Raelynn waited for the chapel doors to open, her heart pounding beneath layers of lace and silk. She stood poised, ready to walk down the aisle where her soon-to-be husband, Bryce, waited under a cascade of soft white light.
Earlier, she had stood before a mirror, silently drinking in her reflection: a light touch of makeup, her hair styled into a loose, low bun, and the A-line wedding dress — cream in color, its lace bodice delicate and precise, embroidered floral patterns cascading from her waist to the hem. It was simple. Elegant.
She had never felt so beautiful.
And yet… something gnawed at her.
Kayden still hadn't returned.
She had handed her phone to her older sister, Freya, before the ceremony. "Please hold onto it. If Kayden texts or calls, I don't want to miss it."
Freya had agreed, but hadn't said a word since.
Which could only mean one thing:
He still wasn't back.
A knot twisted tighter in Raelynn's stomach. This was her wedding day — she should've been focused, smiling, glowing. But part of her was scanning for Kayden, waiting for that familiar presence, for his calm, anchoring voice.
The door cracked open. Freya, dressed in a soft khaki lace gown, peeked out and gave her the widest smile she'd seen all day.
"Rae, it's time. Get ready."
Raelynn forced a smile in return, raising her fingers in an okay sign. Freya nodded and slipped back inside.
As the double doors slowly parted, a wave of warm music flowed into her ears. Ahead of her, a red-carpeted path stretched toward the altar, where Bryce stood beside the officiant, Mr. Johnson, in his crisp navy suit.
Raelynn smiled and took her first step forward.
Her legs trembled slightly, but the sight of familiar, loving faces along the pews steadied her nerves. Her friends smiled and waved, some holding back tears.
Then came her parents — Richard and Francesca Kinsley — seated at the very front, her father's proud grin and her mother's happy tears both filling Raelynn with a comfort that swelled warmly in her chest.
She let out a quiet sigh.
And just ahead, her sister — Freya — stood by the altar, her sole bridesmaid and lifelong confidante. Raelynn had always wanted a small, simple ceremony. This was everything she'd asked for.
As she reached her parents, her mother enveloped her in a tight embrace, sobbing softly. "My daughter is getting married now… I can't believe this. Oh, my baby…"
Raelynn laughed gently, heart warmed by the moment — until her gaze slid toward Bryce… and a passing thought struck her.
'I wonder what Kayden would look like on his wedding day.'
The thought hit her like a slap, making her breath got caught in her chest.
She scanned the pews instinctively, searching for his face.
But he wasn't there.
Bryce reached for her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. Raelynn smiled back, trying to push down the worry rising in her chest.
Where is he?
Kayden had promised he wouldn't be long. That he'd return before the ceremony began.
But he hadn't.
'C'mon, Kay… where are you, you idiot?'
Mr. Johnson's voice cut through her spiraling thoughts, pulling her back to the present. "Raelynn and Bryce — today, you share your vows."
He's not here.
A whisper in her mind, soft but piercing.
"Raelynn…" Bryce's voice steadied her. "After meeting you in that bakery a year ago, you've made my life happier than I ever thought possible…"
He continued, sincere and glowing, but his words faded into white noise — buzzing, indistinct. Another voice rose from her memory:
It's okay, Rae… I'll always stay.
She blinked hard.
Tried to focus.
But Kayden's parting words clung to her like smoke.
Bryce ended with a quiet, "I love you."
Mr. Johnson turned to her. "Raelynn, would you like to share your vows?"
She took a moment, scanning the room again, eyes floating from one smiling face to another.
Then she locked eyes with Bryce.
"Bryce… When I first met you a year ago, I felt drawn to you — and it was kinda corny the way you tried to flirt with me. I still got a good laugh out of it when I remembered."
Laughter erupted from the crowd. Even she chuckled.
"I know some people think we rushed into marriage, but I think…"
Movement caught her eye. Freya, just to the left, shifting.
Raelynn paused.
Freya had her phone out.
'My phone.'
The one Kayden had given her for her birthday two years ago.
"Umm… Rae?" Bryce whispered.
She mouthed a quick sorry and finished, "I think I'm ready now — to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you. So don't you dare break my heart, okay? I am, just a fragile girl."
Laughter followed. Mr. Johnson smiled, amused.
Then came the final questions.
"Bryce Henry, do you accept Raelynn Kinsley as your wife, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"
"Yes, I will."
"Raelynn Kinsley, do you accept Bryce Henry as your husb—"
"Oh my god…"
Gasps echoed.
Everyone turned toward Freya, who had spoken aloud, her voice edged in panic.
Raelynn's eyes snapped to her sister. Freya looked stricken. In her hand, the screen of the phone glowed brightly.
It was a call.
And Freya had answered.
She walked forward, gently but urgently.
Raelynn noticed her hands trembling.
"Rae, I need you to stay calm, okay?" Freya's voice was careful, calm on the surface, but thin with tension.
Raelynn's breath hitched.
"What is it, Freya?"
Freya looked her in the eyes. Her grip on the phone was tight.
"It's Kayden," she whispered. "The hospital just called your phone."
A pause. A breath.
"Something's happened."