“Amber!” her dad called out, flipping burgers with his well-worn apron. “Join us, it’s just the guys from the shop.”Amber was about to protest when the doorbell rang. “That must be Steve,” her father said, his tone casual but with a hint of excitement. Moments later, a tall, ruggedly handsome man walked through the door. Steve was charming, with a calm, steady voice that drew her in. From that moment, Amber couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something special about him.Their connection grew quickly. Steve was attentive, thoughtful, and seemed to understand her in a way no one else had before.

Before long, Amber found herself falling for him, despite her long-held reservations about love.Six months later, Amber found herself standing in front of the mirror in her childhood bedroom, dressed in a wedding gown. At 39, she had given up on the fairy tale, but here she was, about to marry the man who had reignited hope in her heart.The ceremony was intimate, with close family and friends. As they exchanged vows, Amber felt an overwhelming sense of peace, certain she had finally found her forever. But on their wedding night, the illusion of perfection crumbled.After the reception, the couple retreated to their new home. Amber went to change into something more comfortable, only to return to a shocking sight—Steve sitting on the edge of the bed, softly talking to someone who wasn’t there.“I wanted you to see this, Stace,” Steve murmured, his voice filled with emotion. “I wish you could have been here.”Amber froze, her mind racing to understand. When she softly called his name, Steve turned, his expression filled with guilt. He explained that he had been speaking to his daughter, Stacy, who had tragically passed away in a car accident with her mother. Although Amber knew about his loss, she hadn’t realized the depth of his grief or how he continued to feel Stacy’s presence, especially on such significant days.Steve’s pain was raw and real, and while Amber was deeply shaken, she didn’t feel fear—only immense sadness. She sat beside him, took his hand, and told him she understood. His vulnerability only strengthened her resolve to stand by him, despite the complexities of his grief.As they held each other, Amber knew that their love wasn’t the fairy tale she once imagined—it was something far more profound. It was about sharing each other’s scars, embracing the imperfections, and navigating life’s toughest moments together. And as they kissed, she was certain that no matter what lay ahead, they would face it side by side, stronger for having faced the darkness together.