In the evening, Dawn clapped her hands together and called everyone to the living room.
"Okay… team," she said, hands on hips, trying to sound serious but failing a little. "Wedding planning… officially begins."
Leslie nearly jumped out of her skin with excitement. "Finally! Finally! So… what's my job? Chief snack taster?" She bounced on the couch like it was a trampoline.
Dawn laughed, her eyes twinkling. "Close… but no. Maid of honour."
Leslie gasped dramatically, clutching her chest as if Dawn had just handed her a million dollars. "Me? Me? Obviously yes! I mean obviously!"
Alex raised a brow, folding her arms. "And me? Where do I fit into all this?"
"You too," Dawn said with a wink. "Double maids of honour. I need all the help I can get… and let's be honest, you're both way too fabulous to say no."
Alex grinned. "Fine. I accept but on one condition." She leaned in conspiratorially. "I get first pick of the dress color."
"You wish!" Leslie shot back, already giggling and nudging her.
Jason crossed his arms, mock-offended. "Wow. And what about me? No role for the brother who fought your battles?"
Dawn shook her head, laughing. "Relax. You're on the VIP list… front row seats to the chaos. But the big question is; who's Adam's best man?"
Jason's ears perked, but he tried to hide his excitement behind a mock-serious glare. "Well… if the groom is smart…"
Right on cue, Adam stepped through the doorway, tall and calm as ever. "I heard that," he said smoothly. "Jason… would you stand as my best man?"
Jason practically vibrated with glee. "Absolutely. I'll even iron my own tie."
"And," Dawn added, turning to the youngest, "Princess Amy… will you be our flower girl?"
Amy clapped so hard it sounded like fireworks in the room. "Yes! I'll throw petals everywhere! Everywhere!"
Laughter bounced off the walls as everyone hugged, joked, and started tossing out ideas. Dresses, suits, playlists, the tiniest details… for a moment, the chaos felt like home. Pure family, teasing, dreaming, scheming—all rolled into one.
* * * * * *
The next day, Adam sat beside Ava, gently holding her hand. His voice was soft, almost a whisper as he told her about the proposal to Dawn. He couldn't tell if he was happy… or guilty.
His mind drifted back to that evening at the restaurant. The way the ring had sparkled in his hand. Dawn's gasp, wide-eyed, then laughter, then that tight, joyful hug that made the world feel right. He'd almost forgotten the sting of guilt… almost.
Now he sat there, quiet, praying Ava would wake, uncertain of what the future held for himself, for Dawn, for Ava.
* * * * * *
At Dawn's house, music thumped through the walls, laughter echoing around the rooms. Leslie and Jason bounced and spun like children on a holiday morning while Dawn and Alex leaned against the wall, amused and slightly exhausted.
Daphne stepped in, carrying a bottle of wine. The noise immediately spiked.
"I'm not here to ruin the party," she said, grinning, "but I might steal the soon-to-be bride for a little boutique visit."
Dawn's cheeks flushed red, and teasing erupted.
"One day! Just one day!" Leslie cried, giving her a playful side-eye. "I'll find my prince charming soon."
"You know the consequences… so don't even try," Dawn shot back, laughing.
The group piled into the car and drove to the boutique, all arguing over which dress would be perfect, which color screamed "wedding," and who was allowed to touch the sequins.
A few hours later, they arrived. The boutique was elegant, sparkling. Everyone gawked… except Daphne, whose smile faltered slightly. Dawn noticed immediately.
"You okay?" she asked softly, stepping closer.
Daphne offered a faint smile. "Yeah… yeah, I'm fine. Just… walking down memory lane."
"It's about Ava, isn't it?" Dawn said gently.
Daphne's gaze softened. "She's… she was a sweet soul. I loved her character… even before I realized how beautiful she was. Ava… she was the best."
Dawn squeezed her hand. "She'll wake up someday."
Daphne nodded, and they turned back to the dresses, searching for the one that felt… right.
When they finally finished, Dawn realized they hadn't seen Adam all afternoon.
"He's probably at the hospital," Daphne guessed.
"I'll check," Dawn said.
"He's fine," Alex teased, making everyone laugh.
"You two… keep the lovey-dovey to a minimum," Leslie said, rolling her eyes.
"Don't be jealous. Go find your own," Dawn shot back.
"For real?" Leslie perked up.
"You're excluded," Dawn warned.
"Dang it!" Leslie huffed, mock defeat.
"You're a troublesome soul—just like Adam at your age," Daphne teased.
"Really? No wonder I like him so much," Leslie quipped.
Eventually, Dawn sent everyone home. Alex carried the gown while Dawn went to the hospital with Daphne.
* * * * * *
Dawn stepped into Ava's ward as quietly as she could, careful not to wake anyone. Daphne stayed outside, giving them space. Adam was there, dozing lightly in the chair beside Ava's bed. Dawn's chest felt tight—guilt twisting like a knot. She imagined being Ava, lying there so still… it made her stomach churn.
She started to turn, thinking maybe she should just leave, when Adam's soft voice made her freeze.
"Dawn?"
She jumped slightly. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ..."
"You didn't wake me," he said, his voice low, calm. "I just… felt you here." A faint smile tugged at his lips.
"Are you okay?" she asked, stepping closer.
"Yeah… I'm okay." He shifted, running a hand through his hair. "I came to tell Ava… about our marriage."
"And?" Dawn asked, curiosity pricking at her.
"There's no… and," he said, shrugging like it was nothing.
"What do you think she'd feel?" she pressed, a little nervous.
"I don't know," he admitted. "But I do know this… I'm making no mistake."
Dawn let out a small, shaky breath, relief softening her face.
"Daphne's outside," she said quietly.
Adam nodded, slowly getting to his feet. He reached for her hand, and together they walked out, leaving Ava behind. The soft, steady beep of the monitor was the only sound in the room, almost comforting.
* * * * * *
Adam stood at the altar, his tux slightly tight but perfectly sharp. Black bow tie, crisp white shirt, polished shoes that gleamed under the sunlight streaming through the windows. A single white rose pinned to his lapel. His smile was wide, a little nervous maybe, but full of light. Beside him, Jason looked sharp, trying to look casual as the best man, but failing because his grin was way too big.
Leslie and Alex walked down the aisle as maids of honor, whispering and giggling, while Amy ran ahead scattering petals everywhere—some landed perfectly, some went flying. Dawn appeared last. Her gown was… wow. Satin, sheer tulle, lace tracing her neckline and sleeves, a jeweled hairpiece holding her veil in place. The skirt pooled at her feet and swept the aisle in gentle waves. She was radiant.
The priest cleared his throat, and the hush fell over the room.
"Dear friends and family, we are gathered today to witness the union of Adam Manchester and Dawn Collins…"
Adam's "I do" was firm. Dawn's followed, a little shaky, voice shimmering with happiness. They exchanged rings, sealed it with a kiss, and the room exploded into applause. Daphne wept quietly, Jason and Leslie cheered like maniacs, and Alex just stood there, mouth slightly open, speechless. Dawn blinked a few times, still trying to process it. It felt unreal. Adam felt… alive.
After greetings and hugs, they stepped into a waiting Lexus, the words "Newly Married" scribbled across the back. The drive back to the Manchester house was filled with chatter, laughter, and teasing.
"Congratulations, Dawn," Daphne said, pulling her into a tight hug.
"She took care of us… now it's our turn," Jason added, mock-serious.
"That smile better never fade," Leslie warned, wagging a finger.
"Your instructions are heard and will be carried out," Adam said with a grin, making everyone laugh—until his phone buzzed.
He answered, listened… and went silent.
"What is it?" Daphne asked, eyes wide.
"Say something, Adam," Dawn prompted, a little anxious.
Adam's face lit up, and his eyes sparkled like sunlight hitting water. "It's… Ava. She's awake."
The room went still. Absolute silence. Shock, confusion, disbelief all rolled into one wave, washing over the happy chaos that had just filled the air.