93. Stuck with Me

Riley stood in the bridal suite, her heart racing as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. She wore a long white gown, what she considered her dream wedding dress. Her hair had been pinned into soft curls, a veil draped lightly over her shoulders. She looked the part of a bride, but inside, she was anything but calm. Her heart pounded so loudly she thought it might burst from her chest. She took deep breaths, trying to still the anxious tremble in her hands. This was it. Today she was marrying River Foster—the man she’d fallen for, the man who had haunted her thoughts, and yet, a man surrounded by so much grief and darkness. The reality of it all felt surreal, as if she were caught in a dream she couldn’t wake from. Riley turned away from the mirror, her gaze falling on the bouquet sitting on the table beside her. It was a beautiful arrangement of white roses and lilies, delicate and perfect. “You okay?” Valerie asked gently, stepping inside and closing the door behind her. Riley