CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY SIX – THE WEDDING DRESS

The next morning dawned bright and beautiful - the perfect sunny spring day for Kayla to make her final preparations as a bride-to-be. After sharing a lingering goodbye kiss with Lance, who had to spend the day apart for tradition's sake, she headed to the lavish bridal suite her sister Ava had booked at one of the city's most luxurious hotels. "I can't believe my baby sister is getting married tomorrow!" Ava gushed excitedly as she ushered Kayla into the palatial space, practically vibrating with energy. "We're going to make this the most amazing final fling before the ring!" Kayla laughed, feeling a surge of affection for her vivacious older sibling. As different as they were in personality, she was infinitely grateful to have Ava's boundless enthusiasm and organizational zeal on her side for this momentous occasion. Knowing her sister, every last detail for the next 24 hours was going to be meticulously accounted for. "Well, you've certainly spared no expense on this place,"