She said, "Derrick, this is... it's amazing."

He pulled her tight, his heart exploding with love.. "It's not finished yet," he admitted. "But I wanted you to see it. We can decorate it together, make it our own."


Sarah withdrew, a smile on her face. "Of course," she said, her eyes shining with expectation. "This is going to be incredible."

For the rest of the afternoon, they strolled around their new house. As they got a glimpse of Ethan and Leo's roomy future bedrooms—which included built-in play areas—Sarah shouted with delight.

She imagined long summer evenings spent grilling out on the back patio and warm movie nights in the spacious living room.


They arrived in the master bedroom at last. A gasp escaped Sarah's lips as she entered.

The soft carpet was covered in rose petals, and the room was lighted by tastefully placed candles that led to a magnificently set table for two.


Sarah was having trouble breathing. "Derrick," she uttered in a tremulous murmur.

Derrick pulled out a chair for her and said, "This is just a small token of my appreciation." For all of who you are and all that you accomplish. You're the best gift I could ever ask for for the rest of my life. You've given me two bundles of joy. You're strong, courageous, everything and more."

They laughed as they remembered about their voyage together while they sat down and savored the scrumptious meal. Finally, with dessert cleared away, Derrick took a deep breath.

"Sarah," he began, his voice thick with emotion. "There's something I've been wanting to ask you for a while."

With a velvet box in his pocket, he reached into it. When he opened it and the gorgeous diamond ring glinted in the candlelight, Sarah's breath caught in her throat.

"Sarah," Derrick said, lowering himself to one knee. "I know no stronger or more incredible women than you. You are the mother of my children, my best friend, and my partner. I want to spend the rest of my life with you as my everyday person, everyday love and everyday gift. Will you going to marry me?

Sarah was overcome by a lifetime of emotions, causing tears to fall down her face. Derrick had been her best person, her anchor, and her soul partner through thick and thin.

She saw not only love but also a future full of joy, laughter, and the family they had created together when she looked into his eyes.

She muttered, "Yes, Derrick," her voice quivering with happiness. "A thousand times yes."

Derrick placed the ring on her finger, its ideal fit serving as a symbol for how their lives had merged. Their laughter echoed across the room as he pulled her into a tight embrace.

Sarah turned to Derrick later that evening as they sat on the porch swing and enjoyed the dusk dance of the fireflies. "This is more than just a home, Derrick," she said, appreciation in her tone. "This represents everything we've accomplished and everything we've created as a team. It's a guarantee of a loving, funny, and family-filled future where everyone will always treasure this particular moment."

Derrick pulled her in close by putting his arm over her.. "It is," he agreed. "And it's just the beginning, Sarah. Just the beginning."

Sarah realized they were celebrating more than just a new house as they clutched each other tightly and basked in the warm warmth of the candles.

They were rejoicing in the prospect of a lifetime of unmade memories, love, and laughter.

The news spread like wildfire. With a joyous shriek, Sarah launched herself onto the couch, phone clutched to her ear. On the other line, Didi's eagerness flared in her voice.

She could not contain her excitement as she cried, "Didi, you won't believe what just happened!"

Concern laced Didi's voice crackled across the phone. "Sarah, is everything alright? Are the twins causing trouble again?"

Sarah giggled. "No, no, everything's perfect! Derrick… Derrick proposed!"

"Sarah! You said yes! Oh my gosh, I'm so happy for you both!"

Over the next few hours, Sarah made a flurry of calls.

Her parents, overwhelmed with joy, promised to help in any way they could. Mr. Black chuckled heartily, offering to handle the financial legwork. Even Mr. Duke, his voice frail but filled with genuine happiness, sent his well wishes.

A buzz of excitement filled the air as wedding plans went into overdrive. With her family and friends' love and support all around her, Sarah experienced a warm wave.

Choosing the ideal dress is the first task at hand. Sarah was very clear about who she wanted by her side: Olivia, with her understated but excellent sense of style, and Didi, her confidante and best friend.

"Okay, girls," Sarah said with a playful twinkle in her eye, "Operation Find-the-Perfect-Dress is on!"

Didi smiled, eager eagerness glimmering in her eyes. "Let's do this! We're gonna find you a dress that'll make Derrick's jaw drop!"

Olivia, had previously done her homework on bridal salons and made appointments at a few with exquisite collections.

A flurry of tulle, lace, and champagne toasts characterized the following few days. Sarah put on dress after dress, every one more exquisite than the previous.

Didi, showered her with compliments, while Olivia offered her honest but kind critiques.

"This is cute!" Didi exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement as she pointed to a simple yet elegant gown with a flowing train.

Sarah stood in front of the mirror and felt a wave of emotion sweep over her. The dress's exquisite beadwork and sweetheart neckline effectively drew attention to her curves.

Olivia nodded in accord, her lips forming a rare smile. "It's perfect, Sarah. It makes you look like a radiant…," she paused, searching for the right word, "like a radiant mama bear, ready to conquer the world with her family."

With the weight of the ivory gown falling softly around her, Sarah came out from the dressing room and the bridal boutique fell silent.

A thousand tiny stars shimmered like beautiful beading as sunlight spilled through the window.

Her curves were cradled in all the right places by the dress's modest yet stunning A-line form, which finished off her decolletage with a touch of subtle elegance thanks to its sweetheart neckline.

Ever the impetuous firecracker, Didi gasped and put her palm to her mouth.

Her eyes filled with tears that seemed likely to burst. She said, "Oh, Sarah," in a very emotional voice. "You look… you look like an angel."

Olivia, typically reserved, stood speechless, her eyes wide with awe. A genuine smile, rare and beautiful, blossomed on her lips.

She walked towards Sarah, her fingertips tracing the soft fabric of the gown.

"It's perfect, Sarah," Olivia finally whispered, her voice filled with sincerity. "This isn't just a dress. It's… it's you. It embodies your strength, your grace, your unwavering love for your family."

Sarah's own eyes welled up with emotion. This was not your average dress. It was a representation of a fresh start and evidence of the love and fortitude she had discovered in the midst of hardship.

It served as a reminder of the amazing journey she and Derrick had taken and the future they were creating.

Sarah said, a little shaky in her voice, "I... I feel amazing." She performed a small spin, the dress's skirt billowing about her like a cloud.

With delight, Didi clapped her hands after removing a stray tear. "See! I told you! This dress is going to make Derrick faint!"

Sarah chuckled, a warmth spreading through her chest. "I wouldn't want to put him through that ordeal," she teased, "but I do hope he likes it."

Olivia chimed in. "He won't just like it, Sarah. He'll be utterly speechless. Now, let's get you out of this dress before you start having second thoughts."

Sarah turned to face them, her heart bursting with emotion. With a voice full of thanks, she said, "Thank you, you guys." "I couldn't have done it without you."

Didi dismissively waved a hand. "Nonsense! We just held the champagne and offered sassy commentary. It was all you, rocking that dress like a total rockstar."

Olivia gave her a small smile. "Seriously, Sarah. You look incredible. Radiant, even."

Sarah's smile widened. "Radiant mama bear, ready to conquer the world with her family," she said, her voice filled with a newfound confidence.

Didi squeezed her hand. "That's what best friends are for, silly. Now, let's get you out of this dress and celebrate! We've got a wedding to plan!"

Olivia chimed in. "And maybe some celebratory cupcakes?"

Laughter filled the boutique, washing away any lingering doubts.

As the consultant carefully helped Sarah out of the dress, a sense of calm settled over her. The dress search, a whirlwind of tulle and champagne toasts, had been a whirlwind, but it had been worth it.

She had discovered the ideal dress that embodied her essence, her excitement, and her affection for Derrick and their family.

Sarah realized later that this wasn't only about a dress as they left the boutique with the sun setting and a warm glow falling on their faces.

It was about living her happily ever after in the real world, surrounded by the support and love of her closest friends and the steadfast commitment of the man she loved, rather than in the fantasy world of a fairy tale.

Sarah looked stunning in her exquisite attire, ready to go down the aisle with a self-assured smile and joy in her heart.

She was prepared to accept her strength, get over challenges, and build a fantastic life for her partner, her family, and herself.