July 4 2020
BOUTIQUE BRIDAL ROOM — TWO DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING
Soft lighting, satin drapes, and the scent of fresh flowers filled the private fitting suite. AJ stood on a small platform in front of a full-length mirror, her wedding dress finally zipped into place.
It was sleek, elegant, and structured — just like her. A clean off-shoulder silhouette hugged her frame, with subtle lace trailing the hem and a train that shimmered softly under the lights.
Her abuela Maria dabbed at her eyes from the couch. Carla, Dave's mother, clapped softly with joy.
Maria -Mija
Maria whispered in Spanish
Maria -eres hermosa. Just like your mama would've wanted.
AJ blinked back tears.
Her younger sister Jasmine twirled in excitement.
Maria - You're gonna break hearts walking down that aisle. Even the nurses are going to cry.
AJ - They better scrub in first
AJ joked, her voice catching just a little.
---
MOMENTS LATER
The door creaked open.
Lexie stepped inside, awkward but smiling.
Lexie - I... I wasn't sure if I should come.
AJ's eyes widened slightly, but she nodded.
AJ - You're here
AJ said softly.
Aj - That's enough.
Lexie stood back while AJ's younger brother Martin helped adjust the veil. Everyone was laughing and tearing up at once.
Then another voice came from the hallway.
Luke - Nice dress, Doc.
AJ turned. Luke stood at the door, sheepish, holding a paper bag with coffee and empanadas from Maria's favorite bakery.
Luke - I was delivering food for your abuela
he said.
Luke - Didn't realize I was crashing the party.
Everyone chuckled — except AJ, who walked down from the platform slowly.
She looked at Luke with gratitude.
AJ - You're not crashing. You've carried half this family on your back these past few months. You earned this.
He nodded, eyes drifting to the dress again, just for a moment.
Luke - He's lucky
Luke said quietly.
Luke - Dave, I mean.
AJ smiled.
AJ - So am I.
---
BACK ON THE PLATFORM
As the veil was clipped into place, AJ looked in the mirror again — but this time, she saw all of them reflected behind her: Maria, Carla, Camilla, Jasmine, Lexie, and Luke.
Family. Chosen and blood.
Carla -Ready to become Mrs. Brewster?
Carla asked gently. AJ exhaled slowly.
AJ - More than ever.
---
