As the evening wore on and the sun dipped lower in the sky, the air grew cooler, and the sounds of laughter and conversation filled the backyard of Jimmy and Naomi's house. The kids continued to play, their joyful noises carrying in the breeze, while the adults enjoyed the warmth of the fire pit, with the glow from the flames casting flickering shadows across the group.

Isabella stood next to Naomi by the fire, her heart full as she looked around at the family gathered together. This was what she'd always wanted: a strong, loving support system for her children, for herself, and now for Roman. The warmth of the fire mirrored the warmth she felt inside, especially now that she was more than just a part of this family-she was about to become even more a part of it.

She looked over at Naomi, who had been her closest confidante through everything. From the tough times to the good times, Naomi had been by her side, and now, with the engagement bringing everything full circle, Isabella knew it was time to ask Naomi the most important question she had in mind.

"Naomi, can we talk for a second?" Isabella asked, her voice soft but filled with purpose.

Naomi turned, surprised by the tone in Isabella's voice. "Of course, what's up?" She motioned toward the quiet corner of the yard where they could talk without interrupting the festivities. "Let's sit down."

The two women moved to a more secluded spot, still able to hear the sounds of the kids running around in the background. Naomi looked over at her friend, waiting for her to speak, sensing that something significant was coming.

Isabella took a deep breath before speaking, the words coming easier than she had anticipated. "You know, I've been thinking a lot about this wedding, and I know we've got a lot of things to figure out, but there's one thing that I've been certain about."

Naomi tilted her head slightly, intrigued. "What's that?"

"I can't imagine going through this whole thing without you by my side," Isabella said, her voice thick with emotion. "I want you to be my maid of honor, Naomi. You've been there for me through everything, and I can't think of anyone else who deserves that role more than you."

Naomi's eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, she didn't speak, her mind taking a second to process the request. Then, her face softened, a smile forming as she blinked back tears. "Isa... I don't even know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything if you don't want to," Isabella said with a laugh, feeling a bit nervous, though she knew the answer in her heart. "But I wanted you to know that you mean so much to me, and having you as my maid of honor would just make this whole thing feel complete."

Naomi stood up from where they had sat, walking over to Isabella and pulling her into a tight hug. "Of course, Isa. Of course I'll do it," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "I'm so proud of you. You've come so far, and I can't wait to see you and Roman get married. You're a part of this family now, and it's my honor to stand by you."

Isabella squeezed Naomi tightly, feeling a surge of relief and happiness. "Thank you. You're my sister, Naomi. You've always been."

As they pulled apart, both women shared a smile, the weight of the moment sinking in. Isabella's eyes glistened with tears of joy, her heart fuller than it had been in years. With Naomi by her side as her maid of honor, she felt like she could take on anything. The wedding planning, the challenges that still lay ahead, and even the uncertainties of life - she knew with this family around her, they could face it all.

"We've got a lot to plan, haven't we?" Naomi said, the teasing tone returning as she wiped a tear from her cheek.

Isabella laughed, her smile brighter than ever. "Oh, you have no idea. But I'm so glad you'll be with me every step of the way."

"You don't have to ask me twice," Naomi replied, nudging her friend playfully.

The two women walked back toward the fire, their bond strengthened by this simple yet profound exchange. As they rejoined the group, Isabella couldn't help but glance over at Roman, who was talking to Jey, and her heart swelled with love. She had found her home here, not just with Roman but with his entire family, and now, more than ever, it felt like everything was falling into place.

The night carried on with more laughter, more food, and more memories made. But for Isabella, one moment stood out above the rest. The simple request she had made of Naomi - to be her maid of honor - had solidified not only her place in Roman's world but her place in this family. And as the stars twinkled above them, she couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for everything she had gained, for the love she had found, and for the family that had embraced her and her children with open arms.

This was just the beginning, and Isabella couldn't wait to see what the future held.