The garden had been transformed. Streamers of pink, blue, and green ribbon adorned the hedges, and a makeshift aisle, lined with potted flowers, led to a small arch decorated with more ribbons. The “guests” — Ash, Misty, Brock, Drew, and May — sat awkwardly on folding chairs, whispering to each other.

“Are they really doing this?” May asked Drew.

“I think they don’t have a choice,” Drew whispered back, smirking.

“Quiet!” Mia said, clapping her hands. “The bride and groom are coming!”

Dawn and Kenny were ushered out by Avery, who was beaming with pride. Kenny tugged at his vest, shooting an exasperated look at Dawn, who was trying not to trip on the hem of her dress.

“I look ridiculous,” Kenny muttered under his breath.

“Tell me about it,” Dawn hissed back, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Mia stood at the arch, a tablet in her hands. “Alright, everyone, settle down. We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of my Aunt Dawn and Uncle Kenny!”

“Mia,” Dawn began, her voice strained, “I really don’t think—”

“Shh!” Mia snapped. “This is a sacred ceremony. You don’t interrupt the officiant.”

Dawn groaned and pinched the bridge of her nose. Kenny just sighed, clearly resigned to his fate.

“Avery, bring the vows!” Mia commanded. Avery toddled over, holding a folded piece of paper. Mia took it and unfolded it dramatically. “Now, Uncle Kenny, you will read your vows to Aunt Dawn. And you better mean it!”

Kenny’s face turned bright red. “You want me to read this?” he asked, staring at the paper.

“Yes,” Mia said, tapping her foot. “Do it!”

Reluctantly, Kenny cleared his throat. “Uh… Dawn. From the moment we met, your smile lit up my life like a beacon in the darkest night. Your kindness, your beauty, and your strength inspire me every day. I can’t imagine a world without you by my side. You are my star, my anchor, my everything.”

The silence that followed was deafening. Dawn’s mouth hung open, and Ash let out a loud, “Whoa!” before Misty elbowed him in the ribs.

“Uh… wow,” Dawn managed, her face burning.

“Your turn!” Mia declared, shoving another paper into Dawn’s hands.

“No way,” Dawn protested, holding it at arm’s length.

“Do it, or I’ll tell Grandma you let me eat candy for dinner,” Mia threatened.

Dawn scowled but began to read. “Kenny… You’ve always been my rock, even when I didn’t realize I needed one. Your laughter, your loyalty, and your incredibly annoying jokes make life brighter. You see me for who I am and somehow still care. If I were to spend my life with anyone, I’d… I’d want it to be you.”

Dawn slapped the paper down and crossed her arms, avoiding Kenny’s gaze. His ears were as red as a Cheri Berry.

“This is so weird,” he muttered.

“Now for the rings!” Mia announced. She held up a velvet box, opening it to reveal two gold bands. “I borrowed these from Mom’s jewelry box. She won’t mind.”

Dawn and Kenny exchanged horrified looks but allowed Mia to slip the rings into their hands.

“Now, say the words. ‘I do,’” Mia instructed, her tone leaving no room for argument.

“I do,” Kenny mumbled, looking anywhere but at Dawn.

“Yeah, whatever. I do,” Dawn muttered back.

“Good! Now, you may kiss the bride!” Mia said, clapping her hands together.

“Absolutely not!” Dawn and Kenny yelled in unison.

“You have to!” Avery piped up, jumping up and down. “Mommy says that’s how weddings end!”

“No way,” Kenny said, stepping back.

“Do it!” Avery insisted, tears forming in her eyes. “Or I’ll cry!”

Kenny groaned and turned to Dawn. “Let’s just… get this over with.”

“Fine,” Dawn grumbled. “But don’t you dare enjoy this.”

With exaggerated reluctance, they leaned in and gave the world’s most awkward, half-second kiss. The kids cheered wildly, and Ash let out a wolf whistle before Misty smacked him again.

“Great! You’re married now!” Mia declared, throwing flower petals into the air. “You’re welcome!”

Dawn and Kenny glared at each other before turning to Mia, who was beaming with pride. The “guests” were still clapping, unsure of what else to do.

“This is your fault,” Dawn whispered to Kenny.

“My fault?” Kenny whispered back. “You’re the one who’s their favorite aunt!”

They both groaned as Mia ran up to them, hugging their legs. “This was the best day ever!” she exclaimed.

“For you, maybe,” Kenny muttered.