The morning of the wedding arrived faster than anyone expected.
Soft sunlight filtered through the large windows of the beach house, the sound of waves crashing gently against the shore drifting through the open balcony doors.
Downstairs, the house buzzed with excitement.
Dresses rustled, heels clicked across the wooden floor, and voices overlapped as everyone hurried to get ready.
Amy stood in the middle of the room while Daisy adjusted the delicate straps of her wedding gown.
The ivory dress flowed beautifully around her, the light fabric moving gently with the ocean breeze that drifted through the room.
Amy stared at her reflection in the mirror, her hands clasped together nervously.
"I can't believe this is actually happening," she murmured.
Isabelle smiled as she fixed a loose strand of Amy's hair.
"You've been talking about this day since high school," she said. "Of course it's happening."
Amy laughed softly.
"I know, but it still feels unreal."
Daisy stepped back to admire her work.
"Relax," she said. "You look amazing. Nicholas is probably panicking right now."
Amy looked at us through the mirror.
"You think so?"
"Absolutely," Daisy replied confidently. "Men panic at weddings."
I stepped forward and placed my hands on Amy's shoulders.
"You look stunning," I said.
Amy's eyes softened.
"Thank you," she whispered.
From downstairs we heard the sound of someone shouting.
"Has anyone seen my cufflinks?"
Daisy burst out laughing.
"See? I told you. Groom panic."
Amy shook her head, smiling.
Outside, rows of white chairs had been arranged neatly along the beach, facing a beautiful floral arch overlooking the ocean.
The waves rolled gently against the sand, and a warm breeze carried the scent of saltwater and flowers through the air.
Guests slowly filled the seats, chatting quietly as they waited for the ceremony to begin.
At the altar, Nicholas stood beside his groomsmen—Harley, Dylan, and James.
Nicholas adjusted his tie for what felt like the tenth time.
Dylan leaned closer to him.
"You still have time to run," he whispered.
Nicholas shot him a glare. "I'm not running."
James chuckled under his breath.
"You've been fixing your tie for five minutes."
Nicholas groaned.
"I'm getting married in ten minutes. I think I'm allowed to be nervous."
Harley remained calm, his hands clasped loosely behind his back as he looked out toward the guests.
"Relax," Harley said. "She showed up, didn't she?"
Nicholas sighed.
"That's not helping."
Then the music began.
Daisy was the first bridesmaid to walk down the aisle.
The ocean breeze lifted her hair slightly as she made her way toward the altar, smiling confidently.
She took her place on the bride's side.
Next came Isabelle, walking gracefully down the aisle before joining Daisy at the front.
Then it was my turn.
I stepped forward, the soft sand shifting beneath my heels as I walked down the aisle.
The ocean stretched endlessly behind the altar, sunlight reflecting across the water like shimmering glass.
As I approached the front, my eyes lifted instinctively.
Harley was already looking at me.
He didn't look away.
My heart skipped a beat.
For a moment it felt like the rest of the beach had disappeared.
Just him and me standing there.
I quickly turned my attention forward and took my place beside Daisy and Isabelle.
Moments later, the music shifted again.
Avalee appeared at the top of the aisle, wearing a small white dress decorated with tiny flowers.
She walked carefully down the aisle, proudly tossing flower petals along the sand.
Guests smiled as she passed.
One of the older women in the front row whispered softly, "She's adorable."
Behind her, Alexander followed, holding the small pillow with the wedding rings tied neatly on top.
He walked slowly, concentrating hard as he made his way toward the altar.
Nicholas crouched slightly as Alexander reached him.
"Good job, buddy," he said quietly.
Alexander grinned proudly.
Then the music changed once more.
Everyone stood and turned their attention down the aisle.
Amy appeared at the end of the aisle, her father walking beside her as the ocean breeze lifted the edge of her veil.
For a moment, the entire beach fell silent.
She looked radiant.
Nicholas' expression softened the moment he saw her.
Amy walked slowly toward the altar, her eyes locked on Nicholas the entire time.
When she reached him, her father placed her hand gently into Nicholas' before stepping aside.
Nicholas squeezed her hand gently.
"You look incredible," he whispered.
Amy smiled.
"So do you."
The officiant smiled warmly at the couple.
"Friends and family, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Amy Yang and Nicholas Lu."
The ceremony continued beneath the warm Hawaiian sun, the sound of waves providing a peaceful rhythm in the background.
Nicholas and Amy exchanged their vows, their voices filled with emotion.
Laughter echoed when Nicholas admitted Amy was "the most stubborn person he had ever met."
Amy rolled her eyes before promising to "put up with him for the rest of her life."
Daisy leaned toward me and whispered, "That sounds about right."
I bit back a laugh.
When it came time for the rings, Alexander stepped forward again.
Nicholas carefully untied the rings from the pillow.
He slid the ring onto Amy's finger.
Amy did the same.
The officiant smiled.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife."
Nicholas didn't hesitate.
He pulled Amy into a kiss.
Cheers erupted from the guests.
Daisy clapped excitedly beside me while Isabelle wiped a tear from her eye.
Nicholas and Amy turned to face the crowd, smiling brightly.
The officiant gestured toward them.
"Ladies and gentlemen… I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Lu."
More applause followed as the newlyweds walked down the aisle together, laughing.
One by one, we followed behind them.
As I stepped down from the altar, I felt someone walking beside me.
It was Harley.
He glanced down at me briefly.
"You clean up well," he murmured.
I rolled my eyes.
"You're not so bad yourself."
He chuckled softly.
Ahead of us, Amy and Nicholas stood at the edge of the beach, surrounded by their friends and family as the celebration continued.
The ocean breeze carried laughter across the sand.
And for the first time that day, everything felt perfectly peaceful.