Blakely and Chase's wedding reception was in full swing. The music was going on loud as party-goers mingled and danced around. The reception hall was stunningly decorated with incredible detail that matched the theme. A massive sign with Blakely and Chase's names hung in the back center of the room. The right side of the room had an impressive selection of sweets and treats with a sign above saying: For kids. The left side of the room had a choice of treats and sweets, just as impressive. Only these selections had a sign above saying: Adults Only. No doubt those selections contained alcohol. The centerpiece of it all was the delicious-looking, impressively decorated strawberry and vanilla three-tier wedding cake.

I, of course, was invited to the wedding, so it was Lainey and Anna who worked at the reception. Neither of them liked working the reception on their day off. But it was Anna who really had it out for me since Blakely wasn't even one of her clients. Whenever our eyes crossed, she gave me a death glare, and I feared her. I was in for it when I got back to work.

I did my best to ignore Anna and enjoy myself, but it wasn't easy with Trey as my date. He had made me promise to watch Melody and my health today when he came to pick us up early in the morning. I didn't know why he bothered; he was doing a great job of it himself. Everyone noticed him monitoring our every move and fussing over every little thing we did. It only worsened at the reception with all the unhealthy food and activity.

"Keke, momma," Melody reached out, grabbing for the plate of cookies on the dessert table. "Keke."

Trey's eyes widen at Melody's words, and his body stiffens. I had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. Trey stopped Melody from grabbing treats off the dessert table and picked her up. She squirmed around in his arms, refusing to stay still.

"Melody, you've already had a lot of sweets," Trey told her as he struggled to get Melody to stop squirming around. "No more."

Everyone was starting to notice us again. This was not good. I bit my lip, debating how to step in without upsetting either of them.

"Keke," Melody continued to screech and squirm, ignoring what Trey told her. "Aaahhh, Keke peez."

Trey and Melody's little show was attracting quite the crowd. I could feel everyone's eyes on us as I tried to silence them. Glancing around at all the eyes on us, I felt my face getting heated. It took everything in me not to grab Melody and flee away from everyone.

"Alright, break it up," An older voice called, pushing through the crowd. "Come on, let an old man through. As you were."

I let out a shaky breath when the crowd started to listen and move on. I smiled when I realized who the voice belonged to. An older man pushed through the crowd and took Melody from Trey before giving her a cookie. Trey tried protesting, but he gave him a glare that had him shrinking back.

"Poppi, I didn't see you at the wedding ceremony." I embraced him in a hug. "I was worried something happened."

He waved his hand away at my thought like I was being silly. "Oh, I'm fine, dear. Can't take an old geezer like me down so easily." He turned to Trey and gave him a once-over. He frowned in disapproval as he shook his head. "Your friend, on the other hand, I'm not so sure."

Trey furrowed his brows at me. I shook my head and shrugged. Poppi and I took the pieces of cookie that Melody handed us.

Blakely chuckled as she came up linked in Chase's arm. Teagan was right behind them. "Funny, Poppi. I see you've met Trey, Gabby's boyfriend."

"Blakely. Chase," I pulled them into a hug. "Congratulations. Blakely, you look truly stunning in that dress."

"Aunt Bake petty." Melody agreed with a mouth full of the cupcake Poppi gave her after her cookie.

Chase beamed with evident pride as he wrapped his arm tightly around Blakely. "She sure does, thanks to you, Gabby."

Blakely, Teagan, and I straightened at once like we'd been called to attention. I started waving my hands behind Trey, hoping to get him to stop talking. Chase blinked at me with a blank look. I could see the invisible question mark looming over his head the longer he tried to figure me out.

"What do you mean, thanks to Gabby?" Trey demanded, reminding us all of his 's presence, face twisted into a grimace as he tilted his head. "Ummm….I…uuuhhhh…meant that Gabby is amazingly talent…." Chase stopped with a slight shake of his head. "No. No…uh…that's not it….uummm….gifted at last minute planning?" Chase tried with clear, confusion his voice. Blakely threw a hand over Chase's mouth. "Honey, I think you've said more than enough," She hissed through her fake smile.

"Yes, you've said plenty. Thank you. Congratulation to you both." He turned to me with anger clearly burning in his eyes. "I need to talk to you."

He didn't wait for me to reply before pulling me off. "Wait, Melody."

"I'm sure your Poppi will be happy to load her with enough sugar and other unhealthy junk to send her to the hospital." He replied through gritted as he continued to haul me off. "Since clearly, he has no regard for her health or yours."

I sighed, trying to break his grip, but it was no use. His grip on me was good and tight, and there was no way he'd be letting go. Everyone turned in our direction and whispered as we passed them. This was so humiliating I wanted to run. Too bad I can't.

My face started to feel heated again as I stumbled forward, trying to keep up with Trey. He stopped for a moment and continued to pull when he was sure I was okay. As we left the reception hall, I turned back just once and caught a glimpse of Smiley and Javier's eyes.

Oh no, I thought as the door shut behind us. This was so not my day.

"Honestly, Trey, Poppi loves Melody and me." I started when he finally let go of my arm when we got out to the parking lot. I continued as I rubbed my sore arm. "If he thought for even a second giving Melody the treat would harm her in any way, he wouldn't have."

Trey took my arm. He frowned, looking at the red marks where he was gripping me. "Why didn't you tell me I was hurting you?"

He tried helping me, but I pulled away. I stepped back and hung my head.

"You were fuming mad," I shrugged, "didn't think you'd hear anything I was telling you."

"So it's my fault you have secrets and won't talk to me?" He asked, his voice full of anger.

I shook my head. "I've tried talking to you, Trey, countless times. But you never hear what I'm telling you."

He threw his hands in the air. "So suddenly, everything is my fault! And that makes it OK for you to do more work than we agreed on behind my back!"

"All I did was book a new reception hall." I reasoned, "that's it. So, I had a little more paperwork to do."

We were both angry and yelling now.

"And that means you took over Lainey's job." He stated, crossing his arms across his chest. There was still anger in his voice, but somehow he was calmer. He let out a breath before continuing in a calmer voice. "Exactly how much did you do?"

I blew out a tired breath and ignored the headache that was forming. "It doesn't it matter, Trey? It's already done."

"It matters to me," Trey replied, dropping his arm to his sides. There was concern and fear in his eyes, along with anger that was there.

I decided to take another stab at this communication thing between us. "I'm sorry, I didn't tell you, Trey. Lainey was stacked with other work, and I figured it wasn't that big of a deal. It's Blakely, and it was more like we were hanging out as friends. I guess I didn't realize how much it'll upset you or that you'd be so worried."

He sighed, and his body relaxed. "I'm sorry too. I should have realized how much work Lainey had. If I did, you wouldn't have needed to step in. Promise me that you'll let me know if you step in next time. Then I'll arrange something. Don't take on more work."

I sighed. So not what I was going for. It looks like we are still having communication problems. But I was glad that this fire was put out, so to speak.

"But I can do more." I pray I didn't start another fire. "You know I took over for Lainey, and I'm still here. And in one piece, I might add."

He rubbed his chin as he studied me for a moment. Time moved like molasses as I waited for him to give me some sign.

"It means that much to you?" He finally spoke.

I slipped my hands into his swinging our arms as I let out the breath I was holding. "Yeah, I love being an event planner, and I'm good at it. I don't want to just start something; I want to actually help. Take part in the planner and work with the clients."

"Basically, what we agreed you shouldn't be doing." He concluded, running his free hand through his hair. "You and Melody have special needs because of your heart defects. You know that. You could be fine now, but something could happen at any moment. It worries me when you ignore the reality of it and pretend you're fine."

I hung my head, knowing what Trey said was true. It hurt, and I was not too fond of that part of us, but there was no denying it. We refused to look at one another while silence lingered between us as we waited for the other to speak.

"Fine, easy desk work." I sighed, giving in. "No more sneaking behind your back."

He pulled me closer, and we were inches from each other. He was close enough for me to smell his chocolate cupcake from earlier. My stomach flipped and flopped with his hot breath on my skin.

Leaning in, he brushed his lips on mine. My knees went weak as I sank into his arms. He deepened the kiss, and we were lost in each other until we pulled away for air. Both our cheeks were red as apples, and grinning from ear to ear.

"I love you, Gabby." He whispered, leaning his forehead on mine. "I hate it when we fight."

"They're not the highlights of my days either," I whispered back.

Our breaths slowed, and I waited to see what he would do. There was a brief moment when I thought he would kiss me again. Not that I would mind. Instead, he pulled away.

He led me to a bench around the corner, and we took a seat. We were both silent, listening to the bird sing their spring song. "I don't think I've ever asked you why is event planning so important to you?" He finally asked when the birds flew off.

I blinked, surprised by his question. It was the first time Trey had heard what I told him. Maybe there was hope for us to communicate better after all.

"You actually never have." I confirmed, "but anyway, for as long as I could remember, my parents made a big deal of events in our life. No matter how big or small, it was a milestone in their eyes, and they would insist on celebrating. The celebrations never had to be anything big. In fact, a lot of times, it was just my family gathering together to have a special dinner or a special day. Things like that."

"And I'm guessing it was even more important for them to celebrate the events involving you." He put in.

"It was," I nodded, "so being able to help someone celebrate their events, to me, it's like my way of giving back. Helping people remember that day, just like how my parents created our memories."

More silence between us.

"I never thought of it like that." He laced our fingers together. "I'm sorry I didn't ask earlier. I really should have. How about we make a new deal?"

I perked up at the idea. "What deal?"

"Client to client base." He offered up. "That means depending on your health and workload, maybe we can talk about you working more with clients."

I raised a brow, "so basically somewhere between what we agreed before and me working with clients all the time."

He nodded. "Yeah, halfway between what we both feel comfortable with. We both give a little."

I puckered my lips, pretending to consider before kissing him on the cheek. "Thanks for finally asking and listening."

"It's a deal then." We sealed it with a kiss. He smiled and brushed the back of his hands gently against my cheek. "You're beautiful when you smile." I blushed, and he kissed me on the forehead. "I want to always see you happy and smiling."

"Well, if we have more moments like we're having now, it won't be too hard."

"You mean more alone time," He joked with amusement. "Because I'm sure there's a way we can arrange it."

I nudged him with a smile. "You know what I mean. Talking and communicating."

He scrunched his face. "Yeah, that was never our strong suit. Thanks for not giving up."

We went back inside hand in hand. I was glad that everyone was back to their own thing when we returned. No one was staring at us, and everyone seemed to have forgotten about our little couple's quarrel that started before we got outside.

I went around the crowd searching for Poppi and Melody. My eyes caught Teagan's, and she nodded toward the bathroom. I excused myself and headed in the direction of the bathroom.

"Oh my gosh," Teagan squished me in a hug. "I'm so glad you're OK. We were so worried,"

"Why wouldn't I be OK?" I gave her a confused look.

Teagan put her hands on her hip, giving me her 'are you kidding me' look. "Your boyfriend, the walking volcano, is why." She told me like it was apparent.

I chuckled at the comment. "OK, granted, he was like a walking volcano, but he didn't do anything."

"Thankfully." Teagan replied with a frown, "we have another problem, though."

I raised my brow, confused by what she said. "What problem?" I wondered after a moment.

She led me into the bathroom and locked the door behind her. I could hear crying from one of the stalls and knocked on the door.

Teagan knocked again when all I got were more tears. "Blakely, come on. Let's talk."

I wiped my head around with my eyes bugging out. "Wait! Blakely locked herself in there? Why?"

Teagan didn't get to answer before Blakely came out in tears. She threw her arms around me, and more waterworks came. Teagan all but shrugged when I glanced in her direction.

"I'm sorry, I practically begged you to take over the planning, knowing your boyfriend would disapprove, and after everything you did for me, I forgot to tell my husband to keep his yap shut. I'm so stupid." Blakely stuttered out between tears and hiccups.

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK

"Occupied!" I called out.

I handed Blakely some tissues as Teagan checked to make sure whoever it was left. We let Blakely have her crying episode for a couple of minutes before she finally stopped.

"Better," Teagan asked, handing her more tissue.

Blakely wiped her running mascara as she sniffled. "Sorry, I don't know what's wrong with me. I'm an emotional mess."

I smiled as I helped her with her running mascara. "You're not an emotional mess."

She frowned and stopped wiping her mascara. "Oh yeah, I was happy and peach at your place packing two days ago. When I got home, I was feeling a bit under the weather, and Chase tried to show just an ounce of concern. That's when I turned into Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street for the entire night. He ended up sleeping in our spare room."

"That's not so bad." Teagan reasoned.

"Do all brides wake up the following morning in a land of lollipops and rainbows?" She asked, near tears again. "It was like nothing happened between us the night before."

Teagan and I eyed each other as if saying your move. "OK, that's less common, but all brides have good and bad days."

Blakely's shoulder sagged, and she was in tears again. "I doubt that'll explain to Chase why I lashed out at him for not keeping his mouth shut." She stated through her tears.

My mouth hung open for a second. Closing it, I turned to Teagan, and she sighed with a nod. "Just after Trey hauled you off, Blakely started yelling at Chase. Luckily, Poppi and I separated them before things got out of hand."

I sighed, rubbing the bridge of my nose. This wedding party just got a whole lot more interesting.

"My marriage is over, and we haven't even cut the cake. That's got to be some kind of a record." She sniffled and hiccuped. "Maybe if my doctor had found something wrong with me, I'd have something to explain to Chase."

"Say way now?" Teagan and I asked simultaneously.

Blakley hung her head and fiddled with the napkin in her hand. "Chase and I both did full body workups before the wedding," She explained. "Everything came back normal for both of us, but I went back when I started having headaches, nausea, and these moody episodes. The doctor's only explanation was to stop being bridezilla if I want the symptoms to go away."

"OK, easy, just tell Chase what the doctor told you," Teagan answered cheerfully. "I mean, bridezilla, as the doctor put it, could be an explanation."

Blakely's head shot up. "You want me to tell Chase the cause of all my craziness lately is cause I'm anxious about starting our life together." She cried, "I might as well just thank everyone for coming now and apologize for wasting their time. Then I'd ruin Gabby's special day too."

I narrowed my brow, wondering if I had heard her right. Today is her wedding day. It's her day, not mine. It had nothing to do with me.

"OK, honey, I doubt Chase will take you to divorce land because you're anxious. He's probably anxious too; he just has another way let his nerves relax, so to speak." Teagan reasoned.

"Yeah," I agreed and continued to point out. "Plus, today is your day. It has nothing to do with me. You're not ruining anything for me."

Blakely sniffled again. "I ruined your relationship."

I tried to follow her logic. "Sorry? You what?"

She wiped some of her running makeup before saying anything. "I ruined your relationship with Trey. You had peace no matter how good or bad things were between you two. I'm pretty sure that's not true after today."

"OK, you didn't ruin anything," I told her. "In fact, you helped us."

That piqued their interest. "How? Trey was pissed off. I'm surprised he waited to pull you aside instead of just starting a show center stage."

I winced at the thought of fighting with Trey in front of everyone. That would have been so embarrassing. I was glad we took the fight outside.

"Yes, Trey was not happy. But, after we both blew off some steam, we talked." I explained as I helped her finish wiping her makeup. "Like, really talked, and he actually heard me. So thank you."

Blakely and Teagan had a look of discovery on their faces. "You're telling us your boyfriend, the one notorious for being the brick wall of communications, heard you out."

My mouth fell open. "Harsh," I pretended to be hurt. "But yes, one in the same."

"I guess miracles actually never cease." Teagan started in a bright, chipper voice.

I noticed Blakely looking a little pale, and her breathing was labored. Before I could say anything, she started gagging. She pushed us aside and raced into an empty stall. Teagan and I exchanged a quick look of oh no before knocking on the stall.

"Blakely?" Teagan tried to mask her concern. "Are you feeling OK?"

Blakely was still looking pretty pale when she opened the stall door again. Seconds later, her eyes bugged out as her nausea got the best of her again. She immediately turned around within two seconds, and her head was in the toilet again. Teagan and I rushed beside her and exchanged another look. We were both concerned as Blakely broke down in tears again on the floor between her throwing up.

"This is nuts." She cried between her tears, throwing her hands up in defeat. "I went into the doctor's office with headaches, nausea, and mood swings. I gain spotting and panic attacks to the point where I'm this close to living in the toilet because of my headaches and horrible nausea."

She barely finished saying all that before her nausea landed her with her head in the toilet again, gagging. Teagan let out a wince, watching Blakely nonvoluntary empty her stomach content to the point where she was gasping for air between throwing up white foam and tears. Watching her as I held her hair, my gut was telling me bridezilla wasn't why Blakely was so ill. I could tell from the look on Teagan's face that she wasn't convinced by Blakely's bridezilla diagnosis either.

"Tea, keep an eye on her. Make she's OK," I decided to follow my gut and took matters into my own hands. "I'm going to find my brother."

I handed Teagan's hair to Blakely and spun my heels without waiting for Teagan's response. I headed back to the ballroom and spotted Lainey before I could find Javier. She was in the corner, by the Adults Sweets table, talking on the phone again.

My stomach tightened into knots as I watched her. My eyes darted back towards the bathroom as I debated whether I should listen in on her quickly. I couldn't shake the feeling that she was up to something.

I snuck my way over to the Adult's Sweet Table as I texted Javier. Grabbing a plate, I pretended to be looking at the sweets and kept a corner of my on Lainey. She was up to something, and I had to find out what. I turned away and kept my head down at the sweets when I was close enough to hear her conversation.

"Yeah, Ray's party is behind schedule, and he's close to firing the planners," Lainey stated, unaware I was close enough to hear. "I'm the only one he sees as competent. We're close."

My eyes widened at those words as I struggled to hold in a gasp. This was really bad. A bad feeling formed in the pit of my stomach while a chill ran down my spine. I jumped and squealed, feeling a tap on my shoulders.

"Gabby?" I covered Rowan's mouth and ducked behind a nearby table.

She attempted to ask me something again, and I shushed her. Lainey pocketed her phone a minute later as if nothing had happened and went back to working the party. I let out a relieved breath and got back on my feet.

"Sorry, Rosie," I apologized as I straightened my dress.

"You can tell me why we were playing Spies later," Rowan stated, straightening her dress. "What I want to know now is the 911 you texted your brother about."

I looked around the room. "Where's Javy?"

"Last I saw him kids corner with True," Rowan answered, pointing in the direction of the far corner with children gathered around. "But again, why?"

"It's not for me," I assured her, headed for the kid's corner. "It's Blakely. Five minutes in the bathroom with her, and she went from hysterical to up chucking white foam."

Rowan scrunched her forehead and raced after me. "So you were hoping your brother could take a look at her."

I nodded, "why not. A second opinion can't hurt if the first one is bridezilla."

Javier looked up from the game he was playing with Truett and Melody. "What's Bridezilla?"

Melody reached out her hand. "Momma!"

"Hi, baby." I wrapped her in a hug. "Mommy will play later, OK. I have to talk with Uncle Javy. You be good and stay with Poppi."

Javier stood up. "Are you OK?"

I hauled him off with Rowan right on our heels. "Let's walk and talk."

I gave him the clip note version as we returned to the restroom. "Elly, not that I don't want to help your friend. But this doesn't sound like a cardio problem."

My spirit dropped, and I froze just outside the bathroom door. "I was afraid of that. Can't you take a look anyways?" I asked, giving him the sad puppy dog eyes I had mastered since I was three.

Javier blew out a breath as he ran his hand through his hair. "Alright, I'll take a look. But I'm not making any promises that I can do anything."

I squealed, wrapping him in a hug. "Thanks, I knew I could count on you."

He chuckled, ruffling my hair like I was a kid. "One of these days, I'm going to learn to say no to you."

I shook my head with a scrunched-up nose. "Never; I have you and everyone else wrapped around my finger."

Rowan shook her head. "Have we ever told you, you're way too smart for your own good?"

"Only every day," I smiled proudly as we headed inside, locking the door behind us.

Blakely was back on her feet, just barely, when I returned with my brother. Thankfully her tears were gone again, and it was just sniffles. Javier checked her and asked some questions. He barely finished checking her before she started gagging again. I could see the imaginary wheels turning in his mind as he watched her. Before I could ask him anything, someone knocked at the door again.

"Still occupied," I called out again.

"Babe," Trey knocked again. "Are you OK?"

This was all we needed right now.

I blew out a raspberry and stepped out to talk to him. "I'm fine," I shut the door behind me and pulled him aside. "How did you know I was in there? Wait, you didn't follow me, did you?"

He bit his lip with a guilty look on his face. "Well, I kind of did."

My hands went straight to my hips, and I dropped my head. This was ridiculous. Trey was smothering me more than my parents. Why was he hovering so much? "Trey, I've told you before you have to trust me and stop following me. You know I'm here, and plenty of party-goers can help me if anything is wrong. You don't need to hover over me so much; it's suffocating." There was a hint of anger and frustration in my voice.

I thought we were doing better. Less than fifteen minutes ago, we were outside communicating. Was I wrong about there being hope that our relationship would improve?

He grabbed my hands, and I was about to pull away. But something in his eyes stopped me. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to follow you, but I saw you haul Javy off, saying you need to talk to him."

I shut my eyes for a brief moment and exhaled a huge breath. "You saw that."

"I got worried that something was wrong and just needed to make sure you were OK." He explained.

I cup my left hand to his cheek and smile. "I'm sorry, I got frustrated and assumed the worse."

He brushed a hair from my face. "Thanks for hearing me out, though. We're pretty good at this communicating thing."

I chuckled, "I wouldn't hold my breath. Our noncommunication count is still higher."

"It's a start." He pointed out. "So, are you OK?"

I nodded, "I'm fine. Blakely is the one who needs to talk to my brother. I just went to find him."

He smiled and pulled me closer to him. I could see the desire in his eyes as he wrapped his arm around my waist. Hovering inches from my lips, I felt his hot breath on my cheeks. I could feel my cheeks turning red hot as my heart rate sped. Leaning down, he captured my lips in his.

Our breaths were heavy when we pulled apart and leaned on each other's forehead. "We should have disagreements more often." He joked between each heavy breath.

"You sure you won't end up in the dog house permeant?" I teased him.

The corners of his mouth curved up, and he pulled me in for another kiss. We quickly pulled apart when we heard Javier clearing his throat.

"Glad we got your attention," Javier started ignoring the fact that he just saw us making out. "We have to find Chase."

"I texted him. In the meantime, we can look around." Teagan pulled Trey towards her, and he stumbled. "You're with me, lover boy."

She didn't wait for him to reply before hauling him off. I couldn't help but chuckle watching their dynamic. Teagan and Trey had always had a love-hate relationship. Seeing them in the same room was like watching a comedy show. You never know what will happen, but you can always count on laughter.

Javier headed off towards the buffet, and I was right behind him. I could tell something was on his mind. "Javy, what's on your mind?"

"I was just thinking that you're looking pretty tired." He noted, "are you sure you're OK?"

"I just have a minor headache," I reassured him.

Javier scrunched his nose in disapproval. "You've had quite a few headaches lately," Javier pointed out. "Maybe you should come to my office and get a check-up. Just to be safe and make sure your meds are still working."

"I think that's a great idea." Trey butted in.

My hand flew to my chest, startled by his reappearing act. "You nearly gave me a heart attack."

He pulled me close to him. "Sorry. Chase texted us, so I thought I would find you and let you know."

"Javy, can I talk to Trey alone?" I asked.

"I'm going to see what our kids are up to." He stated, heading back to the kid's corner.

My heart rate was mostly back to normal. Thinking back, I realized that Trey surprised me again. It was a great surprise and gave me hope that things could change.

"So, why didn't you promise Javy for me, like usual?" I wondered as I intertwined our fingers.

"I wanted to and was about to," He admitted with a sheepish smile. "But I thought you might appreciate it if I talked with you first."

"You're catching on," I praised with a kiss. "Thank you. You're right; I did appreciate that you didn't."

We were both silent as we walked toward some of the games for adults. "Now, what do we do?"

I bit my lip, trying to follow what he asked. "What do you mean?"

"You want one thing; I want another." He elaborated. "How do we solve our problem."

"Trust me," I advised him. "And trust that I know my health."

I pulled us toward one of the games, and he pulled me back. There was concern that burned bright in his eyes. This wasn't a joke to him. Maybe it was time I gave a little.

"I really think you should go for a regular check-up, please," He pleaded, "I'm honestly trying here."

I pretended to consider for a moment and nodded. He pulled me into a tight hug and kissed my head. I liked this communication thing between us. But a small part of me wondered how long this would last and if this was our only problem.

"Oh, I almost forgot to tell you; I really think that Lainey is up to something?" I pulled away, remembering what I had heard earlier.

He tilted his head, giving me a confused look. "What do you mean?"

I laid out what happened earlier for him. The more I explained, the more worried he was. After I told him everything, he promised to look into it.

Smiley suddenly appeared out of nowhere. "Glad I found you?"

"Don't tell me you require medical assistance, too," Trey spoke without thinking.

Smiley contorted her face into a question mark. "Uuuhhhh, who needed medical assistance?"

"Never mind," I waved her off. "Why were you looking for me?"

"I need an extra pair of hands," She turned to Trey. "Mind if I borrow my sister."

Trey's eyes darted from Smiley to me and back again, "not a problem." He pecked me on the lips before letting me go.

Smiley and I were rebagging the gift bags by the ballroom entrance. We talked and laughed as we worked. I was glad to have this time with her. Smiley was one of my family members I didn't see often enough. So, having this one-on-one time to catch up was fun.

"These silver bells were a great idea as a thank-you gift." Smiley complimented, "you have a lot of talent, and your passion shines through in your work."

"Thank you," I tied two engraved silver bells together. "I love being able to give back and knowing I help make someone else milestone special."

Smiley frowned, "Trey doesn't notice your work, does he?"

"Not always," I admitted, "I don't work with clients, so the credit usually goes to my co-workers. I mostly do easy desk work, but he's trying to change. Hopefully, it'll improve."

"Hopefully? Do you honestly believe one day of being able to communicate will be able to solve all your problems?" Smiley repeated with skepticism in her voice. "Can I know why you let Trey treat you like a China doll? Is it what you want?"

I finished tying the silver bells in my hand and set it aside. "I'm not sure; I guess I do wonder how long our communication will last. I mean, just now, we were already struggling. It's like we're afraid to step on each other's toes. But Trey's right. I do have health risks because of my heart defect. Being fine now doesn't mean I will be fine later."

Smiley set the silverbells, her hand in her hand down, and turned to me. "What Trey said may be accurate, but that doesn't mean your heart defect doesn't define you. Your heart defect is only part of who you are. There is so much more to you, and the only way other people will be able to see that is if you let them. Like how you let us see you." She placed a tied silver bell in my hand and folded it.

Teagan came up by and grabbed us for the bouquet toss. All the single ladies gathered together, forming half a circle, and the guys hurried to create the other half. My stomach flipped with nerves, and I didn't want to participate, but Teagan and Blakely insisted I do it for fun. I could tell something was up with them. Seeing the excitement on their face, I thought something had to be up.

"Everybody ready?" Blakely asked with eagerness in her voice.

I looked around as all the ladies around me chorused a yes. We started counting off, and just when I thought she would toss the bouquet, she turned around and walked toward me. Confusion hit me hard as I thought of how strange this was.

"What do you say to Aunty Blakely?" I prompted Melody when Blakely gave her the bouquet.

Melody's eyes widen with a smile big enough to show her two rows of baby teeth. "Tank you." She breathed out, reaching for the flowers.

"You're very welcome," Blakely stepped aside as Trey stepped forward. He had a huge grin when he stopped before us, and I could tell he was different. I couldn't tell if his difference was a good thing, though. I could never tell with Trey.

He reached his hand out, and I hesitated to take it. I could feel the knots and butterflies in my stomach as he led me out to the center of the circle. It was bad enough that I didn't know what was going on, but being the center of attention with hundreds of eyes on us made it worse. I actually envied my little girl, focusing solely on the bouquet in her hands, and didn't take notice of anyone around her.

I silently prayed for whatever was happening to end quickly when we finally stopped center stage. He squeezed my hand slightly and nodded his head. Turning to the crowd, he cleared his throat and tested the mic in his hand. Then he turned back to me before starting to talk.

"Gabby, I've been in love with you since I first saw you. You're the strongest, most incredible woman I've ever met. You're smart, loving, kind, and the most amazing mom." He started saying.

The realization started sinking as he talked, and a million things started running through my head. Somehow I couldn't believe it, and I actually felt scared. I wanted someone to stop this. Or make a run for the door, anything, but nothing happened. My legs wouldn't move, and a gasp escaped my lips when he kneeled with the heart-shaped diamond ring in his hand. My breath caught in my throat.

I glanced at my family, and they all just smiled back. I knew they were leaving it up to me. It was my choice. Then my gaze went to Melody; her focus was still solely on the flowers. Looking down at Trey, my heart raced, and I felt like I was in a dream.

I opened my mouth, ready to answer, but nothing came out.

Suddenly this didn't feel like a dream.

This was starting to feel like a nightmare.