The wedding was only a week away, and Lisanne’s seaside charm seemed to buzz with anticipation. Colorful streamers adorned the winding streets, laughter spilled from the cafes, and the scent of fresh flowers drifted through the air like a promise of something new. Natalie, though still battling waves of uncertainty, was slowly letting herself be carried by the tide of change. There were moments—quiet ones—where she almost felt like herself again.

She was helping Lynn organize some last-minute decorations in the garden behind the café where they first met as teenagers when the subject came up.

“By the way,” Lynn said casually, fluffing a white hydrangea centerpiece, “Drixie’s coming.”

Natalie’s...