The car ride to the venue was quiet, but the energy inside was anything but calm. Isabella sat in the backseat with Joelle, her fingers absentmindedly tracing over the lace of her wedding dress as she stared out the window. Her heart pounded in her chest, the weight of the moment settling in.

Jey sat in the front passenger seat, occasionally glancing back at her through the rearview mirror. "You good back there, Isa?"

She exhaled deeply, offering him a small smile. "Yeah. Just... nervous."

Naomi, who was driving, grinned. "Nervous is normal. But I've never seen you more sure about something in your life."

Joelle squeezed her mother's hand. "Daddy's gonna cry when he sees you."

Isabella laughed, imagining the moment. Roman wasn't the type to get overly emotional in front of a crowd, but she had seen the way his eyes softened when he looked at her-how they lit up when she walked into a room.

The venue came into view, and Isabella felt her breath hitch. The beachfront resort was stunning, the setting sun casting golden hues over the ocean. The ceremony space was set up on the sand, with rows of white chairs facing a floral arch where Roman would be waiting for her. Guests were already arriving, dressed in elegant attire, the excitement evident in their expressions.

As Naomi pulled up to the entrance, a wedding coordinator rushed over to open Isabella's door. "We're all set," she said brightly. "Everyone's in place, and the groom is waiting."

Jey stepped out first, adjusting his suit before offering a hand to Isabella. She took it, carefully stepping out of the car as her dress cascaded behind her.

The moment she stood on solid ground, a wave of emotion hit her. This was it.

Naomi handed her the bouquet, squeezing her hand. "You got this."

Joelle grinned up at her. "You look so pretty, Mommy."

Isabella smiled through the lump in her throat. "Thank you, baby."

The coordinator ushered Naomi and Joelle ahead to take their places in the processional. As they disappeared, Isabella turned to Jey, taking a deep breath. "Still with me?"

Jey smirked, offering his arm. "All the way down that aisle."

With one final breath, Isabella looped her arm through his, holding her bouquet tightly in her free hand.

As the music started and the doors opened, she took her first step forward-toward Roman, toward forever.