Milo
We’reall gathered outside near the pavilion for the rehearsal walk. The late-afternoon sun warms the wooden deck as the wedding party mills around, waiting for the coordinator to explain the process.
Ryan sprawls on a bench, one leg dangling over the armrest, scrolling on his phone. Jax fusses with his shoelace ties, muttering that the knots don’t look right. A couple of the other guys loudly debate whether navy or black socks look less obvious with the navy suits we’re all wearing on the wedding day.
I’m leaning against a nearby post, arms loosely crossed, when Gregory spots me. He heads straight over and claps a firm, friendly hand on my shoulder.
He studies me for a long moment, his eyes sharp but kind. “You’ve been good for her, you know. I haven’t seen Sienna this… settled in years. She’s always been a whirlwind—hard to keep up with, harder to hold onto. But the last few days? She’s been smiling different. Softer. Like she finally found something worth slowing down for.”
My throat tightens. I swallow once before answering. “She’s worth it.”
Gregory nods slowly, giving my shoulder another squeeze. “She is. Always has been. But she’s scared of it, scared that if she stops running, she’ll disappear. That’s why she keeps moving. But you… you don’t seem fazed by her speed. You keep pace.”
I look down at the floor for a moment. When I speak, my voice drops. “I’m trying, Greg. Honestly? She terrifies me sometimes. Not because she’s difficult—she’s not. Far from it. She’s just… full of life. So bright. So beautiful. I’ve never met anyone who makes me want to be better just by being in the same room.”
He watches me carefully, then smiles softly. “That’s exactly what I hoped you’d say. Sienna deserves someone who sees her fire and doesn’t flinch. Someone who stays,” he pauses, then adds, “Not to get ahead of myself, but I thinkyoumight be that someone.”
The words land heavy and warm in my chest. For a moment, a quiet ache cuts through the warmth. If my parents were still alive, this is exactly the conversation I’d be having with them—my dad giving me that steady, measuring look, my mom already halfway in love with Sienna after hearing me talk about her.
I can almost hear my father’s voice in my head, telling me not to fuck this up. And my mom… God, she would’ve adored Sienna. She would’ve loved her wild spirit, her laugh, and the way she lights up every room. They would’ve taken one look at her and known she was it for me.
They always knew I needed someone who would challenge me and make me laugh. And Sienna is that person.
“I want to be,” I finally say, my voice a little rough. “More than I’ve wanted anything in a long time.”
Gregory squeezes my shoulder once more. “Then keep showing up. And don’t push her away when she gets too much—because she will. But that’s just my Sienna.”
“I’d never push her away.”
He hums in approval. “Just promise me one thing, Milo.”
“Hmm?”
“When she pushes, when fear makes her pull away or run faster than usual… you chase her. Not to trap her, but to remind her that she’s safe with you.”
“I promise,” I say, my throat clogging.
A quiet, satisfied smile spreads across his face. “That’s all a father needs to hear. Take care of my girl. And let her take care of you, too. She’s got plenty of love to give once she stops being afraid of it.”
Before I can respond, Clara–the wedding coordinator—claps her hands sharply. “All right, everyone! Let’s line up and run through this twice so we’re not caught off guard on the big day.”
She quickly organizes us. Ethan’s parents and Sienna’s mom walk down first. Then Ethan walks alone, looking nervous but happy, his steps measured under Clara’s watchful eye. Then the bridesmaids and groomsmen begin pairing up.
When it’s our turn, Sienna laces her arm through mine and looks up at me with a playful smirk as we start walking. “Do you think they’ll notice if we just keep walking and never come back?”
I squeeze her hand. “Tempting, but Aria would hunt us down with pure vengeance.”
She laughs softly, the sound warm against my shoulder. Seconds later, we reach the front, and Sienna and I turn toward each other. Our eyes lock, and everything else around us fades.
She smiles, a little shy. “Hi.”
“Hi,” I whisper back.
Seconds pass before we step aside. I take my place behind Ethan, and she stands with the bridesmaids. She looks breathtaking, and I can’t tear my gaze away from her—not even for a second.
Aria and Gregory are the last to walk down the aisle. They move slowly, Aria’s arm looped through her father’s. She looks radiant even in her casual white rehearsal dress, practically glowing as she looks up at Gregory. When they reach the front, Gregory kisses her cheek and steps aside, leaving Ethan and Aria standing together at the center.
The sight of them—so clearly in love—hits me harder than I expected.
