Matchmaker Mayhem

The bridal suite at the Morning Dew Resort was a whirlwind of silk, lace, and panic. Ava stood in the middle of the chaos, her clipboard clutched tightly in one hand while the other tried to calm an increasingly hysterical bride. The faint scent of lavender from the flower arrangements mingled with the sharp tang of hairspray, creating an atmosphere of barely controlled frenzy.

"I can't do this!" Allison, the bride, wailed, her veil askew and her mascara smudged from crying. She paced back and forth in her elaborate gown, the layers of tulle swishing dramatically with every step. "I'm not ready to marry Colin!"

Ava resisted the urge to groan. She had spent months planning this wedding, working closely with Allison and her mother to ensure every detail was perfect. And now, with mere minutes to go before the ceremony, the bride was having second thoughts.

"Allison," Ava said, her voice calm but firm, "take a deep breath. This is just pre-wedding jitters. Every bride feels this way."

Allison shook her head vehemently. "No, this is more than jitters. I don't think I love him."

The room fell silent. Ava's assistant, Lily, who had been fussing with the veil, froze mid-adjustment. The bridesmaids exchanged nervous glances, and Ava felt her pulse quicken.

"Okay," Ava said, carefully setting down her clipboard. "Let's talk about this. Why do you think you don't love Colin?"

Allison sank onto the chaise lounge, burying her face in her hands. "He's... fine. But he doesn't make my heart race, you know? He doesn't challenge me. And then there's Bryce..."

Ava's stomach sank. "Bryce?"

"The florist," Allison admitted, her voice muffled. "We've been texting. A lot. And... I think I might be in love with him."

Lily's eyes widened, and one of the bridesmaids gasped. Ava pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to suppress the rising wave of frustration. Of course, this couldn't be a normal wedding. That would be too easy.

Before Ava could formulate a response, the door burst open, and Ryan strolled in, looking far too relaxed for the situation. He had apparently decided that attending this wedding uninvited was an excellent use of his Saturday.

"Why am I not surprised to find you in the middle of a crisis?" he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Not now, Ryan," Ava snapped, her patience wearing thin.

Ryan ignored her, surveying the scene with a raised eyebrow. "Let me guess. Bride's having second thoughts?"

Ava crossed her arms. "How do you even know that?"

"Call it lawyer's intuition," Ryan said with a smirk. "Or the fact that she's crying into her veil."

Allison peeked up from her hands, her face red and blotchy. "Who is this?"

"No one," Ava said quickly. "He's leaving."

Ryan ignored her again and crouched in front of Allison, his expression softening. "Allison, right? I'm Ryan. I'm a friend of Ava's."

Ava opened her mouth to protest, but Ryan shot her a look that said, Trust me.

"Allison," Ryan continued, his tone gentle but firm, "getting married is a big deal. It's scary. But what you're feeling right now this panic it doesn't mean you're making the wrong decision. It just means you care."

Allison sniffled, her eyes searching his face. "But what if I'm not in love with him? What if I'm making a mistake?"

Ryan hesitated, glancing at Ava as if seeking permission. She gave him a reluctant nod.

"Do you like Bryce because he's exciting?" Ryan asked. "Because he's new and different?"

Allison nodded slowly. "Yes."

Ryan leaned back, his voice steady. "Here's the thing. Excitement fades. But if Colin is someone you trust, someone who makes you feel safe and supported, that's worth a lot. Love isn't always fireworks. Sometimes it's quiet and steady. And that's okay."

Allison stared at him, her expression a mix of doubt and hope. Ava held her breath, willing the bride to calm down.

"You really think so?" Allison asked, her voice trembling.

"I do," Ryan said simply. "But at the end of the day, it's your decision. No one else's."

For a long moment, no one spoke. Then Allison took a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing. "Okay. I think... I think I can do this."

Ava let out a silent sigh of relief. "Good. Let's get you to the altar."

---

The ceremony went off without a hitch. Allison walked down the aisle with a serene smile, her earlier panic replaced with a quiet confidence. The guests sighed and clapped as she and Colin exchanged vows under a canopy of twinkling fairy lights.

Ava watched from the sidelines, her heart swelling with pride. Despite the chaos, she had managed to pull it off. Even Ryan, who was leaning casually against a pillar, looked impressed.

"Not bad, Matchmaker," he said as the newlyweds shared their first dance.

Ava crossed her arms, eyeing him suspiciously. "Why are you still here?"

"Free cake," Ryan said with a grin. "And to make sure you didn't mess this up."

"I didn't mess it up," Ava said, though her tone lacked its usual bite. "Thanks to you, surprisingly."

Ryan raised an eyebrow. "Is that... gratitude I hear?"

"Don't push it," Ava said, but she couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips.

As the music swelled and the guests joined the couple on the dance floor, Ava felt a rare moment of peace. Maybe she didn't have everything figured out, but tonight had reminded her why she loved what she did even if it came with the occasional runaway bride.

"Care to dance?" Ryan asked, holding out his hand.

Ava hesitated, glancing at the crowded dance floor. But something in his expression soft, almost hopeful made her relent.

"Fine," she said, taking his hand. "But if you step on my toes, I'm throwing you off the balcony."

Ryan laughed, leading her onto the floor. "Deal."

As they swayed to the music, Ava felt her usual walls start to crumble. For the first time in a long time, she let herself enjoy the moment, imperfections and all.