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Everyone rises to their feet as the doors swing open and Ivy makes her entrance. The sky is bathed in golden light, making her look even more ethereal than she already is. I glance over to Cooper. He has a hand covering his mouth as tears slip through his fingers, while Drew rests a steady hand on his shoulder. An ache hits me deep in the gut. I’ve spent years building a wall against love, believing it didn't exist or that I’d never be lucky enough to find it. But after everything that's transpired this week, those walls around my heart are starting to crumble, and I’m realizing it does exist, but only with one person.

Cooper and Ivy finish the ceremony, exchanging heartfelt vows to one another, sealing the deal with a deep, passionate kiss as husband and wife. The crowd erupts in cheers as they exit the altar, hand in hand.

Click, Click, Click. The camera flashes for what feels like the hundredth time as the photographer poses everyone for photos.

“Alright, now I need the Benson family and bride and groom, please.” The photographer calls out.

My mom and dad, Ivy and Cooper, and I line up in the courtyard, with the lake shimmering in the background. We are an odd number of five, I’m singled out, but what's new? The photographer starts snapping a few shots.

“Hey Drew!” Cooper shouts, waving him over. “Join us for the next one.”

My whole body tightens, and my shoulders straighten as my family all wear the same grins.

“Cooper–”

“Just in case you want it later.” My brother whispers softly.

“Are you sure?” Drew asks.

“You know you're family, honey.” My mom gives him a warm smile and pulls him into our group.

Cooper makes room for him to stand next to me. I give him a nervous smile as his hazel eyes find mine. He gently places his hand on my lower back, my bare skin burning beneath his touch. Click. The moment is over faster than it began, but I’m already missing his hands on me.

The cocktail hour is coming to a close while all the guests head to find their seats under the canopy for the reception. Taking advantage of the moment, I grab my glass of champagne and head to my favorite spot on the edge of the property. It's the same spot I’ve been sneaking off to all week when I needed a minute to clear my head. The sun has fully dipped below the horizon, painting the sky a deep purple before night completely takes over. I’m going to miss it here. This place and this week have brought out a different side of me, one I desperately don't want to let go of. For the first time in my adult life, I feel like I’m finding who I am while healing who I was. I feel like I'm finally ready to let go of the hurt from my past and move forward to this new version of myself. The one who doesn’t care what others think of me, who belts out songs during karaoke, and dances without feeling embarrassed or ashamed. I feel confident in who I am for the first time in my twenty-four years of life.

I’m lost in thought when a hand sweeps across my back, my body instantly recognizing the touch.

“Drew,” I say, without even having to turn around and find him.

“You look…” He pauses, his voice turning into a ragged whisper. “Impossibly beautiful tonight.”

“You look pretty good yourself,” I say, as he leans over the wooden railing, capturing my attention.

“What are you thinking about over here all alone?”

“That I don't want to go home.” I sigh, my voice starting to shake. “What’s going to happen tomorrow?” A long silence stretches between us as I brace myself for impact. Because why would I get a fairytale ending at the end of all of this? It’s been eight years after all. Maybe this was too good to be true. An old fling reignited, only to fizzle out at the end of a magical week.

“I uhh…” Drew hesitates before speaking his next words. “I have a paid job in Costa Rica for the next six weeks after this.” My eyes fall closed, as I feel a part of me shatter. The familiar pain burning in my chest, the pain I've pushed down for years, comes rushing back. I can feel my walls rebuilding themselves.

“Cami,” He whispers, sensing the shift in my body language. “Please look at me.”

But I can't; I can't face another heartbreak by him. How am I supposed to believe this time will be any different, that he won't disappear on me again after realizing he actually can't do this with me, after all?

“Cami, I’m going to come home this time. I’m coming back for you.” A knot has formed in the back of my throat as I try to prevent my tears from spilling over. “I know I can't ask you to trust me after what I’ve put you through. But if you have it in you, I’m asking you to please try because I’m ready to come home. But I don’t want to come home unless it's you I’m coming home to.” He lifts my chin with his fingers, his eyes pleading with mine. A small tear falls down my cheek, and he gently wipes it away.

“Okay.” I let out a shaky breath, because what else am I supposed to say? “I’ll try.”

CHAPTER 18

Camille

DAY 6: “I DO”

Igrab a glass of champagne and head to my rightful seat around the bridal party table. The DJ starts playing a loud tune as Ivy and Cooper make their grand entrance into the reception space. Everyone stands and claps as they head to the center of the dance floor and go straight into their first dance. The joyful moment turns tender as the crowd sits down to watch the bride and groom dance for the first time as husband and wife.

I can't take my eyes off them, their love is so inspirational it brings me to tears. I swipe the napkin off the table and blot the corners of my eyes. When I look up, I find Drew watching me with an admiring smile. He gives me a small nod to make sure I’m okay.

Dinner is coming to an end as the parents and a few members of the bridal party give their speeches. Cooper and Ivy knew I didn’t want to make one tonight. They know that standing in front of a crowd and speaking into a microphone is enough to send me over the edge. Instead, I handwrote each of them a letter, hoping it would show them just how much I love and appreciate them while also thanking them for respecting my boundaries.