Chapter 96: Emily

The day I'd fantasized about as a little girl, wrapped in my mom's old curtains pretending to walk down the aisle, had finally come. And the ironic thing was, it wasn't even a real wedding. Still, the buzz in the room was infectious.

Katie, always the pragmatist, was coordinating last-minute details and double-checking the seating arrangements. "I can’t believe this venue! This is going to be one for the books!” she declared, eyes sparkling mischievously as she winked at me.

Shannon, my ever-supportive sister and maid of honor, was busying herself with fluffing up the train of my dress and ensuring every hair on my head was perfectly in place. "You look like a princess, Em," she whispered, emotion evident in her voice.