Amber had lost hope in love, but everything changes when she encounters her dad’s old buddy, Steve, at a BBQ. Their fast-paced romance quickly leads to marriage, and it all seems ideal. However, on their wedding night, Amber uncovers an alarming secret about Steve that alters everything.
I arrived at my parents’ place and gazed at the row of cars scattered across the yard.
“What’s going on here?” I whispered to myself while preparing for whatever family surprise awaited me inside.
I took my purse, locked the car up tight and walked toward the house hoping it wasn’t too wild.
As soon as I opened the door, the aroma of grilled food hit me along with my dad’s loud laughter. I stepped into the living room and peeked out back.
Of course Dad was throwing some kind of last-minute BBQ. The entire backyard was packed with people from his auto repair shop mostly.
“Amber!” Dad called out as he flipped a burger wearing that same apron he’s had forever. “Come on over! Grab a drink and join us; it’s just work buddies.”
I tried not to roll my eyes. “Looks like everyone is here,” I mumbled while taking off my shoes.
Before I could dive into that familiar chaos, someone rang the doorbell. Dad dropped his spatula and wiped his hands on his apron.
“That must be Steve,” he said quietly to himself before looking at me as he reached for the doorknob. “You haven’t met him yet?”
Before I could respond, Dad swung open the door wide.
“Steve!” he shouted happily giving him a hearty pat on the back. “Come in! You’re right on time! Oh yeah meet my daughter Amber.”
I looked up and felt my heart race unexpectedly.
Steve stood tall with a rugged charm; graying hair framed warm deep eyes that seemed inviting yet mysterious. He smiled at me causing an odd flutter in my chest which caught me off guard!
“Nice meeting you Amber,” he said extending his hand towards mine.
His voice was calm & steady; I shook his hand feeling slightly awkward after driving for so long!
“Nice meeting you too.”
From then onwards I couldn’t help but steal glances at him; he had this way of making everyone feel relaxed by listening more than talking! Even though i tried focusing elsewhere every time our eyes connected there was this undeniable pull between us!
It felt silly since love hadn’t crossed my mind in ages—not after all I’d been through lately…
I’d pretty much given up searching for “the one,” concentrating instead on work & family matters but something about Steve made me rethink things even if admitting it scared me!
As evening approached finally saying goodbye felt tough before heading back to my car only for it not starting when i tried turning it over…
“Oh great,” i groaned slumping down into seat considering asking dad for help until suddenly there came a knock against window…
It was Steve again!
“Car issues?” He asked cheerfully like this happened daily or something…
I sighed heavily saying “Yeah won’t start…was gonna get dad but…”
“No worries let me check it out” He offered rolling sleeves up already readying himself
Watching him work made time fly by—his hands moved skillfully until within minutes engine roared back alive without even realizing how tense I’d been till now exhaling deeply
“There ya go” He said wiping hands clean with rag smiling brightly now .
Feeling genuinely thankful ,i replied ,”Thanks steve guess owe you one.”He shrugged and gave me a look that made my stomach twist. “How about dinner? We can call it even.”
I paused for a moment. Dinner? Was he asking me out?
I felt that familiar flicker of doubt, the little voice in my head reminding me of all the reasons I shouldn’t say yes. But something in Steve’s eyes made me want to take the risk.
“Yeah, dinner sounds great.”
And just like that, I said yes. I never would’ve thought then that Steve was exactly the guy I needed to mend my broken heart… or how much he’d hurt me later.
Six months later, I stood in front of the mirror in my old bedroom, looking at myself in a wedding dress. It felt unreal honestly. After everything I’d gone through, I didn’t think this day would ever happen.
I was 39 years old and had given up on fairy tales but here I was — about to marry Steve.
The wedding was small with just close family and some friends; exactly what we wanted.
I remember standing at the altar looking into Steve’s eyes and feeling this huge sense of peace. For once in a long time, I wasn’t second-guessing anything.
“I do,” I whispered trying not to let tears fall over.
“I do,” Steve replied back with his voice thick with emotion.
And just like that we became husband and wife.
That night after all the hugs and congratulations we finally got some alone time. Steve’s house—our house now—was quiet; it still felt new to me. I went into the bathroom to change into something more comfy feeling light-hearted inside.
But as soon as I walked back into our bedroom, an unexpected sight greeted me.
Steve sat on the edge of bed talking softly to someone… someone who wasn’t there!
My heart skipped a beat.
“I wanted you to see this Stace. Today was perfect… wish you could’ve been here.” His voice sounded soft full of feelings.
I stood frozen at doorway trying hard to understand what was happening.
“Steve?” My voice came out small unsure.
He turned slowly guilt flashing across his face.
“Amber, I—”
I stepped closer; air between us heavy with unspoken words “Who… who were you talking too?”
He took a deep breath shoulders slumping down “I was talking to Stacy… My daughter.”
I stared at him letting his words sink in slowly He’d told me he had a daughter who died but didn’t know about… this part.
“She died in an accident with her mom,” he continued strained “But sometimes talk her… sounds crazy but feel she’s still here especially today wanted her know about you how happy am.”
I didn’t know what say next My chest felt tight couldn’t catch breath His grief raw living thing between us making everything feel heavy.
But instead fear or anger Just sadness Sad for him for everything lost way carrying alone Grief hurt like it were mine.
Sitting beside him hand finding his “Get it” said softly “You’re not crazy You’re grieving.”
He let out shaky breath looking vulnerable nearly breaking my heart “Sorry should’ve told sooner didn’t want scare away.”
“You’re not scaring away,” squeezed hand “We all have things haunt us But together now can carry this.”
Steve’s eyes filled tears pulled him into hug feeling weight pain love fear wrapped up moment.
“Maybe talk someone therapist doesn’t have be just you Stacy anymore.”
He nodded against shoulder grip tightening “Thought about it Just didn’t know start Thank you understanding Amber needed this.”
Pulled back enough look him eyes heart swelling deeper love than ever known “We’ll figure out together.”
As kissed knew we would We weren’t perfect but real first time felt enough.
That’s thing love isn’t? Not finding perfect person without scars; it’s finding someone whose scars you’re willing share
