throat, he began, "Mabonde County has always been dear to us as a family. The lady of this house—Martha—came from Mabonde. She has been a blessing to us."
He turned and nodded toward Martha, who smiled modestly. Guests from Benjamin's side nodded in appreciation or clapped softly.
"So, as you can see," he continued, "we have great love for the people of Mabonde. We welcome you to Randi, not as strangers, but as family."
He introduced the Maringo family members and friends seated in the lounge so that the Hawis could appreciate the network that surrounded Megyn—a family full of love, support, and pride. "Above all, the most precious gift we can offer you today," he concluded, "is our faith...and before we hear your reason for visiting, let us seek spiritual guidance."
He turned to a well-dressed elderly man seated quietly. "Man of God, please speak to us."
The pastor stood, and after a short hymn led by Megyn's cousins, he began preaching. He spoke about Jacob, who married from his mother's people, highlighting the benefits of shared values, culture, and belief systems. He praised both families for choosing to honor God at the beginning of such a serious journey.
He offered heartfelt prayers—for Megyn and Benjamin's relationship, for the newfound friendship between the two families, and for the eventual success of the union. After the benediction, he excused himself to attend another engagement.
As Mr. Maringo escorted the pastor to his car, Papa Tausi rose again.
"Now that we have fed our bodies and souls, it is time to understand what brings our good friends here today."
With a smile, he turned to Uncle Tom.
Uncle Tom stood and addressed the room. He introduced each member of Benjamin's family, shared how their lives had intertwined with Randi through Mrs. Hawi, and praised the grace that had brought them together.
"We come bearing goodwill," he said. "We come to forge new bonds. One of our sons has seen a rare flower in this home. With your blessing, we seek to pluck it gently and take it with us."
Everyone applauded the poetic sentiment.
Papa Tausi, always keen to preserve traditions, stood again and asked, "We have many flowers in this garden. Kindly tell us—which flower has caught your son's eye, and who is this son?"
Uncle Tom looked toward Benjamin, then announced, "Our son Benjamin seeks the hand of your daughter, Megyn, in marriage."
All eyes turned to Benjamin. He stood, bowed slightly in respect, and sat down. According to tradition, the groom-to-be was not allowed to speak directly during such ceremonies.
Papa Tausi nodded, then summoned Megyn's aunts, Nereah and June to bring in Megyn.
Soon, four young women entered the room, completely covered in large shawls from head to toe. They were all of similar build and height.
Benjamin's task was to identify his bride from among them—a traditional test of familiarity and connection.
"Now Benjamin," Papa Tausi instructed, "we invite you to uncover your flower."
Benjamin scratched his head and took a deep breath. The girls were forbidden to speak or move. But Megyn had left a clue—just a small patch of her dress was visible beneath the shawl, matching the print of Benjamin's shirt.
He walked around the group, paused briefly, then confidently lifted the shawl off the girl with the matching fabric.
There she was—his Megyn.
She wore the African print dress gifted by Julia, its back elegantly extended like a train. She looked regal, radiant. Their eyes met, and Benjamin smiled broadly, stunned by her beauty. He embraced her gently, and they sat side by side on a small couch, occasionally exchanging glances filled with joy and silent promises.
"She is the apple of our eye, a treasure to this family," Papa Tausi declared. "But of course, a flower this rare cannot be given away without proper tradition."
Uncle Tom stood again, appreciating Megyn's beauty and acknowledging the Maringo family for raising such a graceful daughter. He spoke of tradition, of honor, and of the family's intention to respect every custom.
"We've brought bride price today," he announced. "The dowry will be delivered next week - sixteen heads of cows will walk into this compound through this gate, as per our traditions. We also want to confirm that the young couple has agreed on a wedding date."
The other uncle rose to assist Uncle Tom who was holding thick envelopes. Megyn's mother and father each received one. Other relatives were also presented with envelopes, prompting cheers and ululations.
Finally, a slip of paper was presented—a bank deposit receipt indicating a transfer of one million shillings. The room erupted in celebratory song and traditional dances. Women ululated and clapped.
The flower had been honored, the bride price accepted, and the bond between the two families sealed.
It was a day of joy, culture, and unity—a celebration that would be remembered for generations.
The celebration moved to the tents outside to include all the other guests and children. The guests seated at the tents had already fed, and were waiting to welcome the bride and groom to be.
There were lots of entertainment, dancing, joy and laughter untill late in the evening, when Benjamin's family left.