Dress shopping
The following weekend, Fitz and Jemma showed up at Daisy’s house, their kids in tow. Alya, now 7, and Iris, 2, bounded toward Daisy as soon as they saw her, their little feet pattering against the hardwood floors.
Daisy crouched down to meet them, her smile lighting up her face. “Alya! Iris! Oh my gosh, I’ve missed you so much!” She hugged them both tightly, feeling the warmth of family surround her.
Fitz and Jemma entered behind them, and Daisy quickly gestured for them to sit. “Come on in, you two. We’re in the middle of wedding planning chaos. What better way to distract ourselves than to have the family over?”
Jemma laughed. “Trust me, we’re happy to help.”
As the adults settled on the couch, the kids played nearby, getting their dresses and suits ready for their flower girl roles. Daisy was about to say something else when the doorbell rang, and she stood up, making her way to open it.
She gasped in surprise as she saw Mack and Yo-Yo standing at the door, Gabriel in tow, and Luci strapped to Mack’s chest in a baby carrier. Daisy smiled widely, stepping aside to welcome them in.
“Hey, you guys! What’s the surprise visit?” Daisy asked with a grin, leaning down to give Gabriel a quick hug before his energy took him straight to his cousins.
“Surprise!” Yo-Yo replied with a playful wink. “We thought we’d join the chaos. Besides, we have a few things to discuss, don’t we?” She moved inside, giving Daisy a tight hug.
“We thought we could add a bit of chaos to the chaos,” Mack added, adjusting Luci in the carrier. “But honestly, we’re just here to help however we can. You know, with the wedding stuff.”
Jemma and Fitz both exchanged amused glances before Jemma spoke up. “Well, if you’re going to join in, you’re just in time for the ‘wedding planning madness’ section of the day. Daisy’s been making us all second-guess everything.”
Daisy chuckled, settling back down onto the couch. “It’s true. I’ve been overthinking everything. You know, from the guest list to what food we should have, and then there’s the dress...”
Jemma, always the steadying presence, smiled warmly. “You’re allowed to overthink. It’s a big day. But the most important thing is that it’s your day. We’ll make sure everything is just right.”
Mack leaned forward, glancing at Gabriel, who was trying to get Iris to follow him on an imaginary adventure. “Yeah, but don’t stress it too much, Daisy. You’ve got a team here. We’ve all got your back.”
Daisy looked around at her friends, her heart full. Mack, Yo-Yo, Jemma, Fitz, and their kids—everyone who had stood by her through thick and thin—were here, offering their support. “I’m just so glad you guys are all here,” she said softly. “I don’t know what I’d do without all of you.”
“Don’t get too sentimental on us,” Fitz teased, his eyes twinkling. “We’re all here for the cake and dancing too, don’t forget.”
Alya, who had been listening intently, piped up with a huge smile. “Aunt Daisy, are we gonna have a party?” she asked, her face full of excitement.
Daisy chuckled, ruffling her niece’s hair. “You bet. There’s going to be lots of cake, lots of dancing, and lots of fun.”
“I want to wear a princess dress,” Iris added, twisting her tiny hands in excitement.
“I think that can be arranged,” Daisy said, her heart swelling with affection. She looked over at Jemma, who smiled knowingly at her.
Jemma leaned in slightly, speaking in a low voice. “So, are we still on for the dress fitting next week?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Daisy’s smile widened. “Yes. I’m still not sure which one I’ll pick, but I’m excited to try on a few options with you there.”
Yo-Yo, who had been quiet for a moment, added with a grin, “Well, if I’m being honest, the biggest question here is... who’s going to be the ring bearer?”
Gabriel, now fully invested in his game of pretend, gave his best superhero pose, with his cape flying out behind him. “I can do it!” he announced confidently.
Mack laughed, shaking his head. “I don’t know if superhero ring bearer is quite what Daisy had in mind, but hey, if you’re up for it, kid, we’ll see.”
“I think he’d be adorable no matter what,” Daisy said, watching her nephew’s enthusiasm with a grin.
Jemma laughed as she watched Gabriel and Iris run around the living room. “I’m sure they’ll both be perfect. Just... maybe a little less running when the actual ceremony starts?”
Daisy looked around at her family, both the little ones and the adults. “I think it’s going to be perfect, no matter what,” she said, her voice full of warmth and gratitude. “We’re all here, and that’s all that matters.”
Yo-Yo smiled, her eyes softening as she looked around at the little ones who had grown so much. “You’ve got a great team behind you, Daisy. And I know Daniel will be just as excited to have all this support. You’re going to make this day amazing.”
Daisy smiled as she watched her family, her friends, her team—everyone who had been through so much together. It wasn’t just the wedding she was looking forward to; it was this moment, with all of them by her side, that made it all feel right.
“Thank you,” she whispered, her heart full. “I love you all.”
As the room filled with laughter and the sounds of children’s voices playing, Daisy knew that the next chapter of her life was about to begin—and she couldn’t imagine anyone else she’d want to share it with.
The soft hum of chatter filled the bridal boutique as Daisy stepped out from behind the curtain, her heart pounding in her chest. She had tried on a dozen dresses, each one more beautiful than the last, but this one... this one felt different. It was the one she had been waiting for.
As she emerged into the main area, Yo-Yo’s eyes widened in admiration, and Jemma let out a breathless gasp. May, ever the picture of calm, simply looked her up and down with a knowing, approving gaze.
Daisy twirled once, feeling the silk of the dress flutter around her legs. It was a delicate ivory gown with lace detailing on the bodice, the kind of dress that made her feel like she was glowing from within.
“What do you think?” Daisy asked, her voice shaky with anticipation.
Yo-Yo’s grin stretched from ear to ear as she stood up, clapping her hands. “Oh my god, Daisy, you look absolutely stunning!” Her eyes sparkled with emotion. “This dress... it’s so you. It’s elegant, but there’s this quiet strength to it. You look like a goddess.”
Daisy smiled, but her gaze flickered nervously to May, who had been quiet up until that point. May had always been her rock, the one who knew how to stay composed under pressure. Daisy searched her face for any sign of approval.
After a long pause, May nodded slowly, her eyes softening. “It’s perfect,” she said simply, her voice thick with meaning. “You look... radiant.”
Daisy exhaled in relief, her breath catching in her throat. She hadn’t realized how much she needed to hear those words from May, but now that she had, it felt like everything was falling into place.
Jemma, who had been grinning from ear to ear, walked over and gently took Daisy’s hands in her own. “Daisy, I’m so proud of you,” she whispered, her voice full of emotion. “I can’t even begin to describe how happy I am for you.”
Daisy’s eyes glistened as she met Jemma’s gaze. “You’ve been with me through everything, Jem. It’s hard to believe that this is real sometimes. I’m marrying Daniel, and we’re starting this whole new chapter. It feels... surreal.”
Jemma smiled, her fingers gently brushing Daisy’s cheek. “It’s real, Daisy. You deserve every bit of happiness that’s coming your way. And this dress, well... it’s the perfect symbol of everything you’ve gone through to get here. It’s beautiful, just like you.”
Yo-Yo chimed in with a teasing grin, “And just wait until you see Daniel’s face when he sees you in this. He’s going to be speechless.”
Daisy’s stomach fluttered at the thought of Daniel waiting for her at the altar. She could already imagine the look in his eyes when she walked down the aisle, the way he’d smile as if she were the only person in the world.
“Well, I feel amazing in it,” Daisy said softly, the weight of the moment starting to settle in. “I just hope he thinks so too.”
“You know he will,” May replied confidently. “Daniel’s going to see you as the most beautiful woman in the world, no matter what dress you wear. He already does.”
Daisy bit her lip, feeling tears welling up in her eyes. This wasn’t just about the dress. It was about everything—the journey they’d all been on, the people who had stood by her, and the life she was about to build with Daniel.
She glanced around at her friends—Yo-Yo, who had been with her through the toughest battles; May, who had taught her how to be strong even in the hardest of times; and Jemma, who had always been her rock and her sister in every way that mattered. They were her family. And standing here, surrounded by their love and support, Daisy knew she was ready.
Taking a deep breath, Daisy spun slowly in front of the mirror, her eyes closing as she let the moment wash over her.
“I think it’s the one,” she whispered, almost to herself.
Jemma, May, and Yo-Yo all gathered around her, nodding in agreement.
“You’ve got this, Daisy,” Yo-Yo said softly, her voice filled with quiet encouragement.
“You’re going to be stunning, and the world will see it,” May added, her voice steady and full of certainty.
Jemma pulled her into a tight hug, her voice thick with emotion. “You’re ready for this. For him. For everything.”
Daisy felt her heart swell, the tears threatening to fall as she hugged Jemma back. “I’m so glad you’re here with me. I don’t think I could do this without you.”
Jemma pulled away just enough to look at her. “You never had to do it alone, Daisy. You’ll never have to.”
As Daisy looked at her reflection one last time, she finally felt that sense of calm she had been searching for. The dress was perfect. The moment was perfect. And with her friends by her side, she knew that the wedding—and the life ahead—was going to be even more perfect than she could have ever imagined.
The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow across the backyard of Daisy and Daniel’s house. The girls still out dress shopping. The three men stood around the fire pit, the crackling flames illuminating their faces as they sipped on beers. It had been a long day of running errands, and now they had a quiet moment to themselves.
Daniel leaned back in his chair, glancing at Mack and Fitz. His mind had been racing all day, filled with a thousand thoughts about the wedding. It was almost overwhelming how much had to be done, and yet, it didn’t feel like any of it mattered as long as he had Daisy by his side. Still, there was a lot of pressure to get it right.
“So... how you guys feeling?” Mack asked, breaking the silence. “The wedding’s getting closer. I mean, I’m excited, but... damn, it’s starting to feel real.”
Daniel took a long swig of his beer and shrugged, a wry smile playing on his lips. “Honestly? It’s nerve-wracking. But at the same time, I can’t wait to see Daisy in that dress. It’s going to be a hell of a sight. I just... I don’t know if I’m ready for the emotional part. I’m already feeling like I’m gonna tear up when she walks down the aisle.”
Fitz laughed softly, glancing at Mack. “I’m with you on that one. It’s going to be tough not to choke up. And I’m not even the one getting married.” He raised his bottle. “Though, I have to admit, I’m a little more worried about the whole... wedding speech thing. I’m sure I’ll end up rambling, or worse, forget to mention something important.”
Daniel smiled at his friends, grateful for the lightheartedness they brought to the conversation. “You’re overthinking it, Fitz. You’ll be fine. Just speak from the heart, and you won’t go wrong.”
Mack nodded. “Yeah, man. No one’s expecting Shakespeare. Just keep it real.”
Fitz let out a breath, clearly relieved. “Alright, alright. I can do that. But I still don’t know how to tie a bow tie. Do I need to figure that out before the wedding?”
Daniel chuckled. “Dude, you’ve got time. But seriously, I’m glad you guys are here with me for this. You’ve been there for Daisy and me through everything. This feels like a big step, and I don’t know how I would’ve made it through without you two around.”
Mack clinked his bottle against Daniel’s. “Of course, man. We’ve got your back, just like we’ve always had Daisy’s. This day? It’s about you and her. Nothing’s gonna change that.”
Daniel smiled, his thoughts drifting to Daisy—her laugh, the way she looked at him when they were together. He could already picture her walking toward him, looking beautiful and calm, despite everything she’d been through. It felt like a dream come true.
“I just want it to be perfect for her,” Daniel said softly, the weight of his words carrying in the cool evening air. “She deserves that. She’s been through so much, and I... I want her to feel like the most important person in the world that day. Because she is.”
Fitz’s expression softened, and he nodded in understanding. “You’re going to do that. Trust me, Daniel. Daisy already knows how much you love her. And if you’re nervous, well... it’s because you care. But I think she’s already the happiest woman on the planet.”
Mack leaned back in his chair, his eyes gazing at the flames. “Yeah, man. She’s lucky to have you, but you’re lucky to have her, too. It’s the kind of thing that makes you believe in fate.”
Daniel couldn’t help but laugh, shaking his head. “Fate, huh? If you told me 5 years ago when I was taken from the past I’d be sitting here, talking about my wedding with my best friends, I’d have thought you were crazy.”
“Well, it’s funny how life works out,” Mack said with a grin. “One minute, you’re fighting for your life; the next, you’re planning a wedding with the woman you love. But hey, that’s the beauty of it. We all came out of the chaos together.”
Fitz raised his bottle again, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “Alright, alright. But speaking of weddings, I do have one serious question. Who's going to be your best man, Daniel? Mack or me?”
Daniel blinked, his mind momentarily blanking. He hadn’t even thought about it in that way yet. “I... um... Well, I was thinking of having both of you as my best men. You’ve both been there for me in different ways.”
Mack grinned. “Well, in that case, I better be the one who gives the toast. You know, for balance.”
Fitz laughed, rolling his eyes. “Alright, alright. I’m not that bad with speeches. I get dibs on embarrassing stories though.”
Daniel looked between his friends, grateful for their humor and their friendship. “Alright, fine. I’ll let you both duke it out. Just... let’s not get carried away with the embarrassing stories. This is a wedding, not a roast.”
Mack raised his hands in mock surrender. “No promises, man. No promises.”
The three men laughed, their bond stronger than ever. The nerves were still there, but surrounded by his closest friends, Daniel felt a little lighter. It was going to be a beautiful day—a day they had all earned. And no matter what, he knew they would be there by his side, just like they always had been since they met.