Amber had long given up on love. But when she meets her father’s old friend, Steve, at a backyard BBQ, sparks fly in a way she never expected. Their whirlwind romance quickly leads to marriage, and everything seems picture-perfect. That is, until their wedding night, when Amber uncovers a secret that shatters the idyllic life she thought she was stepping into.

Arriving at her parents’ house, Amber sighed at the sight of cars scattered across the lawn. Another family event, she thought, bracing herself for whatever was in store. As she stepped inside, the familiar aroma of grilled food greeted her, along with her father’s unmistakable laugh.

“Amber!” her dad called out, flipping burgers with his well-worn apron. “Join us, it’s just the guys from the shop.”

Amber was about to protest when the doorbell rang. “That must be Steve,” her father said, his tone casual but with a hint of excitement. Moments later, a tall, ruggedly handsome man walked through the door. Steve was charming, with a calm, steady voice that drew her in. From that moment, Amber couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something special about him.

Their connection grew quickly. Steve was attentive, thoughtful, and seemed to understand her in a way no one else had before. Before long, Amber found herself falling for him, despite her long-held reservations about love.

Six months later, Amber found herself standing in front of the mirror in her childhood bedroom, dressed in a wedding gown. At 39, she had given up on the fairy tale, but here she was, about to marry the man who had reignited hope in her heart.