Six months had passed in a whirlwind of planning and anticipation, and now the day had finally arrived. The day when Wren would marry the love of her life, Connor. The morning air was filled with excitement as friends and family gathered at the charming countryside estate, the perfect backdrop for a fairytale wedding.

Wren stood in the bridal suite, her heart racing with a mix of nerves and joy. "I can’t believe I’m getting married," she whispered, her voice trembling with excitement.

Stormi, who had been by her side every step of the way, smiled warmly. "I’m so happy for you, Wren."

Riley, Connor’s younger brother, grinned from ear to ear as he entered the room. "Me too... sister-in-law."

Wren laughed, the sound light and full of happiness. "It feels weird you calling me that."

"Get used to it," Riley teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Stormi nudged Riley playfully. "Ry, you have to leave so I can get the bride ready."

Wren nodded in agreement, her smile widening. "Go check on your brother."

Riley gave a mock salute. "Yes, sister-in-law. Right away."

"Get going, troublemaker," Wren called after him, her laughter filling the room as Riley left with a chuckle.

With Riley gone, Stormi and Wren turned their attention back to the task at hand. The air buzzed with excitement as they prepared for the big day. Stormi couldn’t help, but gasp as Wren stepped out from behind the dressing room curtain, resplendent in a princess-style white wedding gown adorned with delicate lace.

"Wow! You look gorgeous," Stormi breathed, her eyes wide with admiration. "All that lace is stunning. You look like a real-life princess!"

Wren blushed, her cheeks tinged with a soft pink. "Thanks, Stormi."

"Now it’s your turn," Wren said, a playful glint in her eye. "Get changed while I get my makeup done."

Stormi nodded and disappeared behind the curtain. Meanwhile, two stylists worked on Wren’s hair and makeup, transforming her into the radiant bride she had always dreamed of being. When Stormi emerged, she wore a lavender bridesmaid dress that complemented her figure perfectly.

Wren beamed. "I knew that would look great on you!"

Stormi twirled, feeling a surge of confidence. "Do I look nice?"

"Nice?" Wren said with a smirk. "That dress makes you look sexy. I have good taste."

Stormi laughed, her spirits lifted. "Yes, you do."

"Come on," Wren urged. "Let’s get your hair and makeup done."

An hour later, both women stood before the mirror, admiring the results. They looked fabulous, every detail perfect. Stormi couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride for her best friend.

"Connor is going to fall over when he sees you looking so gorgeous," Stormi said with a knowing smile.

Wren glanced at her reflection, her eyes soft with emotion. "You think so?"

"I know so," Stormi replied confidently.

The bridal music began to play, signaling that the moment had come. Wren’s father entered the room, his eyes misty with pride as he approached his daughter. "Well, this is it," Wren said, her voice thick with emotion. "Wish me luck."

Stormi wrapped her arms around Wren in a tight hug. "Good luck. You’re going to be a wonderful wife."

"Thanks, bestie," Wren whispered, her heart full.

As Wren walked down the aisle on her father’s arm, the guests rose to their feet, all eyes on the stunning bride. But none were more captivated than Connor, who stood at the altar, his breath taken away by the sight of her. He had loved Wren for so long, first from afar and then as she slowly became a part of his life. Now, seeing her in that moment, he felt like the luckiest man alive.

She’s really going to be my wife, Connor thought, his heart swelling with joy and disbelief.

The music faded as Wren’s father gently placed her hand into Connor’s. "I promise to take care of her," Connor vowed, his voice steady with determination.

After a quick hug, Wren and Connor began their ceremony, their love for each other evident in every word, every glance. It was time to exchange their vows, the culmination of all they had been through.

Connor took a deep breath, his eyes locking with Wren’s. "Sunshine, you have made me the happiest man alive today," he began, his voice filled with emotion. "We had a bumpy start, but through our love for each other, we pulled through and have come this far. I hope to share many more years with you and, hopefully, become parents in the near future. I promise to love and cherish you until death parts us."

With a smile, Connor slid a gorgeous diamond ring onto Wren’s finger, his heart soaring with happiness.

Wren’s eyes glistened with tears as she spoke her vows. "Connor, you have been my rock, my savior, and the only love I’ll have for the rest of my life. I would be so lost without you, and I’m thankful every single day that I’ve been blessed with your love. I also can’t wait to start a family with you and be together forever. I will love you fully and whole-heartedly until death parts us."

She slid a white gold band onto Connor’s finger, her eyes shining with love and devotion.

The two shared a deep, heartfelt kiss, sealing their vows and their future together. The officiant’s voice rang out, "I now pronounce you husband and wife."

Wren turned to Connor, her eyes wide with wonder. "I can’t believe we’re married."

Connor grinned, his heart full. "You’re mine now, Sunshine."

Wren smiled back, her voice soft. "I was always yours to begin with."

Connor’s heart swelled at her words. He scooped Wren up in his arms, holding her close as he kissed her once more, the joy of the moment overwhelming them both.

Meanwhile, at the Wedding Reception

The reception was in full swing, the dance floor alive with laughter and celebration. But in a quieter corner, things were taking a different turn.

"Let me have one more drink!" A voice slurred, its owner clearly having had too much already.

"That’s not a good idea," a bartender replied, firm but concerned. “Maybe you should head home."

But the first voice was insistent, defiant. "No... I want to drink more!"

The night was far from over, and while Wren and Connor were basking in their newfound happiness, elsewhere in the shadows, something darker was brewing.

As the celebration moved to the reception, the joy that enveloped the newlyweds was not shared by everyone. In the corner of the room, Stormi sat nursing her drink, her eyes fixed on the happy couple. Every smile, every shared look between Wren and Connor was a reminder of what she had lost. This was supposed to be her moment—a moment she had once dreamed of with Rex. But those dreams had been shattered, leaving her with nothing but the sharp sting of unfulfilled promises.

Riley watched her from across the room, his heart aching as he saw the pain etched in her expression. He knew Stormi was struggling, knew that this day was a bitter pill for her to swallow. As the night wore on, Stormi’s drink count rose, her sorrow deepening with each sip. Finally, Riley approached her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Storm, it’s time to go."

She looked up at him, her eyes glassy from both alcohol and unshed tears. "No…no… I don’t want to go. It’s supposed to be me…"

Riley frowned, confused. "What do you mean?"

"It was supposed to be me," Stormi slurred, pointing at herself as tears welled up in her eyes. "I was supposed to be the bride. Rex was supposed to be my groom…"

Riley’s heart clenched. He had always known about Stormi’s feelings for Rex, but hearing the pain in her voice made it all the more real. "Stormi…"

"He won’t wake up," she sobbed, the dam of her emotions breaking. "It’s been over a year, and he’s still not awake…"

Riley gently wiped her tears, his own heart heavy. "I know, Stormi. I know. But you have to keep believing. He’ll wake up."

Stormi looked at him, her eyes swimming with a mix of grief and desperation. "Do you still love me?"

The words caught Riley off guard, and before he could respond, Stormi pulled him down, her lips crashing against his in a kiss filled with longing and heartbreak. Riley froze, his mind reeling. This was the kiss he had secretly wanted for so long, but not like this—not when Stormi was drowning in her sorrow and confusion.

He gently pushed her away, his heart breaking as he did. "Stormi…"

She looked at him, hurt and confusion written all over her face. "You don’t love me?"

Riley swallowed hard, forcing himself to stay calm. "I do, but not like this. Let’s go home, okay?"

Stormi’s expression softened, a tired smile tugging at her lips. "Okay."

Riley scooped her up in his arms, carrying her out to the car. As he placed her inside and closed the door, he took a moment to steady himself, his emotions swirling. The drive to Stormi’s place was quiet, the tension from the night lingering in the air.