The End of Beginning

Julia stood in front of the mirror, smoothing her hands down the fabric of her dress.

The deep emerald-green satin hugged her figure perfectly, with a sweetheart neckline that draped elegantly over her collarbones. The dress was fitted at the waist before flowing into a soft, floor-length skirt that moved beautifully when she walked. She had styled her red hair in loose waves, pinning one side back with a delicate gold clip. A swipe of red lipstick completed the look.

Behind her, Chloe whistled. "Damn, Jules. You look hot."

Julia turned, grinning. Chloe looked amazing too, wearing a sleek navy-blue dress with thin straps and a subtle shimmer in the fabric.

"You clean up nice yourself," Julia said, nudging her playfully.

Chloe smirked before glancing at Julia's phone. "Have you sent your outfit pic to you-know-who yet?"

Julia rolled her eyes but didn't hesitate to take a few selfies—one of just herself and another with Chloe. She sent them both to Joe with a simple message.

JULIA: Not too bad, right?

Joe responded almost instantly.

JOE: Holy shit.

Julia smirked at the screen. A second message popped up.

JOE: You look incredible.

Heat crept up her neck, and she tried to ignore the way her heart picked up speed.

JULIA: You're just saying that.

JOE: I'm really not.

After a beat, another text appeared.

JOE: I really wish I was going with you.

Julia bit her lip, feeling something warm settle in her chest.

Chloe glanced over her shoulder, catching a glimpse of the messages. "Oh, he's got it for you so bad."

"Shut up," Julia muttered, but she couldn't stop smiling.

The wedding ceremony itself was beautiful. Their friends, Sergio and Andrea, exchanged heartfelt vows under an autumn sunset, the golden light filtering through the trees of the outdoor venue.

After the ceremony, Julia, Ryan, and Chloe made their way over to the newlyweds to congratulate them.

"Everything was perfect," Julia told Andrea, giving her a warm hug.

"Seriously," Chloe added. "I almost cried."

Ryan nodded. "Almost?"

Chloe elbowed him. "Fine. I did cry." She paused before adding, "Guys, this is my boyfriend, Ryan."

"Also, conveniently my brother.' Julia added in a joking tone.

The group laughed and shook his hand as they greeted him.

As the reception started, Julia couldn't help but admire the venue. The entire space was breathtaking—twinkling string lights stretched across the ceiling, casting a golden glow over the elegantly decorated tables. Candles flickered in ornate holders, the scent of fresh flowers lingering in the air. It was the perfect setting for a romance novel.

She snapped a few pictures and sent them to Joe.

JULIA: Tell me this isn't the most romantic setup you've ever seen.