Page 49 of When Love Changes Everything

I turn to Lily. "I don’t think I could’ve done it without you either."

***

“What do you think?" I ask, stepping out of the dressing room. My happiness is mirrored in the faces of my best friends—Lily, Katherine, Loren, and Laila.

I turn to face the mirror, and for a moment, I don’t recognize myself. The dress is breathtaking, with delicate lace sleeves that skim my arms and a neckline that feels both timeless and elegant. The train pools behind me, and the veil drapes over my shoulders, cascading down my back like a waterfall, the lace edging shimmering softly under the boutique’s warm lights.

“I knew this one would be perfect,” Katherine says, stepping closer, her tone confident. “The neckline, the lace—it’s like it was designed just for you. Absolutely stunning. And that veil?” She gestures toward it, bunching her fingers, kissing the tips, and flicking them outward with flair. “Chef's kiss!” I glance at her through the mirror, my lips curved into a disbelieving smile. “You think so?”

“Think so?” Laila pipes up, tilting her head as if she’s analyzing every inch of the dress and veil. “Are you kidding? It’s amazing! But, more importantly—” She steps closer, her practical side kicking in. “Is it comfortable? You’ll be wearing it for hours. No pinching? No itchy seams? And can you move with that veil?”

I laugh, shifting my shoulders a little to test the fit. “Shockingly, yes. It’s actually comfortable. I can breathe. I can move. The veil doesn’t even feel heavy. I think I could even dance in it.”

Loren sighs dramatically, clasping her hands together like she’s watching a scene in a romance movie. “Forget comfort. Can wetalk about how utterly romantic it is? This dress—and that veil—makes you look like you just stepped out of a fairy tale.

Lily steps forward, her gaze warm. “They’re all right, you know,” she says. “You look beautiful, Lisa. Not just because of the dress or the veil. It’s... you. The way you’re glowing right now. I can't wait to see my dad's face when he sees you walking down the aisle.”

I blink quickly, feeling the telltale sting of tears. The reflection staring back at me feels surreal—like this version of me belongs in a storybook. “Thank you," I say, emotion bubbling up in my chest.

I let out a shaky breath, turning back to the mirror. My friends are all reflected behind me, their smiles wide and reassuring. This moment is so much more than just a dress and a veil—it feels like a symbol of everything waiting for me in this next chapter of my life.

“I think I’m in love,” I whisper, the words tumbling out before I can stop them.

“With the dress or the groom?” Katherine teases, her voice light, drawing laughter from everyone.

I meet their eyes in the mirror and smile, my chest swelling with joy. “Both,” I reply softly, feeling the truth of it settle into my heart.

***

When the girls ask what I want to do for my bachelorette party, they probably expect me to suggest a small party or a girls’ night out. But none of us drink, and honestly, spending time together is always the goal. So, we go out for brunch, and I ask them to come over afterward to help me decorate the new house. It’s the perfect way to celebrate and prepare for Mateo’s return.

When we’re done, we stand together and admire our handiwork. It’s perfect—warm, welcoming, and brimming with little touches that feel like home.

“The porch is my favorite,” Laila says, stepping onto the wraparound porch. She twirls in place, her arms outstretched. “Look at the lights! You can’t tell me these fairy lights weren’t the best decision ever.”

“They make the space feel warm," Lily says, dropping onto the wicker loveseat. "Despite the cold weather, I could sit out here all day." She plucks at one of the bright floral pillows. “I'm taking credit for these pillows. You’re welcome.”

Katherine laughs, "I think we can all agree this porch is perfect. I mean, lanterns, pillows, fairy lights—it’s like Pinterest threw up in here.”

“And it’s gorgeous,” Laila adds, adjusting one of the lanterns dangling overhead. “I told you the lanterns would tie it all together.”

I open the door, and everyone follows me inside, where the familiar scent of fresh flowers hits me. Loren’s idea. Of course.

“Okay, but the kitchen,” I say, my voice pitching higher with excitement. “This is exactly what I wanted—clean, airy, and welcoming. The island is just begging for late-night snacks and conversations.”

“Or late-night make-out sessions,” Katherine chimes in from behind me, waggling her eyebrows.

“Katherine!” Loren exclaims, throwing her a mock glare.

“What?” She smirks. “You know I’m right. That man’s probably halfway through his flight right now, dreaming about all the ways the two of you are going to christen this house.”

“Oh my gosh, stop!” Lily groans. “No one wants that mental image, least of all me.”

I laugh, leaning against the counter and taking it all in—the chatter, the laughter, the love filling the house. It feels right. Mateo will be walking through that door soon, and I can’t wait to share all of this with him.

***

"Ugh, I missed you so much,hermosa," Mateo's voice wraps around me as his arms hold me tight. I inhale deeply, savoring his scent and the closeness of him.

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