The morning was chilly, and a soft mist blanketed the landscape like a whisper from the sky. Megyn stood by the window for a moment, watching the world slowly wake beneath the fog.
She recalled a memory from childhood - her grandmother once told her, "When there's a heavy mist in the morning, it means someone important has passed." That belief used to frighten her, but now, as an adult, she knew better. Mist was just mist, not a message from the heavens.
She dressed in warm grey sweatpants and a thick jacket that hugged her body tightly. A pair of thick socks and clean sneakers kept her feet warm, and she slipped on soft gloves to fight off the bite of morning air. After a simple breakfast of tea and toast, she settled into the lounge, waiting for Benjamin.
Today was special. They were heading out to inspect the church where their wedding ceremony would take place and the lush grounds where the reception was to follow. The thought sent butterflies flitting through her chest. It was happening - her wedding was truly around the corner.
Benjamin arrived not long after. He looked sharp in a woolen sweater and navy jeans, his presence like sunshine on a grey morning.
"Ready, Princess?" he asked with a grin.
"As ready as I'll ever be," she replied, standing up with a glowing face.
They set off together. By the time they reached the church compound, the sun had begun to pierce through the canopy of trees, dissolving the mist and giving the surroundings a golden glow.
The church stood tall and majestic, serene and welcoming. It was more than a building - it was a symbol of a promise that would soon be made.
With a capacity to hold over three thousand congregants, the church was elegantly furnished. Deep red velvet covered the pews, and tall windows let in cascades of light that danced across the polished floor. The high ceilings gave it an airy, sacred feel. Megyn took a deep breath, letting the silence of the sanctuary settle over her.
"This place feels so right," she whispered.
Benjamin nodded. "This is where my family fellowships. You've been here before, during college, remember?"
She smiled faintly. "Yes. I came when I wanted a quieter space… when I wanted something different from the university chapel."
They spoke briefly with the pastor and then with the church secretary, who smiled kindly and confirmed their reservation for Sunday between ten o'clock and one in the afternoon.
From the church, they drove to the reception grounds - a pristine, green lawn behind an upscale hotel in the posh suburbs. The grass was freshly watered, gleaming with droplets under the growing sun.
The hotel manager met them with a friendly handshake. "We've confirmed everything," he said. "The setup team will begin work tomorrow. By Saturday afternoon, the area will be fully ready."
Satisfied, the couple decided to grab lunch nearby. They found a quiet, medium-sized restaurant nestled between manicured gardens and gated villas.
Seated in a corner booth by the window, they ordered light meals and leaned into each other, comfortable and content.
As they ate their food, their conversation drifted from the wedding to Megyn's upcoming graduation and the future beyond.
"Gazelle," Benjamin said suddenly, a mischievous smile creeping across his lips, "did you know my mum graduated while she was expecting me? First month of pregnancy."
Megyn looked up, raising her eyebrows in mock disapproval. "Benjamin Hawi. Don't start thinking about babies right now. Nobody is expecting any child anytime soon."
She dropped her gaze to her plate, playfully nudging her rice with a fork.
Benjamin chuckled. "Alright, alright. Noted." He looked at her warmly. "But… I was just imagining how beautiful you'd look, carrying our child someday."
Megyn lifted her face slowly to meet his gaze. He was smiling - a smile full of dreams and quiet longing.
"What?" she asked, teasing him.
"What's your plan, Princess?" he asked softly.
She leaned back slightly, thinking for a moment. "I'm planning to have you as my wedded husband."
"Then?" he prompted, grinning.
"Then I'll attach myself to a hospital as a student doctor. I'll work there until graduation."
"And after that?"
"Then I graduate, secure my residence permit, and start working."
"And…"
"I'll be your wife. We'll build our Gazelle family - just you and me and our shared dreams."
Benjamin reached across the table and gently held her hand. "Thank you, Princess. That's the best plan I've ever heard."
She smiled, the depth of their bond reflected in the warmth of her eyes. She remembered a past conversation where Benjamin had confessed his desire to raise a child with her someday. She had been moved then - and still was now. But she appreciated that he never rushed her. He was willing to wait, to build their life step by step.
By the time they got back to Megyn's temporary home in the city, it was nearing five in the evening. The compound was lively with family chatter and the aroma of spiced snacks from the kitchen.
Benjamin accompanied her inside, where they were met by a burst of excitement—Mex came running down the hallway.
"Benj! I want to go with you! We're brothers, you know?" he exclaimed, gripping Benjamin's hand.
Benjamin laughed and knelt beside him. "Stay with Megyn tonight. I'll come for you tomorrow, little brother. We have time."
Mr. and Mrs. Maringo were seated in the lounge, enjoying tea while being served by Megyn's cousins. The house was warm and full - Melissa had also been picked from school, completing the family picture.
After greeting everyone, Benjamin turned to leave. As they stepped outside, he leaned in close to Megyn and whispered, "You know this is the last time I'm seeing you before the wedding?"
She blinked, surprised. "Mm. Really?"
He smiled. "Tradition, remember? No bride and groom meeting on the eve of the wedding, and tomorrow, I just want you to make yourself beautiful, spend time with your girls and family and just relax."
She giggled. "Who made that rule?"
"Someone who knew absence makes the heart grow fonder," he said, brushing a gentle kiss on her cheek.
She stood at the gate as he drove off, her heart brimming with warmth and a little ache from parting.
Megyn also confirmed that.the wedding gown had been delivered and kept.on her room. Everything was set.
The following morning, Megyn set her phone aside and stretched luxuriously in bed. Today was her day of relaxation -a full session at the beauty spa awaited her in the afternoon.
She would be pampered from head to toe, her skin softened, hair treated, and nails polished to perfection. The wedding was drawing near, and the reality of becoming someone's wife, Benjamin's wife, was settling on her soul like the calm after a storm.
She slept soundly that night, as Benjamin had his bachelor's party that night.