Homecoming Love

dresses. Since Alice doesn't have a sister, she chose us both to st

back to our family ranch where the reception is being held. I wasn't so sure about it at first, but now I can see it's actual

en asks, admiring herself in the mirror while we do our final fitting to m

ce in it. My chestnut-brown hair doesn't stand out as much as Lauren's, but I like the

w much Spencer used to love my freckles to

hing but is not sure if she should. She has a good heart and is compassionate. She's a good sister to

about me, so I take a deep breath and deci

a pony for her birthday. It began as teasing, but eventually, it became a thing between us, and

e-to-face instead of through the mirror. "I remember how this was a terr

ed about me, and I do appreciate it. But I'm stronger now. I won't let him get to me. And I

oulders. "It's a promise. You tell me, and I'll punch Spen

her. "Poppy said she

er attention back to her reflection in the mirror. "I love

to show our love through bickering and teasing, but I know she loves me and will do anything to see me happy. Just as I am there for her no m

be able to ruin this for me. So, with this renewed determination in mind, I ta

room to take a shower and get my hair and makeup done. Lauren rushes to her old room, saying she'll meet me whe

, I'm skil

be completely ready and w

with the driver's door open. "Just get in and let's go!" He sl

owing me while staring back at th

nswer as we watch Mom walk out of the

her in front of us, Lauren and I fake vom

nevitable to imagine certain scenarios when you cross those beautiful old wooden doors and spot the color

f how many times in the past I pictured my wedding day with Spencer. I don't regret that. I was t

ad other p

her Joseph, Lauren and I head toward Chad, Ryan, and Popp

Lauren greets them as

ight?" I ask, tak

an the last chance to run away from this. I can

on't count on me for that, bro. Alice ca

muses in a low voice. He seems a bit

hear us, and stare back at him. "You're sure about

that even though she's known my family since forever, she d

wn family. This gives me a bitter feeling, knowing life will be somewhat different now. I always struggle with changes. Ryan doesn't live at t

plies. "Thank you for being so supportive, though. All of you," he adds, glancing at

y, patting Ryan on the shoulder. "Just don't show up at my place whe

rolling her eyes like she's repulsed. She lowers her voice. "No one will ever w

then widens his grin, turning to Poppy

y his flirtation. "Of cour

om coming out. Chad's expression is priceless, and we all

ceremony can start. I notice immediately that Spencer isn't around. I'm starting to w

her husband and daughter, and I briefly nod at them. They have always been nice to me, and there's no reason for

forgets about Spencer. For a moment, all I can pay attention to is this beautiful bride walking toward her husband-t

e is any indication of how much he lo

n see someone sneaking in through the side door, walking toward on

ake of turning my h