══════ஓ๑❀*̥๑ஓ══════

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐎𝐅𝐓 𝐓𝐔𝐍𝐄 of George Jones and Tammy Wynette's When True Love Steps In drifted through the room as Stella sat at her mother's vanity. Her hands moved with delicate precision, applying the last touch of blush. She turned her head, eyes catching the framed photo of her mother. A tender smile spread across her lips before she exhaled softly and returned to her work.

A gentle knock interrupted.

"Come in," she said in her warm, steady voice.

"Hi, honey." Janette stepped inside with Abilene and Kellie, the latter carefully holding a garment bag. Janette's eyes shone with pride. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you, guys." Stella rose gracefully, embracing each of her grandmothers. Her gaze fell on the bag. "What's that?"

Kellie unzipped it with reverence, revealing an ivory silk mini dress, high-collared with baby blue ribbons and trim. "This was your mama's wedding dress. It was her dream to see you wear it."

Stella's breath caught. Her fingers skimmed the fabric. "It's gorgeous. But I don't even know if it'll fit me—with my bump and all." She chuckled softly.

"Just try it on, honey," Janette encouraged. "You might be surprised."

With careful hands, Stella slipped into the dress. To her amazement, it hugged her frame perfectly. It felt as though Ava herself had guided every stitch.

"You're so beautiful, honey." Janette's voice cracked as she embraced her granddaughter.

"Thanks, Grandma." Stella's own eyes shimmered.

"Your mom would be so proud of you," Abilene whispered, beginning to weave through Stella's hair.

Stella glanced at the photo. "I wish she was here."

"Me too, darling. More than you'll ever know." Abilene pressed a kiss to her temple.

The door swung open, and in swept Lori, Kara, Amy, and April—glamour trailing behind them like perfume.

"Sorry we're late," Lori said. She stopped short, hand to her chest. "Oh. My. God. Stella, you look absolutely stunning. Like... princess-core perfection. How do you feel, babe? You ready to lock it down?"

"What if Johnny backs out?" Stella's nerves spilled out as Abilene stepped aside, letting Lori take over her hair.

"Sweetheart, please," Kara chimed in, smoothing her chic navy scrubs like a Hilton at a photo call. "Johnny would sooner walk through fire barefoot than ditch you. You've got him wrapped." She smirked knowingly.

Amy leaned against the vanity, her gaze thoughtful. "Nerves are normal. It just means this is real. You love him, and he loves you. That's all that matters."

April added brightly, "Johnny's not about to let that crowd down."

Lori twisted the last ribbon into Stella's bun, flowers nestled delicately. "What do you think?" she asked, stepping back with a satisfied grin.

"I love it, hon." Stella's smile lit up the room. "It's perfect."

The women finished their own hair and makeup, dresses shimmering into place. A knock came. Kellie opened the door to Nathan.

"Hey, honey." Nathan's voice carried his rugged warmth as he stepped in. His eyes softened at the sight of his daughter. "You look beautiful."

"Thanks, Daddy." Stella's voice caught slightly.

"You know, we'll see y'all out there," Lori winked, shepherding the others out with a little flourish.

When the door closed, quiet settled. Nathan sat beside Stella on the bed. "How are you feeling, hon?"

"I'm nervous... and excited at the same time."

"That's natural." His eyes brimmed with unspoken weight. "Your mother would have been so proud of you."

Stella gave a watery smile. "I wish she was here."

"She's here, honey." Nathan wrapped her close in his steady arms. "That little voice inside you—that's her. She's with you, every step."

Stella pressed a kiss to his cheek, then touched the photo of her mother gently. "Yeah. I'm ready."

She rose, taking one last look in the mirror. Nathan stood back, hands resting on his hips, his proud, rugged features softening. His daughter was no longer just his little girl—she was about to start a family of her own.

   ･ ⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･

The ranch had been transformed into something out of a dream. White roses lined the wooden pews, soft ribbons danced in the breeze, and the late afternoon sun bathed the whole scene in a golden glow.

At the end of the aisle, Johnny Lawrence stood tall, sharp in his black suit, his jaw tight, his hands clasped behind his back. He wasn't one for frills or fairy tales, but damn if this moment didn't feel like one. To his right stood Robby, August, Bobby, Clay, and Jimmy—his best men. Across from them, Stella's maids of honor—Lori, Kara, Amy, and April—looked radiant in their gowns, a living frame for the bride about to appear.

The music swelled.

Nathan appeared, his arm steadying Stella. She moved with regal grace, ivory silk flowing around her like a whisper. Her smile trembled at first, nerves flickering across her delicate features, but when her eyes met Johnny's, the fear melted away. She felt the baby shift inside her—almost as if reminding her she wasn't walking toward this life alone.

At the altar, Nathan's embrace lingered longer than anyone expected. He held her tightly, reluctant to let go, his voice caught in his chest. Finally, with a kiss to her cheek, he placed Stella's hand into Johnny's calloused one. The exchange was silent, but it said everything—Take care of my little girl.

Johnny gave the faintest nod, gripping her hand with a protective certainty.

The preacher, a longtime family friend, began the ceremony, his familiar voice grounding the moment. Soon, it was time for the vows.

Johnny swallowed hard. He'd rehearsed, but the words still hit him raw. "Stella Walker, I've been in love with you since I first saw you with August at my apartment complex, and you mouthed off to me. I knew right away—you were something special."

Stella's eyes shimmered, tears already threatening.

"Stella, when I first met you, I was down on my luck. Working odd jobs, just trying to make ends meet. Then I opened Cobra Kai, and—yeah—that was a mistake, I know that. But what wasn't a mistake... was training your brother. Because it meant I could see you." His voice cracked for a moment, the tough mask slipping only for her.

"Stella, you've changed the way I think about love. I know things might not be easy, but no take backs now. You're stuck with me. For good. I promise I'll encourage you, trust you, respect you. I'll be the father that our baby and Robby deserve. So today, in front of everyone here, I pledge myself only to you. I love you, Stella Blue."

Stella pressed trembling fingers to her cheeks, catching the tears as she began her vows. Her voice was soft but steady, filled with quiet dignity.

"Johnny, I have been in love with you since the night I came home crying after those mean girls tormented me about my mother. I knew right then, there was a side of you that no one else had seen before. I saw it again when you helped my brother after his accident at the high school and you helped him walk again." She paused to wipe her tears, her lips curving into a fragile smile.

"After my mother died, I was angry. I was lost and broken. I found no point in life anymore. But then you came along. Rude, and grumpy. You annoyed the hell out of me. But then... you grew on me." Her voice warmed with love. "As I got to know you, I remembered my mother's words: the heart knows what it wants and whom it wants. So, my heart will always belong to you. You gave my life meaning and purpose again. I love you, my Johnny."

The preacher continued, his words solemn and steady. "Do you, John Lawrence, take Stella Walker to be your wife? To have and to hold, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, from this day forward, until death do you part?"

"I do." Johnny's answer came quick, confident, his mouth pulling into a small smile meant only for Stella.

"And do you, Stella Walker, take John Lawrence to be your husband? To have and to hold, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, from this day forward, until death do you part?"

"I do." Stella's smile was soft, luminous, tears glittering like jewels.

The rings were exchanged—Bobby pressing the band into Johnny's palm, Johnny sliding it gently onto Stella's finger. When it was her turn, Lori stepped forward with a quiet grin, handing the ribbon-tied ring to Stella, who placed it on Johnny's hand with tender precision.

The preacher lifted his hands in closing.
"By the power vested in me by the great Lone Star State of Texas, it is my honor to pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your beautiful bride."

Johnny didn't hesitate. He pulled her closer, his voice a rough whisper meant only for her. "I love you, princess."

"Not as much as I love you, Johnny."

Their lips met in a sweet, lingering kiss, the perfect blend of tenderness and fire. Applause erupted as the congregation rose to their feet, the barn filled with joy.

Johnny and Stella Lawrence—husband and wife at last.

   ･ ⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･

The barn glowed with warm string lights, mason jars of wildflowers lining the tables, and the hum of laughter and chatter filling the space. Fiddles and guitars struck up lively tunes, the sound carrying over the hay-scented air. It wasn't just a wedding reception—it was a celebration stitched with family, grit, and Texas charm.

On the dance floor, Johnny held Stella close, his hand steady at her back, his forehead brushing hers. For all his rough edges, the way he looked at her was nothing short of reverence.

"Stella, I meant what I said in my vows," Johnny murmured, his voice low, raw. "I'm gonna be the father that Montana and Robby deserve."

Stella's lips curved into a soft, radiant smile. She kissed his chin with her usual grace, like every gesture was an act of love. "I know that, honey. You already are. I have no doubt in my mind how amazing you're going to be."

Johnny let out a breath, his grip tightening protectively around her. "Thank you... for taking a chance on me. I know I was a hard-ass. And I know I was—"

"Well, I had to think of you as an onion," Stella teased gently, eyes sparkling. "You had layers. Many layers to peel through. But once I found your soft side, you weren't so bad."

Johnny huffed a laugh. "Did you just compare me to an onion?"

"What?" Stella broke into laughter, her hand resting over his heart.

Their lips met in a tender kiss before they leaned together, foreheads touching, sealed in their own quiet world despite the crowd around them.

Across the floor, Stella spotted Robby. He stood a little apart, awkward but hopeful, working up the courage to talk to a pretty brunette in a turquoise dress.

"Hi. I'm Robby," he said, his voice carrying that shy edge.

"Hi. I'm Hailey. Hailey Kinsel." She smiled, her cheeks tinged pink.

Robby scratched the back of his neck. "Would you, uh... would you like to dance? That is, if you're not here with anyone."

"No, I'm not with anyone—just my friends. And yes, I'd love to dance with you."

They stepped out onto the floor, moving shyly at first. Stella watched with softness in her gaze, while Johnny smirked with a quiet sort of pride.

"So, uh, I've never seen you around here before," Hailey said as they moved together.

"Yeah, I'm originally from the San Fernando Valley," Robby explained. "I moved here with my dad."

"Congratulations to him and Stella," Hailey said warmly.

"I'll tell them," Robby said, smiling for real now.

As the music carried them along, they opened up.

"The guy's an idiot for letting you go," Robby said when Hailey admitted she'd just come out of a breakup.

Hailey laughed, rolling her eyes. "Ah, thanks. He was a handful—but most bull riders are. It didn't help that he was a two-time world champion who thought he hung the moon."

"Yeah. Hate people like that," Robby agreed, a dry smirk tugging at his lips.

"Anyway, tell me about you. What happened with your girlfriend?" Hailey asked gently.

Robby sighed. "Well... there's this karate dojo, Cobra Kai. My dad was its top student back in the '80s. He brought it back, but then his old sensei took it over. Brought back some war buddy too—after cheating at the All Valley tournament, they started expanding dojos everywhere. My ex wouldn't leave Cobra Kai behind."

Hailey's brows rose. "My God, I'm so sorry. I've seen stuff about Cobra Kai on Instagram, but I never knew what it was all about."

"Yeah." Robby shrugged, then his tone softened. "Listen... I'd really like to get to know you. You seem really cool. Would you like to exchange numbers?"

"Sure." Hailey smiled, pulling her phone from her clutch. She handed it to him, and Robby typed in his number. She sent him a quick hello, and he saved hers in return. Both of them grinned, bashful but excited.

Suddenly, the DJ's voice cut through: "Alright folks, let's turn it up a notch! Here's one for the dancers—When Will I Be Loved by Vince Gill and Karla Bonoff!"

The barn erupted with cheers as the opening chords struck.

Nathan slapped August on the back, and Clay tipped back his hat. Together, the three men tossed their cowboy hats high into the air with a loud, "YEE-HAW!" They caught them.

Laughter filled the barn as Nathan, August, and Clay climbed up onto the stage. In perfect sync, they broke into the famous line dance from 8 Seconds, boots stomping, hips snapping, hands clapping to the beat. The crowd went wild.

Stella's eyes sparkled as she tugged Johnny toward the floor.

"C'mon," she teased, though her bump showed beneath her dress. "I'll show you how it's done."

"Babe, I don't line dance," Johnny grumbled

"You do tonight." Stella's grace made it sound less like a challenge and more like destiny. She placed his hands, guided his steps, her laughter tinkling like music itself.

Meanwhile, Hailey grabbed Robby's hand. "Here—watch me." She spun him playfully, showing him the steps, and his laughter finally loosened.

For one golden moment, under the string lights and country music, everyone—family, friends, old warriors and new loves—moved together in joy.

Johnny kept his eyes on Stella the whole time, her glow outshining everything else. For all his roughness, his smirk gave him away: she was his whole world.

After the dancing wound down, laughter still echoing off the barn beams, it was time for the cake. The towering confection—a coconut cake shaped like a horseshoe, dusted with sugar pearls and soft white blooms—stood waiting.

With Johnny's hand steady over hers, the two of them cut the first slice together. Stella's eyes sparkled as she lifted a forkful and offered it to him with gentle poise. He grinned, took the bite, and then returned the favor. The cake was as good as it looked—sweet, rich, and celebratory.

Days earlier, Stella had warned him firmly, her hand on his chest: "Don't you dare smash it in my face." And Johnny, in that rare way he reserved only for her, had promised on his honor he wouldn't. Tonight, he stood true to his word, feeding her carefully, his eyes softened in a way that made her blush.

After cake and more mingling, the crowd spilled outside beneath the starlit sky for the bouquet toss. A shower of rose petals rained over the guests as Stella, radiant in her gown, held the bouquet aloft. With a graceful arc, she tossed it behind her.

Lori's delighted squeal broke the air as she caught it, holding the flowers high. Carter leaned in, kissing her cheek as everyone erupted in cheers and laughter.

Stella and Johnny waved at their family and friends, their smiles wide as they walked toward Nathan's old Chevy, which had been decked out in "Just Married" style—streamers, tin cans, ribbons, and a wreath of fresh flowers tied to the grill.

Hand in hand, they climbed into the truck. As Johnny started the engine, Stella twisted in her seat, her arm out the window, waving one last goodbye to the family and friends who had cheered them into this new chapter.

The road home was quiet, just the hum of the Chevy and the steady beat of Johnny's hand resting over hers. When they finally pulled up to the house, the porch light glowed warmly, like it had been waiting for them all along.

Johnny climbed out, walked around to her side, and opened the door. He didn't hesitate—he scooped her up effortlessly, carrying her in his arms like she weighed nothing.

At the door, Stella slipped the key into the lock, and Johnny shouldered it open. His voice was low, rough, but threaded with devotion as he crossed the threshold with her.

"Welcome home, Mrs. Lawrence."

The door clicked shut behind them with the press of Johnny's boot, sealing their first night as husband and wife.