Lily POV

The weekend's over, and I've decided to head back to Harrington. Finn wasn't exactly thrilled that I didn't return with him, but we're taking things one step at a time. Gone are the days of imagining some epic, all-consuming love. Reality has a way of humbling you.

"Lily!" Jen's voice bursts through the air as she practically sprints to the door, greeting me with a huge smile. Her excitement is contagious as she waves me inside, eyes wide with surprise. "Back already? I thought you'd stay longer!"

I laugh as I hug her tightly. "Yeah, I am. I had a special visitor." My eyebrows lift teasingly.

"Ooh, who was it?" Jen looks arounds acting confused.

We stroll to the living room. "What visitor?" Kam asks, poking her head out from the kitchen where she's stirring a pot. She abandons the stove, wiping her hands on her apron, and joins us in the living room, looking intrigued.

"Finn visited our dear friend at her house," Jen says with a casual shrug,

Kam furrows her brow. "You cracked?" she asks, tilting her head in confusion.

I raise my eyebrows in equal confusion. "What do you mean?"

Kam turns to me, smiling. "Shawn called me a couple of days ago asking where you were, and I told him that I'd withhold sex if he asked that again, then hung up," she says bursting into laughter.

"There's no way on God's green earth you'd go through with that" I reply laughing.

"I know that ... you know that... Shawn does not know that" Kam replies still laughing then turns to Jen. "So..."

"Well... Kai called, and I said no initially," Jen starts, leaning back and crossing her arms with a dramatic flair, "but he agreed to try the sex position I'd been bugging him about and the cosplay. How could I say no?"

"Fuck off," I lean in closer, eyes wide with disbelief. I mean Finn said so, but I'm curious "Did he actually do it" I ask, I ask, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

"Oh yes," Jen says, fanning herself dramatically and letting out a loud, fake moan, making us all burst into laughter.

Kam's eyes widen with realization, and she claps a hand to her mouth. "Jesus, Jen, was that you two nights ago?" she exclaims, her jaw dropping.

Jen smiles sheepishly, her cheeks turning a slight shade of pink. "That's a story for another day," she says, waving it off. She looks back at me, her eyes narrowing with interest. "So ... how was the conversation with Finn?"

Kam leans forward, her hands clasped together eagerly, both of them staring at me expectantly.

"Well ... we go back together." I whisper, blushing furiously, unable to hide the huge smile spreading across my face.

Suddenly, Kam bursts out laughing, causing me to look at her, confused.

"I'm sorry," Kam continues laughing, "All of this dramatics only to get back with him? Girl, don't insult Jen again."

Jen chuckles, shaking her head. "Hey, if you're happy, then I'm happy."

Kam nods, still smiling but with a protective glint in her eye. "Just remember, if he messes up again, we'll be ready." She punctuates her words with a playful but firm punch to her palm.

I smile at both of them. "Thanks, you two. What would I do without you."

"Crash and burn" Jen and Kam say in unison causing us to all laugh.

As I laugh, I feel a wave of relief I haven't felt in weeks, like a weight has been taken off my shoulders.

******
A few days slip by, and I find myself at Finn's dad's house for the wedding, set to take place in the garden. When we arrived, Joanne was beyond thrilled I came, and I just smiled, trying to stay cool amidst the whirlwind of excitement.

"I missed you," Finn says, snuggling up against my side on his bed.

"I was literally just in the bathroom," I laugh, shaking my head.

"Yeah, but you were gone forever," he teases, making my cheeks heat up with embarrassment. "Not that I'm complaining..."

Before he can finish, I slap my hand over his mouth. "Not. Another. Word. Brookes," I warn, my face on fire as he laughs beneath my hand.

We'd ordered takeout last night from this cozy Italian spot. Finn, smart as always, went for lasagna, and I, despite my better judgment, chose spaghetti bolognese. His lasagna looked way better than mine, and even though I know I'm lactose intolerant, I couldn't help but sneak a few bites. Finn warned me—seriously, he did—but I ignored him. Now, after three trips to the bathroom, I'm definitely paying the price.

"C'mon, let's get ready," Finn says, flipping us over so he's hovering above me. He plants a quick kiss on my forehead, mischief dancing in his eyes. "Unless you need the bathroom again?" he smirks.

"Not funny, Finn," I groan, pushing him off me playfully. He rolls to the side, laughing, while I seize the opportunity to slide off the bed.

"Okay, okay, I'll stop," he chuckles. "But seriously, we need to get moving. The ceremony starts in an hour."

I pout, crossing my arms, throwing him my best annoyed look. "You're a jerk."

His laughter softens into a smile as he gets up and comes closer, cupping my face in his hands. "Aw, don't pout," he says gently. "You know I love you, right?"

I nod, still pouting, but my annoyance is slipping. Finn leans in, his lips brushing mine in a soft, lingering kiss. The irritation melts away.

"Better?" he murmurs against my lips.

"Maybe, lovebug," I whisper, hoping he didn't catch the nickname, but a smile sneaks onto my face. He really is just too damn loveable. "But you're still on thin ice, Brookes."

He raises an eyebrow, grinning. "Wait, did you just call me 'lovebug'?"

I freeze for a second, cheeks warming. "Maybe," I mutter, trying to brush it off casually.

He laughs, eyes twinkling. "Lovebug, huh? Where did that come from?"

I shrug, suddenly feeling shy. "You're just so... lovable. It seemed fitting."

His grin widens. "I like it. Lovebug. It's cute." He pulls me into a tight hug, whispering in my ear, "Your lovebug loves you very much."

I push him playfully. "Alright, alright, let's go. We can't be late."

He grins, hopping off the bed and offering me a hand. We scramble to our feet, and I head to the closet, pulling out my dress. I feel his gaze on me as I unzip the garment bag, revealing the soft, flowing yellow gown inside. The buttery color is perfect for a garden wedding—fitted through the bodice, hugging my curves down to my knees before flaring out in an elegant mermaid shape. The spaghetti straps and sweetheart neckline give it just the right hint of summer romance.

I slip into the dress, the cool fabric gliding over my skin. As I adjust the straps and smooth out the skirt, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. The dress fits like a dream, and the color makes my skin glow. I can't help but smile.

We spend the next half-hour getting ready together. Finn helps me with the zipper, his touch lingering on my back. When I turn around, he's already dressed in a sharp navy suit, and wow, he looks ridiculously good.

Finn steps behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his chin on my shoulder. "You look stunning," he murmurs, his breath warm against my ear.

I turn in his arms, placing my hands on his chest. "Thanks. You don't look so bad yourself," I tease, admiring how the deep navy brings out the blue of his eyes even more.

He chuckles, pressing a quick kiss to my lips. "Shall we?" he asks, holding out his hand.

"We shall," I smile, taking it.

We head downstairs, and as we step into the hallway, Finn's dad, Rhidian, crosses our path. I've met him a few times before, and while he's always been warm and welcoming, there's still a part of me that feels slightly nervous around him.

"Looking sharp, Finn," Rhidian comments, giving his son an approving nod before his gaze shifts to me. "And you, darling, look absolutely stunning. That dress is beautiful."

"Thank you," I say, my cheeks flushing slightly under his kind words.

"Don't let this one out of your sight," he says to Finn with a wink before turning back to me. "She's a keeper."

"Don't worry, I'm not planning on it," Finn replies, giving me a playful smile.

Rhidian chuckles, his eyes twinkling with affection. "You two enjoy the ceremony. It's going to be a beautiful day."

With that, he pats Finn on the back and walks off toward the garden, leaving us to ourselves. I glance at Finn, who watches his dad leave with a fond smile.

"What?" I ask, grinning.

"Nothing," he says softly. "Just... I'm really glad you're here."

"Me too," I whisper.

The ceremony begins shortly after, and it's as beautiful as I imagined. Joanne and Rhidian exchange heartfelt vows that bring tears to my eyes. I steal glances at Finn as he stands by his dad's side as the best man, looking dashing . Our eyes meet, and he sends me a soft, reassuring smile that makes my heart skip a beat.

After the vows, the reception kicks off with music, laughter, and dancing. Finn and I twirl around the dance floor, stumbling and giggling, but it feels perfect. Joanne introduces me to her brother, and I somehow manage to score an internship for next year. Honestly, could this night get any better?

At some point, Finn's relatives whisk him away for a chat, much to his dismay. He throws me a playful, apologetic smile before being dragged off, and I decide to use the opportunity to freshen up in the bathroom.

Once I'm done, I find myself wandering through the house. Despite Joanne giving me a tour earlier, the place still feels like a maze of elegance and grandeur. As I explore, I stumble down a quiet hallway and come across a door that's slightly ajar.

Curiosity piqued, I gently push it open and step inside. The room is warm and inviting, with bookshelves lining the walls and a large wooden desk in the center. It's clearly Finn's dad's study.

My eyes drift over to the framed photos on the wall—pictures of Finn at various stages of his life. There's one of him as a toddler, another of him in a soccer uniform, and even one of him at his high school graduation. A smile tugs at my lips as I take in these glimpses of his past.

I hear a soft creak behind me and turn, startled, my heart jumping into my throat.

"What are you doing in here?"