Mrs. Maringo stood before her large mirror, admiring her reflection. Her long black hair had been styled into graceful, thick, wavy strands that fell neatly onto her shoulders — a birthday gift from her daughter.
Her face, always smooth and blemish-free, looked especially fresh today — relaxed and carefree.
She picked up her coffee-brown eye pencil and highlighted her eyebrows, which had been neatly shaped earlier at the beauty parlor where Megyn had taken her.
She then completed her look with her signature maroon lipstick and dusted her face lightly with finishing powder, giving her skin an added brightness.
She smiled at her reflection, revealing well-formed, even white teeth that lit up her whole face.
Just then, James entered the room, carrying two suitcases. A large, red, heart-shaped card was pinned to one of them. He placed the suitcases on the bed and turned to face his wife with a lopsided smile.
"James, tell me you're not leaving me on my forty-second birthday," Martha said, giving him a little-girl look that made him want to laugh.
Yet, her small mouth, accentuated by the maroon lipstick, made his eyes grow soft and sleepy as he stepped closer to her.
Martha closed her eyes, and his warm lips brushed hers briefly. Then he said, "Happy birthday, darling. You surprise me every day with your stunning, youthful beauty."
He led her to the bed where the suitcases lay. She picked up the card and took her time reading it.
Moved to tears by his words, she hugged him tightly and said, for lack of better expression,
"Thank you, honey. I am so blessed to have you."
James opened the suitcases for her. One contained beautiful dresses and lingerie; the other, an array of women's shoes. He straightened up, looked into her eyes, gently wiped away her tears with the back of his hand, and walked out of the room, reminding her that guests had already started arriving — and that he would be back to fetch her in twenty minutes.
Martha immediately understood that he wanted her to wear one of the new outfits he had gifted her.
By a quarter to noon, visitors were streaming into the tent. Four cars had already been parked in the front yard. The tents, tastefully decorated with flowers, balloons, and colorful paper buntings, created a festive atmosphere.
A security guard was stationed at the gate to ensure everyone's safety.
Megyn, Cindy, Mellissa, and a few friends were busy ushering in guests and directing them to the snack table. Their cousins soon joined in as they arrived.
There were plenty of soft drinks and snacks, which the guests helped themselves to eagerly.
The children were particularly excited, especially after a few bottles of soda and handfuls of biscuits. Their energy was boundless, and they jumped up and down with glee.
Mex joined his cousins and friends in the excitement, while the bouncing castle at the corner of the compound proved an instant hit with the kids.
The tents had been set up at the backyard, where the main party was to take place. The eclectic décor gave the area a lively, welcoming ambiance.
Despite the February heat, a cool, fragrant breeze swept through the yard, and soft music played in the background.
James Maringo sat with his siblings, cousins, and in-laws, enjoying animated conversations as they caught up.
Martha's workmates, church friends, and her friendly neighbors had arrived and were already seated, filling the tent with the sounds of chatter and laughter.
A rich aroma of spices drifted from the kitchen, where caterers were busy preparing a late lunch.
The scent of roasted chicken, meat, and fish filled the compound — the unmistakable smell of a grand feast.
James remembered to go fetch his wife. He met her in the corridor, walking gracefully toward the living room.
She was dressed in a knee-length blue chiffon dress paired with matching stilettos.
Her eyes sparkled with life, transmitting a deep love and peace that was even more striking than her elegant appearance.
She flashed a bright smile when she saw him. James stood frozen for a moment, captivated, before stepping forward, wrapping an arm around her waist, and whispering something into her ear that made her giggle like a young girl on a date.
He then led her out to the tent and seated her in the place of honor. She was, after all, the birthday girl.
For Megyn, the day was filled with excitement, joy, and hopeful expectation.
Expectation for what?
To see her mother happy — and to hear from someone else.
She waited eagerly for his call that night, even promising herself she would engage him sweet nothing untill dawn.
What? Did I just think of that? She smiled at herself.
A car pulled into the compound, and Cindy, unable to contain her excitement, ran toward it.
It was Dr. Jerry Ocharo. He was absent during the week- and just arrived that morning. Cindy had to come to Megyn's to help her with early morning preparations. So the doctor didn't find her in the house.
She welcomed him warmly and led him to a table at the back of the tent, leaving Megyn alone to welcome the last expected visitor. Mellissa had grown tired of standing, and had left for the tent with her friends.
Megyn was so adamant that she was the one to welcome Dr. Lucia, even if the guard would have gladly done so.
The final car arrived just as lunch was being served. It was Dr. Lucia Mambo - whom Megyn was still waiting for. She peered into the car and noticed Dr. Lucia had a male passenger. Oh! She has company! she thought.
She didn't know Doctor Lucia had a male friend.
The two emerged from the car, and Megyn rushed to greet her mentor with a heartfelt embrace.
"You made it!" she exclaimed.
"Yes, we did! I hope we haven't missed much," Lucia replied.
"You're right on time. We couldn't have started without you," Megyn said warmly.
She stretched out her hand to greet the male guest — and froze.
It was him.
Benjamin.
He wore navy blue cotton trousers and a neatly pressed black button-down shirt tucked smartly in.
His long legs hinted at an athletic build, and his black shoes gleamed under the hot February sun.
The black shirt made his light skin stand out even more vividly, and his freshly shaved chin looked irresistibly smooth.
He stood tall and strong before Megyn, his face striking and defined. A genuine grin spread across his face, making him even more handsome. In that instant, Megyn felt herself warm with excitement.
Here was someone she wanted to know — someone she could imagine loving for eternity. Someone she thought was miles away.
Someone she missed and was always in her thoughts.
Benjamin's strong hands took hers as he stared deeply into her eyes. Overcome with emotion, Megyn smiled broadly, tears welling in her eyes.
He pulled her into a warm, firm hug. His voice, deep and serious, brushed against her ear as he whispered, "I really do like you, you know."
Megyn simply nodded, unable to find her voice. At that moment, it felt as if the world had melted away, leaving only the two of them — until Dr. Lucia coughed politely.
They broke apart, and Benjamin gently wiped the tears from Megyn's face with the back of his hand.
Suddenly, Megyn felt another set of eyes on her.
Turning, she saw her mother approaching. Benjamin, noticing too, turned to see a beautiful woman walking briskly toward them.
It was immediately clear that she was Megyn's mother — the resemblance was undeniable.
Martha Maringo was an older, more mature version of her daughter, though she wore her long hair down. Her warm eyes and disarming smile made her instantly approachable.
She embraced Dr. Lucia warmly.
"Lucia, it's so good to see you again! Thank you for coming — and for bringing company, too."
"Thank you more for inviting us, Martha. This is my nephew, Benjamin. Benjamin, meet Martha Maringo."
Mrs. Maringo studied Benjamin and Megyn carefully before offering her hand to Benjamin.
"Welcome to our home, Benjamin," she said kindly.
Then, turning to her daughter with a playful touch on her arm, she added, "And you, young lady — where are your manners? Take Benjamin to the tent and make him feel at home."
"Of course, Mum," Megyn replied, knowing she would face some probing questions from her mother once the party was over.
She led Benjamin toward the back where Cindy and Jerry were seated, while the older women returned to the main tent, where everyone was serving lunch.
As they walked, Megyn bit her lip and said shyly, "Truly, my wish was your command. You're a man I can rely on."
Benjamin turned to her, catching her eye and holding it just a second longer than necessary, his soft smile saying more than words could.
Megyn lowered her gaze in shyness. Benjamin grinned to himself.
He knew in that moment: he had won her heart — and he had no intention of ever letting it go.
Forever.