Page 74 of Burned By the Broken Doctor

We both laugh, and the tension that had been simmering between us dissipates completely. I lead June toward the racks of gowns, and I can see her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Alright,” I declare, her voice turning serious again, “tell me everything you've ever dreamed of in a wedding dress.”

June and I spend the next hour lost in a whirlwind of tulle, lace, and satin. As the expert who plans weddings, I pull out dresses that range from elegant simplicity to full-blown fairytale princess. We giggle as she twirls in a dress with a skirt so wide she can barely navigate the boutique, and I gasp in awe when she steps out in a gown adorned with what must be hundreds of tiny sparkling crystals.

“Okay, this one,” I announce, holding up a dress made of the most delicate ivory lace I've ever seen. “Try this on. I have a feeling it could be 'the one.'”

Taking the dress from me, June holds it up, her eyes twinkling with excitement. “What do you think about this one?”

I step back, taking in the intricate lace details and the way the fabric catches the light. “It’s beautiful, June. Try it on.”

She heads into the fitting room, and I wait outside, tapping my foot in a rhythm to the music. After a few minutes, she emerges, the dress hugging her figure perfectly. I gasp, covering my mouth.

“June, you look stunning!”

June beams, twirling in front of the mirror. “I can’t wait to walk up the aisle in this.”

As she admires herself, I can’t help but feel a pang of envy. Not because of the dress, but because of the certainty she has with Damon. I think about Liam and our complicated situation, unsure of where we truly stand.

After a while, she beams, walking over to give me a hug. “Thank you. Now, help me out of this dress, and we’ll choose the bridesmaid’s dress.”

It doesn’t take long before I select one. The dress seems so…perfect. It’s simple yet elegant, with a flowing skirt that cascades around my feet and a bodice that accentuates my curves in all the right places. As I slip it on, a hush falls over the boutique. Even the ever-chatty saleswoman seems awestruck.

“Em,” she whispers, her voice thick with emotion, “you look…incredible.”

After we finally decide on our dresses, we head to the checkout. “So, you really think Liam’s the one you’ll be doing this with?” she asks, her tone more serious now.

“What?”

“Walking down the aisle?” She grins. “I’ve never seen a man affect you this much Emma Cole.”

I roll my eyes. “You’ve never seen me with a man is all.”

“Exactly, and now you found one. You think he’s the one?”

I pause, considering my answer. Everyone seems to have the idea that what Liam and I have is great without the burden of the truth that I know—it’s a facade, but one that I want to be true everyday…but that doesn’t make it true. Like I told June, I can sense something shifting between us, but that’s all there is to it—I don’t know if he feels this as strongly as I do, or even if he wants to feel it.

“Emma?”

“I don’t know,” I shrug, answering June as truthfully as I can. “Maybe. He makes me happy, and he’s always there for me. But it’s all so new and confusing.”

June nods. “Just take it one day at a time. You’ll figure it out.”

Looking at myself in the mirror, I can't help but agree. Turning back to June, I bite my lip. “You know,” I say, “maybe this whole 'relationship' thing won't be so bad after all.”

She nods, a playful glint in her eye. “Now you’re speaking my language, Em,” she teases. “Just remember, you just do you. Maybe I’ll be planning your wedding soon. I have to say, it’ll be a shitty one, though.”

We both burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the intimate boutique. In that moment, being with the woman who knows me better than anyone makes me feel assured.

We finally leave the boutique, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the street. Maybe things with Liam aren’t as clear-cut as June and Damon, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth exploring. One day at a time, I remind myself. One day at a time.

Riding shotgun as June drives to Ethan’s kindergarten, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. The car hums along the familiar roads, the sun casting a warm glow over the suburban landscape. June is humming a tune, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the steering wheel. I glance at her, admiring her calm demeanor.

As we pull up to the school, I spot Ethan immediately. He’s on the playground, his little face lighting up when he sees June’s car. He waves enthusiastically, his small frame bouncing with energy. June parks, and I get out to open the door for him.

“Hey, buddy!” I greet him with a smile.

“Aunt Emma!” Ethan runs over, his backpack bouncing on his back. He throws his arms around me, and I lift him up, twirling him once before setting him back down.

---