Megyn woke up the next morning lying on a bed in one of the bedrooms. She looked around and realized she was in a blue-walled room, with curtains striped in blue and white. She assumed this was Benjamin's room.
"How did I end up here?" she wondered.
Turning to her side, she felt a body lying next to her. Benjamin's handsome face was relaxed in deep sleep, and he was shirtless.
She panicked and quickly touched herself. She was still wearing the clothes from the previous evening, which brought her a wave of relief.
Gently, she pulled the blue-flowered duvet over Benjamin's exposed torso, but her fingers accidentally grazed him.
Benjamin stirred, opened his eyes, and smiled. "Good morning, Princess. To what do I owe this beautiful sight?"
"Benjamin Hawi! Why am I in your room, and why are we sharing a bed?" Megyn asked, visibly worried.
Benjamin was clearly amused by her reaction. "Relax, Megyn Maringo. Nothing happened," he said, propping himself up on one elbow.
"I must have slept deeply, but you could have woken me and directed me to the guest room." she said trying to recall what exactly happened.
She remembered she had a nightmare last night, the same one she used to have when she was ten years.
He chuckled softly. "Gazelle."
"Yes?"
"You don't remember what happened?"
"Umm... I remember enjoying a movie with you..."
"You fell asleep during the movie, and I didn't want to disturb you. So, I carried you to the guest room and left you sleeping peacefully. I came back to finish watching the movie.
"But just as I was heading to my room, there was a loud thunder. You suddenly burst out of your room, looking terrified—as if something was chasing you. You ran straight into my arms, crying and begging me not to leave you."
"I held you until you calmed down. Soon, you were asleep again. So, yes, we shared the bed, but I only held you through the night. And honestly, it felt good. Would you blame me for not wanting to leave my Princess alone in that state?"
"Benj..."
"Princess..."
"Thank you for taking care of me. I love you."
He cupped her face, looked deeply into her eyes, and kissed her.
He was looking at Megyn the same way he had the day they officially became a couple—when he dropped her home and walked away without saying a word. Amanda had told her that was his unique way of expressing love, and now, she believed her.
"Princess," Benjamin said gently, "I want you to see a counselling psychologist to help you with your fear of lightning and thunder. What do you think?"
"My parents took me to a counselor when I was ten. I thought I had healed—until last night. I think seeing River Ole during the storm triggered the panic." Momentarily lost in thoughts, she murmured, "yes, I'll see a therapist."
Benjamin was relieved, especially knowing she had struggled with this in the past. He was also pleased she now recognized the need for therapy.
"I'll organize for the best therapist in the city to see you once you resume your studies. I'll cover the cost. Honestly, I wish I could go overseas with you—I want to see your face every morning like this and monitor your progress. But, wishes are not horses. Just promise me you'll always be mine and that you'll text me whenever you're scared."
Megyn lifted her right hand. "I promise. As for monitoring me, my parents will gladly take that role. They know what I put them through—especially during stormy days."
"Well then, time for breakfast. Go to the guest room and freshen up—or use my bathroom. In that case, I'll scrub your back and you can wear my shirt," he teased.
Megyn picked up a pillow and playfully hit his mocking face. Benjamin laughed and tried to catch her, but she slipped away to the guest room, giggling.
To her surprise, she found a blue dress laid neatly on the bed, along with a small basket containing lingerie. A pair of black open shoes, three inch-heels was placed next to it. Megyn was touched. She had been wondering what she would wear today, but Benjamin had thought of everything.
"When did he manage to do all this?" she wondered aloud, just as there was a knock on the door. Benjamin entered.
"I hope they fit you, Princess. I called Antonia last night, gave her your sizes and preferred colours, and she delivered everything early this morning."
"Thank you, Benj. I can't believe you even know my size."
"Maybe I took your measurements with my arms," he replied, smiling with a side glance as he exited the room.
Just then, the doorbell rang. Benjamin went to answer it and found Toby standing there with a breakfast tray.
"Your breakfast, sir," Toby said, assuming a mock-official tone.
"Come in, man. Give me the updates on the storm's aftermath."
Tony came in and set the table for two. He promised to return with a full update after his own breakfast and shower. Before leaving, he assured Benjamin that there had been no damage.
Benjamin had a quick shower and changed into a blue polo T-shirt and black jeans. He returned to the living room and switched on the stereo, purposefully playing their special song, Princess.
As Megyn entered, she looked stunning in the blue dress and black open heels, Benjamin was awestruck by her beauty. He held her, and they swayed gently to the music until the song ended. They then had breakfast in comfortable silence.
Afterwards, a room attendant came and cleared the table. Toby arrived just as the attendant was leaving, and Megyn was in the bathroom tidying up.
"The storm was great for business," Toby began.
"How so?"
"All rooms were fully occupied, and all the food was consumed. We've already ordered a fresh supply from Randi, and it's coming by boat but the lake still isn't very calm."
"Too bad. The helicopter meant to pick me up isn't coming today. It'll arrive tomorrow—change of plans."
"Oh. I was hoping... Never mind," Toby hesitated.
"You know, I couldn't leave without seeing the gazelles. So, I postponed the trip to the city until tomorrow." Benjamin informed him.
Toby chuckled and patted his shoulder. "Man, do you know what love has done to you? I like this patient side of Benjamin."
At that moment, Megyn walked into the living room, radiant and beaming. Something about her had changed—she looked even more beautiful. Benjamin couldn't take his eyes off her.
Her short hair was now curly, styled with hair gel she had ordered from the hotel's convenience store. She also wore a delicate silver ear pin.
"Oh my Gazelle, you look stunningly amazing," he said, eyes fixed on her. He pulled her into an embrace, forgetting they had company.
"Gazelle—he…" Toby cleared his throat, bringing them back to reality.
Megyn extended her hand. "Good morning, Toby."
Toby shook her hand warmly and left to attend to hotel duties. As he exited he held the door handle, looked at them and smile.
"You know, I'll arrange for a driver to gazelle sanctuary. Let me know when you are ready.
"Toby, man. That's so perfect. Please inform me when the arrangement is done."