The church was bathed in golden mid morning light, casting a soft glow over the guests seated in the pews. The air was alive with a mixture of whispers, excitement, and hushed anticipation. Then, the music began.
Megyn drew a deep breath as she stepped forward, her arms linked with both her parents. Her father's grip was firm and steady, her mother's eyes shimmering with pride.
She blinked rapidly, fighting back tears. She had always imagined this moment - since the day she became Benjamin's fiancée - walking down the aisle with the two people who had loved and supported her from the very beginning.
As they walked, her mother whispered, "You are radiant, my love."
Her father gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "And you're about to marry a good man."
Megyn smiled, her heart swelling with joy.
Then she saw him.
Benjamin stood at the altar, dressed in a perfectly tailored royal-blue suit, a cream shirt, and a matching bow tie patterned with royal-blue polka dots. He looked breathtaking - more handsome than ever before. Evans, his best man, stood tall beside him.
For a brief moment Benjamin's expression was unreadable. Then, his face broke into a smile - one full of love, awe, and something unshakable. Megyn felt her breath catch. Cindy had been right. He was utterly overwhelmed by love.
Benjamin descended the steps from the altar, joining his parents at the front. Together, his mother on one side and his father on the other, they walked to meet Megyn and her parents.
It was time. The giving away of the bride.
The pastor's voice rang clearly:
"Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"
Both of Megyn's parents raised their hands. Her father spoke first.
"I, James Maringo, today give my daughter, Megyn Pendo Maringo, in holy matrimony to Benjamin Moko Hawi."
Then her mother added softly, though with conviction: "I, Martha Maringo, give away my daughter, Megyn Pendo Maringo, to Benjamin Moko Hawi to be wedded in holy matrimony."
They kissed Megyn's forehead before placing her hand into Benjamin's.
The pastor turned to Benjamin. "Is this the lady you have been waiting for, for the last hour? Please confirm to the congregation."
Benjamin gently lifted her veil. Their eyes met, and his voice rang with certainty. "Yes. This is my Megyn."
The two sets of parents embraced in joy, sealing their union as Megyn was officially handed over. Mr. Maringo, his voice thick with emotion, looked at Benjamin. "She's all yours now."
Benjamin nodded solemnly. "Thank you, Dad."
Hand in hand, they walked up the steps to the altar. As Megyn stood facing him, her hands resting in his, she knew she had never been surer of anything in her life.
Mex stood proudly nearby, holding the rings, his eyes wide with awe at his sister and soon-to-be brother. Melissa, one of the bridesmaids, smiled warmly, while Cindy stood directly behind Megyn, her support unwavering. Every now and then, her eyes found Evans'.
Amanda who was seated among Megyn's immediate family, couldn't hide her smile.
The vows were spoken, rings exchanged, the congregation applauded, and prayers were lifted. At last, the pastor declared them husband and wife. The journey to the venue of reception started.
Laughter, music, and the aroma of delicious food filled the reception. The venue overflowed with guests, even a few gate-crashers who joined in the celebration.
As the wedding party arrived, the contracted band welcomed them with jubilant music at the hotel gate, leading them in a spirited procession of song and dance. Megyn moved with the grace of a gazelle, Benjamin trying his best to keep up with her elegance. Cindy and Evans, as maid of honor and best man, followed closely behind, while the bridesmaids and groomsmen added energy and color to the joyful parade.
Before they were seated at the high table, the couple was invited to the stage for their first dance as a husband and a wife.
The band struck up "Princess" - their special song.
Benjamin drew Megyn close, his lips brushing her ear. "Are you happy?"
Megyn tilted her face up, her eyes shining. "More than I ever imagined."
He grinned. "Good. Because I plan to keep it that way."
They took their seats as food was served. Guests affiliated with Megyn were seated on one side, Benjamin's on the other.
Speeches soon began, accompanied by the steady stream of gifts being placed at the designated table.
The first to speak was Dr. Lucia, who had played a pivotal role in their journey. Her voice trembled with emotion.
"Megyn, you are like a daughter to me. I have mentored you in the profession. Liaise with me if Benjamin ever falls short. He must support you in achieving your dreams." She smiled knowingly at Megyn, as though she were the one being married.
Turning to Benjamin, she continued, "Son of my sister, you have married a great lady. Treat her with the love you have always shown since you met her. Communicate - always. If ever you face challenges you cannot resolve, come to me. Liaise with me. I love you both as my own children."
Overwhelmed, Benjamin and Megyn walked to the stage, embracing her warmly. "Thank you, Auntie," Benjamin said. "This wouldn't have been possible without you."
Taking the microphone, he added with a chuckle, "I only agreed to meet Megyn that day to prove Aunt Lucia wrong. And my princess - now my queen - was only curious to check me out. Surely, Auntie knew what she was doing. Thank you for walking with us on this journey."
Dr. Lucia laughed softly. "Take care of her, and strengthen the bond between Randi and Mabonde."
Benjamin's eyes locked on Megyn. "I will. Always."
More speeches followed, full of blessings and wisdom. Even the choir offered a song of counsel: "Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a wise woman comes from God."
The wedding cake was a stunning creation: a gazelle standing gracefully with two young ones at its side. As Benjamin and Megyn cut into it, he thought of the family they would build together. When she fed him a piece, he silently thanked God for her. When she received a bite from him, she knew this was only the beginning of their great adventure.
Later, as guests began to leave, it was time for the bouquet toss. But instead of throwing it, Megyn turned and handed it directly to Cindy. Surprised, Cindy beamed as the crowd erupted in cheers - until she realized why.
Behind her, Evans was kneeling on one knee.
"Cindy, my love. I've waited for this moment for so long. I don't just want to be your boyfriend. Will you make me a proud man and marry me?"
Cindy froze in shock. Megyn's gentle nod urged her on. She smiled and whispered, "Yes."
Evans slipped a golden ring onto her finger as the guests cheered.
Satisfied, Benjamin and Megyn bid farewell to their families and friends. They changed into travel clothes and slipped away to the waiting chopper at the hotel grounds, which carried them to the city airport. Their flight to Dubai awaited, where they would spend two blissful weeks at the King's Sunset Hotel.
Exhausted but happy, they fell asleep on the plane, nestled in each other's arms.
Later in Dubai – Just the two of them, Benjamin led Megyn into their suite, gently closing the door behind them. They paused, savoring the moment.
Then he took her hands in his.
"Mrs. Moko," he murmured.
Megyn's lips curved into a smile. "I like the sound of that."
He leaned in, resting his forehead against hers. "I love you, my wife."
Her breath hitched as she whispered back the words she had been carrying in her heart all night. "I love you, my husband."
Their kiss was unhurried - slow, deep, and full of promises. For Megyn, it was more than romance; it was a seal, a beginning. She knew, without doubt, that life with Benjamin would be full of support, joy, laughter, children, and love unmeasured.
And as they sank into the comfort of their embrace, she held onto one certainty: this was only the beginning of everything new, and she could not hold back her joy.
The End...