I stood in front of the tall mirror and barely recognised myself.
The white lace dress hugged my body like it had been made just for me. Tiny pearls were pinned carefully through my long wavy black hair. Soft makeup made my brown eyes look brighter than they ever had. I looked like a bride. I looked like someone who was finally getting the life she had dreamed about for years.
Mia stood behind me, fixing the last part of my veil with careful fingers. She stepped back, looked at me from head to toe, and grinned.
“Girl, you look so beautiful,” she said, shaking her head. “I mean it, Diana. Josh is going to lose his mind when he sees you.”
I laughed softly and turned to face her. “Stop it. You are going to make me cry and ruin the makeup.”
“Too late,” she teased, reaching out to gently fix one of the pearls in my hair. “I’ve been waiting for this day just as long as you have. Remember when we used to talk about our weddings in high school? You always said you wanted something elegant and quiet. Look at you now.”
“And you always said you would be right beside me,” I told her. “Thank you for being here, Mia. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
She wrapped her arms around me from behind and rested her chin on my shoulder. “Always. Now stop being emotional before we both start crying.”
I smiled at her in the mirror. “I can’t help it. I keep thinking about how far we’ve come. From late-night talks in your bedroom to this.”
“I know,” Mia said softly. “You’re really getting married today. My best friend is about to become Mrs. Martins.”
A soft knock interrupted us. The door opened and my father stepped inside. He stopped the moment he saw me. For a few seconds he just stood there, eyes shiny, hand pressed against his chest.
“My baby girl,” he finally said, voice low and thick with emotion. “You look you look so beautiful.”
I felt my throat tighten. “Dad”
He walked over slowly and took both of my hands in his. “I’m so proud of you, Diana. The way you’ve grown into such a kind and strong young woman. Today you’re going to start a new chapter, and I couldn’t be happier for you. Josh is a lucky man.”
“Thank you,” I whispered. “That means everything.”
He kissed my forehead gently, the same way he used to when I was little. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited to walk you down the aisle. I always knew this day would come, but seeing you like this it hits different.”
Mia wiped the corner of her eye and laughed quietly. “Mr. Smith, you’re going to make her cry before she even leaves the room.”
My father chuckled and glanced at her. “Take care of my girl out there, Mia.”
“Always,” she answered.
He squeezed my hands one last time before stepping back. “I’ll be waiting right outside. Don’t take too long. Your mother is already getting emotional in the front row.”
When the door closed behind him, Mia and I looked at each other and both let out a soft laugh.
“He’s going to cry the whole way down the aisle,” she said.
“I know,” I replied. “I already feel like crying and I haven’t even left the room yet.”
Mia picked up my bouquet of white roses and placed it carefully in my hands. “You’ve got this, Diana. You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen. Josh is going to forget how to breathe when he sees you.”
I looked at myself one more time in the mirror. At the dress. At the veil. At the version of me that finally felt complete.
“You really think so?” I asked.
“I know so,” she said firmly. “Now come on. It’s time.”
We stepped out of the bridal suite together. The hallway felt longer than usual. My heart beat faster with every step. Soft music drifted toward us as we reached the entrance to the garden. Guests began to stand. Cameras lifted. The late afternoon sun poured over the white chairs and flower arches, making everything look almost unreal.
Josh stood at the end of the aisle in his black suit, hands clasped in front of him. When his eyes found mine, he smiled that same soft smile that had made me fall in love with him three years ago.
Mia gave my hand one last gentle squeeze.
“You look perfect,” she whispered. “Go get your forever.”
I took my first step forward.
Then my second