Two excruciating weeks had crawled by for Lily, filled with the excitement and chaos of preparing for her dream wedding. Every detail had been meticulously planned, and Tim, true to his word, gave her full freedom to design the day just as she wanted. She’d chosen a beach wedding, the perfect setting for their love story, and used her talent to design her own wedding dress.

Now, as Tim stood at the arch Lily had crafted with her own hands, he waited, heart pounding. His best man, Eric, stood beside him, and Tim had even let go of old grievances, allowing Ryan to be a groomsman. Across from them, Emily and Becca would soon take their places, but for now, they were busy helping the bride.

"Lily, the dress you designed is gorgeous!" Becca exclaimed, adjusting the delicate lace at the hem.

Emily, standing nearby, nodded in agreement. "You really have a gift, sister. Tim’s going to lose it when he sees you."

Lily smiled shyly, her heart fluttering. "Thanks, you guys. I couldn’t have done this without your help."

Becca added the finishing touches, slipping the necklace and earrings on Lily with a satisfied grin. "There, now you’re perfect!"

Lily hugged them both tightly, her voice soft with gratitude. "I’m so lucky to have you. Are you sure everything’s ready?"

Emily squeezed her hand. "You’re going to be amazing. Nervous?"

"A little," Lily admitted, her excitement overriding the nerves. "But mostly, I just can’t wait to marry him."

Becca winked. "He won’t be able to take his eyes off you. Just you wait."

Laughter filled the room as they checked Lily one last time. Soon after, her father appeared at the door, his expression warm and proud. "Are you ready, sweetheart?"

With a deep breath, Lily nodded, taking his arm. Together, they walked toward the ceremony, the ocean breeze carrying the soft melody of the wedding music.

As the wedding announcer introduced the bride, Tim’s breath caught in his throat. Lily looked radiant, her dress shimmering in the sunlight, her face glowing with happiness. He couldn’t believe that in a few short minutes, she would be his wife. Pure love and joy surged through him as she drew closer, arm in arm with her father.

When Lily and her father reached the altar, her dad placed her hand in Tim’s, offering a few quiet words of encouragement. After a hug and a kiss on his daughter’s cheek, he took his seat, leaving them to face each other.

The pastor smiled, asking them to share their vows.

Tim, his voice thick with emotion, began. "Lily, I’ve known you for so many years. You went from being my best friend’s little sister to my friend, and somehow—without me realizing it—you became so much more. You opened my eyes to what love truly is. I want to spend every moment of my life with you, loving you and only you."

Tears glistened in Lily’s eyes as she spoke, her voice filled with joy. "Tim, I’ve loved you since the day Eric brought you into our home. I never gave up hope, and somehow, my heart knew one day you’d look my way. I loved you then, I love you now, and I’ll love you even more with each passing day."

The pastor’s voice rang out, pronouncing them husband and wife. The moment the words left his lips, Tim wrapped Lily in his arms, pulling her into a passionate kiss. Cheers erupted from the guests as they turned, hand in hand, to face the crowd as newlyweds.

"Thank you, everyone, for sharing this special day with us!" Tim called out, his voice filled with happiness. "There’s food, drinks, and music—let’s have some fun tonight!"

The reception began with Tim leading Lily to the dance floor. He swept her into his arms, holding her close as they swayed to the soft melody. Her heart raced with overwhelming happiness as she looked up at him.

"I truly love you so much," she whispered, her eyes locked on his.

Tim smiled down at her, his voice low and teasing. "I love you too, my naughty girl. Are you ready for tonight?"

Lily blushed furiously, glancing around nervously. "Shh, Tim, someone might hear you!"

Laughing softly, he leaned down, brushing his lips against her ear. "They all know what we’ll be doing later, sweetheart."

"Tim!" she gasped, swatting his arm lightly. "Stop talking about it!"

They danced through the song, and as it ended, they mingled with their guests, sharing laughter and well wishes. But through it all, Tim’s impatience grew more obvious.

Lily noticed and whispered, "What’s wrong with you? You’ve been fidgeting all night."

Tim leaned close, his breath warm against her ear. "I’m ready to leave and enjoy my wife. The sooner, the better."

Lily laughed softly, her heart fluttering. "Oh, you! Let’s say our goodbyes then. I’m getting tired anyway."

Tim shot to his feet, relief and excitement in his voice. "Yes, let’s go. We’ve got an early flight tomorrow."

Becca approached, giving Lily a warm hug. "I’m so happy for you, Lil. Congratulations—and have a wonderful night!" She winked, making Lily blush.

Ryan, too, offered his best wishes, his smile genuine despite the flicker of sadness in his eyes. "Congrats, you two. I’m happy for you both."

Emily and Eric joined them, both glowing with happiness. "Congrats, sister," Emily said, embracing Lily tightly. "I know you two will be so happy together."

Eric gave Tim a pointed look. "You take care of my sister, you hear?"

Tim laughed, shaking Eric’s hand. "I know, I know. Or you’ll come after me, right? Don’t worry, man. She’s everything to me."

Lily’s heart swelled as she smiled at her family and friends. "Thank you all for sharing this day with us. I love you all so much!"

With final waves and hugs, Lily and Tim slipped into the car, driving off toward their honeymoon, ready to begin the next chapter of their lives—together.