𝐒𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄

𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠

██ 20% *___*

Sam and Tara step into the venue coordinator's office, greeted by a warm smile from the impeccably dressed woman behind the desk.

"Welcome, Tara and Sam! I'm so glad you could both make it today," the coordinator, Gale, says as she gestures for them to have a seat.

Tara returns the smile, her excitement palpable. "Thank you so much for meeting with us, Gale. Amber and I are just thrilled to be working with you on our wedding."

As Gale begins to go over the various details, Sam can't help but notice that Tara seems to already have a solid grasp on many of the choices - from the color scheme to the layout of the backyard.

"And for the dress, Tara, you mentioned you've already found the one you love," Gale says, referencing her notes.

Sam's eyes widen slightly as she turns to her sister. "The dress? You've already picked it out?" she asks, a hint of surprise in her voice.

Tara's expression turns slightly sheepish as she nods. "I, uh, I may have gotten a little ahead of myself," she admits, glancing apologetically at Sam. "But Amber and I just saw it and knew it was the one, you know?"

Sam's response is a simple, tight-lipped nod. She doesn't trust herself to speak, worried that her disappointment might come across too strongly.

As Gale continues to walk them through the various decisions that need to be made, Sam can't help but feel a pang of sadness. She had always imagined being more involved in the planning process, particularly when it came to her sister's big day.

"Okay, so I've made your dance rehearsal in 2 hours, I've already told Quinn to tell Amber," Gale informs, "Has the rest of your bridal party arrived?"

"Yes, everyone's checked in," Tara nods.

"Really? I didn't see mom anywhere," Sam mentions and Tara turns to Sam with a forced smile.

"Oh, Amber didn't invite her," Tara explains.

Sam's brow furrows with concern as she processes Tara's words. "Amber didn't invite mom? But she's your mother, Tara. She has to be here for this."

Tara shifts uncomfortably, her forced smile wavering. "I know, Sam, but Amber and I...we've had some differences with mom lately. She thought it would be better if she wasn't involved."

Sam's expression shifts from concern to a mix of confusion and disappointment. "But Tara, this is your wedding day. Mom should be here to support you, regardless of any differences."

Tara sighs, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I know, I know. But Amber was really adamant about it, and I just...I didn't want to cause any drama, you know?"

Sam's lips press into a thin line as she considers her sister's request.

███ 40% *___*

"She seriously didn't invite your mother?" Kirby asked as her and Sam sat near the pool. She told her everything after her and Tara got back from the office and she was in shock.

"Yes," Sam nods, sipping her mimosa. "I mean, I get it. Our mothers not the best, but the only reason she's not here is because of Amber."

"Well, that's something," Kirby sat back in her lounge chair, "Did she say she agreed with Amber?"