In the evening, Dawn called everyone to the living room.
"Okay, team," she said, hands on hips. "Wedding planning has officially begun."
Leslie bounced onto the couch. "Finally! So, what's my job? Chief snack taster?"
Dawn grinned. "Close. Maid of honour."
Leslie gasped and clutched her chest like she'd won the lottery. "Me? Obviously yes!"
Alex raised a brow. "And what about me?"
"You too," Dawn said with a wink. "Double maids of honour. I need all the help I can get."
Alex beamed. "I accept—on one condition. I get first pick of dress color."
"You wish," Leslie shot back, already giggling.
Jason crossed his arms in mock offense. "Wow. No role for the brother who fought your battles?"
Dawn laughed. "Relax, you're on the VIP list. But the big question is—who's Adam's best man?"
Jason perked up, then tried to hide his excitement. "Well, if the groom is smart…"
Right on cue, Adam stepped through the doorway. "I heard that. Jason, would you stand as my best man?"
Jason's grin nearly split his face. "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 the room filled with little echoes. "Yes! I'll throw petals everywhere!"
Laughter bounced around the living room as hugs were exchanged and plans began to tumble out—dresses, suits, playlists. For a moment, it was just family, teasing and dreaming about the big day ahead.
* * * * * *
The next day, Adam sat beside Ava, gently holding her hand as he told her about his proposal to Dawn, wondering if he'd made the right choice.
His mind drifted back to a sunny afternoon in the park—kneeling with a sparkling diamond ring, watching a stunned Ava gasp before she happily said yes and wrapped him in a joyful hug.
Now he sat quietly, praying for her to wake, uncertain of what the future held for himself, for Dawn, and for Ava.
* * * * * *
At Dawn's house, music thumped through the rooms as laughter and cheers filled the air. Leslie and Jason hopped around in excitement while Alex and Dawn watched, amused. Daphne stepped in carrying a bottle of wine, the noise instantly rising.
"I'm not here to ruin the party, but I came to steal the soon-to-be bride for a little boutique visit," Daphne said with a grin.
Dawn blushed as everyone burst into teasing.
"One day—it takes just one day to find a prince charming. I'll find mine soon," Leslie said, giving Dawn a playful side-eye.
"You know the consequences, so don't even try," Dawn shot back, laughing.
Daphne invited them all to the boutique, and they eagerly agreed.
A few hours later, they arrived at the elegant shop. Everyone stared in awe except Daphne, who had shopped there before—with Ava. Her smile faltered, and Dawn noticed.
"Are you okay?" Dawn asked gently.
"Yeah," Daphne said with a faint smile. "Just walking down memory lane."
"It's about Ava, isn't it?" Dawn pressed softly.
"She's a sweet soul. I loved her character even before I realized how beautiful she was. Ava was the best."
Dawn squeezed her hand. "She'll wake up someday."
Daphne nodded, and they turned back to searching for the perfect, one-in-a-million wedding gown.
When they finished, they realized they hadn't seen Adam since the wedding planning.
"He's probably at the hospital," Daphne guessed.
"I'll check on him," Dawn offered.
"He's fine," Alex teased, making everyone laugh.
"You two should keep the lovey-dovey stuff to a minimum," Leslie said, rolling her eyes.
"Don't be jealous. Go find yours," Dawn shot back with a grin.
"For real?" Leslie perked up.
"You are excluded," Dawn warned, laughing.
"Dang it," Leslie huffed in 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.
Dawn eventually sent everyone home while Alex carried the gown, while she went to the hospital with Daphne.
* * * * * *
Dawn entered Ava's ward quietly while Daphne stayed outside to give them space. Adam was asleep beside Ava. Guilt tugged at Dawn's chest as she imagined being in Ava's place. She turned to slip out when Adam's voice stopped her.
"Dawn?"
She turned, startled. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"
"You didn't wake me. I just felt your presence." He smiled faintly.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes… I came to tell Ava about our marriage," he said.
"And?" Dawn asked, curious.
"There's no and," Adam replied with a small shrug.
"What do you think she'd feel?" she pressed.
"I don't know. But I do know this—I'm making no mistake."
Relief softened Dawn's face.
"Daphne's outside," she said quietly.
Adam nodded, stood, and took her hand. Together they walked out, leaving Ava as the monitor beside her bed gave a steady, gentle beep.
* * * * * *
Adam stood at the altar in a finely tailored black tuxedo, crisp white shirt, and black bow tie. A single white rose boutonnière rested on his lapel, polished shoes gleaming. His smile shone brighter than the morning sun. Beside him, Jason looked sharp as best man.
Leslie and Alex entered as maids of honor, followed by little Amy scattering flower petals. Moments later, Dawn appeared—radiant in a floor-length satin gown layered with sheer tulle. Lace traced the neckline and sleeves, a jeweled hairpiece anchored her flowing veil. A slim satin belt hugged her waist as the skirt pooled into a gentle train that swept the aisle.
The priest's voice carried through the hush of the guests.
"Dear friends and family, we are gathered today to witness the union of Adam Manchester and Dawn Collins…"
Adam's "I do" was steady. Dawn's followed, her voice shimmering with joy.
They repeated their vows, exchanged rings, and sealed the promise with a kiss as the room erupted in applause. Daphne wept with happiness. Dawn's siblings cheered wildly, while Alex stood speechless with joy. Dawn still couldn't believe this moment was real, and Adam felt alive again.
After greeting their guests and thanking everyone, they stepped into a Lexus adorned with a "Newly Married" sign and drove to the Manchester home, where celebration awaited.
"Congratulations, Dawn," Daphne said, hugging her tight.
"She took care of us—now it's our turn," Jason announced.
"That smile better never fade," Leslie added, mock-serious.
"Your instructions are heard and will be carried out," Adam replied with a grin, making everyone laugh—until his phone rang. He answered, listened, and fell silent.
"What is it?" Daphne asked.
"Say something, Adam," Dawn urged.
Adam's eyes lit up. "It's Ava… she's awake."
The room fell silent, a wave of shock and confusion washing over the joyful gathering.