Natalia had barely taken in her first sip of coffee when Naomi, Galina, and Almia showed up at her house, all wearing excited grins that told her she had no choice but to go along with whatever they had planned.

"What's going on?" Natalia asked, raising a brow as she held Malakai on her hip.

Naomi smirked, stepping inside without hesitation. "Girl, you're engaged now, which means it's time for wedding things."

Galina nodded, flashing a knowing smile. "And since the guys are busy, we figured it's the perfect time for some girl time-shopping, lunch, the works."

Almia clapped her hands together. "We already got Joelle with us too. She's been talking non-stop about helping you pick out stuff."

Right on cue, Joelle peeked around Galina with a bright smile. "Auntie Nati, you have to try on dresses today!"

Natalia blinked, overwhelmed but laughing. "Wait-dresses? I don't even know what kind of wedding we're having yet!"

Naomi waved a hand. "Doesn't matter. We're just getting ideas today. You can't say no."

Natalia looked at Malakai, who was giggling at all the excitement. She sighed playfully. "I see I don't have a choice, huh?"

"Nope," Almia said with a grin, grabbing her hand. "Now, let's go!"

A few hours later, they were at one of the top bridal boutiques in the city, champagne in hand (except Joelle, who had a fancy sparkling cider) as Natalia stood in front of a row of stunning wedding gowns.

"This is insane," Natalia murmured, running her fingers over the fabric of a lace gown.

Naomi grinned. "Girl, just wait 'til you try them on."

Joelle was already flipping through dresses, her eyes wide with excitement. "Auntie Nati, what kind of dress do you want? A big princess one or something tight like the models wear?"

Natalia laughed. "I have no idea. I've never really thought about it."

Galina smiled knowingly. "That's what today is for. Just try different styles and see what you like."

With that, the consultant led Natalia to the dressing room, and the fun began.

First was a classic ballgown, full and dramatic.

"Absolutely not," Natalia said, staring at herself in the mirror.

Naomi stifled a laugh. "Yeah, you look like you're drowning in fabric."

Next was a sleek, satin mermaid dress that hugged every curve.

Almia whistled. "Now that's a dress."

Joelle nodded excitedly. "Uncle Jey would love that one."

Natalia felt her face heat up. "Okay, next one."

The third dress was a delicate, off-the-shoulder gown with intricate lace detailing. The moment she saw herself in it, something shifted.

Galina noticed first. "Oh... you like this one."

Natalia bit her lip, running her hands down the fabric. "I... I think I do."

Naomi smiled, walking up to her. "It's you, Nati."

Natalia took a deep breath, a small smile forming. "I'm not saying yes yet... but I think we're getting close."

The women cheered, already planning the next steps, and as Natalia looked at her reflection, she realized-

This was real.

She was getting married.

And for the first time, it really felt like it.