"Bring the bouquets into the hall."
Sam, the head maid, led the delivery man in as he carefully pushed in a large cart balanced on four wheels. The moment the doors opened, color flooded the room with dozens of bouquets with different shades, different shapes different fragrances.
They were gently arranged across the floor like a garden brought indoors. Ciara's eyes widened immediately.
"That's a lot," she exclaimed, placing her hands on her hips. Mama Cruz sighed, shaking her head.
"Why didn't you just choose from a catalog? Now this poor man has to carry all this."
Sunshine, who stood in the middle of the flowers, looked slightly overwhelmed.
"Hansen said the ones in books always look better than what you actually get," she replied softly. "So he wanted me to see them myself…"
The delivery man smiled politely.
"Don't worry, ma'am. This is our job, and we're happy to do it. Besides…" he gestured toward the door, "There are even more outside. If you're not satisfied, we can bring those in too.".Ciara gasped. "More?!"
Mama Cruz placed a hand on her chest dramatically. "This wedding will not finish me, I refuse." Everyone laughed.
Ciara bent down and picked one up, a bold mix of deep reds and whites. She sniffed it carefully. "Hmm… this one smells like carrion flower mixed with lily," she said thoughtfully. "Strangely… not bad."
Lucas, who had just walked in, frowned.
"Did you just say carrion? As in… dead things?" Ciara glared at him. "Get out."
Valerie giggled, spinning around with a smaller bouquet in her hand.
"This one is pretty! Auntie Sunshine, look!"
Kane stood quietly at the corner, arms folded, observing like a silent judge.
"Too bright," he muttered.
Hours passed with bouquet after bouquet.
Some too loud. Some too dull. Some too heavy. Some too plain. Sunshine was beginning to feel tired, then she reached for one.
A soft arrangement of pale pink lavender blended delicately with freesia. She lifted it slowly… and inhaled. Her eyes softened instantly. The scent was gentle, earthy and sweet.
It was calming like a quiet morning after rain.
The room seemed to fade for a moment.
"This one…" she whispered.
Ciara turned. "You like it?"
Sunshine nodded slowly, her fingers brushing over the petals.
"It feels… like peace."
Hansen, who had been standing quietly at the doorway watching her the entire time, finally spoke. "Then that's the one."
Everyone turned to him.
He walked toward her, his gaze soft.
"If it feels like you… then it's perfect."
Sunshine looked up at him, her lips curving into a tender smile.
Mama Cruz clapped her hands once.
"Done! No more smelling flowers that remind me of strange things."
Ciara nodded approvingly. " It's elegant, soft, timeless and good choice."
Valerie jumped excitedly. "That means this is the wedding bouquet?!"
"Yes," Sunshine said, smiling warmly.
Valerie hugged her tightly. "I love it! It smells like you!" Lucas sniffed it dramatically.
"Okay… this one won't kill me. Approved."
Kane nodded once. "Acceptable."
As the other bouquets were cleared away, Sunshine held onto hers a little longer.
Hansen stepped closer, lowering his voice.
"Keep it safe," he murmured. "You'll be holding that when you walk to me." Her heart fluttered.
"And when I do?" she asked softly.
He smiled.
"I won't be able to look at anything else."
She blushed slightly, holding the bouquet closer to her chest.
After the long day of selecting a bouquet, the went the the bridal boutique the day after to get her bridal wear.
The bridal boutique was nothing short of breathtaking. Soft chandeliers glowed overhead, mirrors stretched from wall to wall, and rows upon rows of white gowns shimmered like clouds waiting to be chosen.
Sunshine stood at the center, suddenly quiet.
"This is… a lot," she whispered.
Ciara clapped excitedly. "This is not a lot but this is destiny waiting to be worn!"
Mama Cruz took a seat like a queen. "Start bringing the dresses. We don't have all day."
Valerie spun around happily. "Auntie Sunshine is going to look like a princess!"
Kane stood near the wall, arms crossed. "They all look the same."
Ciara gasped. "Blasphemy."
Dress 1 — The Grand Ball Gown
Full skirt. Heavy layers. Sparkling everywhere.
Sunshine stepped out slowly.
Valerie gasped. "WOAH!"
Ciara tilted her head. "Too much. You look like a chandelier."
Lucas who had snuck in somehow complimented "I like it. If the lights go off, she'll still shine." "GET OUT!" Ciara snapped.
Dress 2 — The Sleek Mermaid
Fitted. Elegant. Sophisticated.
Sunshine looked at herself… unsure.
Mama Cruz frowned slightly. "It's beautiful, but… it doesn't feel like you." Sunshine nodded. "I feel like I can't breathe."
"Next!" Ciara ordered.
Dress 3 — The Fairytale Lace
Soft lace, long sleeves, flowing train.
Sunshine stepped out again. Everyone went quiet. Ciara softened. "This is close…"
Valerie held her hands together. "You look like a storybook…" But Sunshine looked at her reflection… and slowly shook her head.
"It's beautiful," she said, "but it doesn't feel like me yet."
After several more tries, Sunshine was exhausted. "I don't think I'll find it," she sighed. Ciara narrowed her eyes. "No. We are not leaving without the dress." The stylist smiled knowingly. "I think… I have one more."
Minutes later, Sunshine stepped out again.
Silence fell instantly. This time… different.
The dress was simple… yet breathtaking.
A soft flowing silhouette with delicate lace details. It's an off-shoulder sleeves that rested gently against her skin.
A light train that followed her like a whisper.
Nothing loud, nothing forced. It was just… her. Valerie's eyes widened slowly.
"Auntie…" she whispered, "you look like an angel."
Mama Cruz's lips trembled slightly. Ciara didn't speak at all, she just placed her hand over her chest. Even Kane straightened a little. "…That's the one," he said quietly.
Sunshine turned to the mirror. This time she didn't question it, and she didn't hesitate.
Her eyes softened. Her lips curved into a small, emotional smile. "This is it…" she whispered. Her voice shook slightly.
"This is the one."
Mama Cruz stood up slowly, walking toward her. She placed her hands on Sunshine's cheeks, eyes glistening.
"My daughter…" she whispered.
"You're going to be the most beautiful bride."
Sunshine hugged her tightly. "I'm nervous," she admitted softly. Mama Cruz smiled through her tears. "That means it matters."
Lucas suddenly peeked through the curtain again. "Is it safe to come in or will I be attacked again?"
Ciara grabbed a shoe. "Leavee!"
He ducked. "Okay okay! But just tell me, did she find the dress?" Valerie shouted proudly, "YES!" Lucas grinned. "Then Hansen is finished. Completely finished." Sunshine laughed through her tears.
As the mirror reflected her once more, Sunshine placed her hand gently over her heart. She could already imagine it. Walking down the aisle, holding her bouquet and seeing Hansen waiting for her.
The wedding felt closer than ever.