WEDDING CRISIS

CHAPTER THREE: REUNION

The airport buzzed with the familiar clatter of suitcases, the low hum of engines, and the quiet murmur of tired travelers. Daphne leaned against her car, eyes scanning the arrivals gate until they landed on a familiar figure. Eleanor stepped off the plane, her luggage rolling behind her, a tired but radiant smile lighting up her face.

“Finally!” Daphne called, jogging forward. “I thought you weren’t going to make it back in time for my wedding.”

Eleanor laughed, throwing her arms around Daphne. “Come on, you know I would never miss it. There’s no way I’m missing your day.”

Daphne pulled back, grinning. “You mean it?”

“Every word,” Eleanor said, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “I wouldn’t miss this for anything.”

They loaded Eleanor’s suitcase into the car and drove off, the city passing by in a blur of lights and the early afternoon traffic. The hum of the engine, the chatter from pedestrians outside, and the soft music drifting from the radio created a quiet cocoon of comfort around them. By the time they reached Daphne’s home, the two had slipped into easy conversation, the four years apart melting away with every shared laugh and glance.

A servant entered quietly, carrying a tray laden with freshly brewed tea, pastries, and chilled juice. “Miss Daphne, Miss Eleanor, refreshments for you both,” he announced, placing the tray carefully on the coffee table.

“Thank you,” Daphne said warmly.

“This is lovely…” Eleanor said, reaching for a cup. She took a small sip, closing her eyes briefly, savoring the warmth and sweetness.

Daphne watched her friend, feeling a rush of familiarity and comfort. She had missed this—the ease, the laughter, the sense that no time had passed at all.

“So… Eric?” Eleanor asked cautiously, a teasing sparkle in her eyes.

Daphne pressed her lips together, twisting the edge of her sleeve. “Why does everyone keep asking me about Eric?”

Eleanor tilted her head, her voice softening. “Because we know how deeply in love you were… or maybe still are.”

Daphne shook her head, letting out a small laugh. “No. Mom asked about him, and now you’re asking me. Come on… it’s been nine months. He’s gone. I’ve moved on. I’m not in love with him anymore. And that is final.”

Eleanor reached across, taking Daphne’s hand gently. “Are you sure? From the heart?”

Daphne’s eyes softened, voice steady. “Yes. From the heart. I’ve made peace with it. I’m ready for the next chapter… and right now, that chapter is George.”

Eleanor’s smile was gentle, approving. “Good. That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. I don’t want to see you holding on to someone who doesn’t deserve you.”

Daphne leaned back, letting the tension drain from her shoulders. “Thank you, Ellie. I… I really needed to say it out loud.”

Eleanor chuckled, a hint of mischief in her tone. “And I needed to hear it. But now… tell me everything. How is George? You’re glowing just talking about him.”

Daphne’s smile deepened, warmth spreading through her chest. “He’s… incredible. He’s patient, he listens, and… he just makes everything feel lighter, even when I’m stressing about a hundred things at once. Honestly… I can’t wait for you to meet him. You’ll love him, Ellie, I promise.”

Eleanor nudged her playfully. “Don’t just promise. Show me. i need to meet who has stolen my best friends heart successfully.”

“Patience,” Daphne teased, shaking her head. “You’ll meet him soon enough. I’m going over to his place later tomorrow anyway. His sister is coming into the country, and we’re going to collect my custom ring too… it’s so beautiful.”

Eleanor laughed softly. “Awwwn, sweet love. But you deserve every bit of that love and attention.”

Daphne leaned forward, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “You’ll see… he’s romantic in the tiniest ways. The way he notices small things, the way he remembers things I don’t even think about…”

“I can already tell, from how happy you are,” Eleanor said with a soft smile. “I can’t wait to see him in action.”

The conversation drifted naturally, moving from George to everyday life. Daphne asked about Eleanor’s own life, and Eleanor admitted she had gone through a breakup after a messy misunderstanding. Daphne nodded sympathetically. “I’m sorry… that must have been hard.”

Eleanor shrugged, a faint smirk on her lips. “It was. But better now than later. Life moves on, right?”

Just then, Daphne’s mother appeared at the bottom of the staircase, smiling warmly. “Eleanor! Welcome back, dear.” She ushered her in with open arms. “I’m so glad you’re here. How is your family? I hope they are well.”

“They are, Mom… and yes, they send their greetings,” Eleanor replied politely.

“You know, ever since your family relocated… it’s been hard seeing you around here. You’re most welcome, love,” Daphne’s mom said warmly. “And yes, I need you to help my daughter with her wedding preparations so nothing goes out of place. Two heads are better than one.”

Eleanor laughed lightly, brushing off the seriousness. “Don’t worry, I’ll help. We’ll sort it out together.”

“Alright, I’ll just leave you young ladies to yourselves. I’m sure you have a lot of catching up to do…”

“You’re welcome again, Eleanor… do enjoy your stay,” her mother added as she exited, leaving the girls alone.

The room settled into a comfortable hum of conversation, laughter, and teasing remarks. Daphne poured herself a cup of tea while Eleanor arranged the pastries on the small side table. They leaned back into the sofa, catching up on every little detail of the years they had spent apart—college adventures, family milestones, and those quiet moments of life that somehow shaped everything without anyone noticing.

As the afternoon light shifted, casting a golden glow over the living room, Daphne leaned back against Eleanor, letting herself feel content… she had missed her friend so much, and seeing her again filled her with warmth and happiness.

The house smelled faintly of jasmine from the vase on the mantelpiece, mixed with the lingering scent of freshly brewed tea. Outside, the wind rustled the trees softly against the windowpanes. Daphne realized how much she had longed for this: the feeling of someone who knew her fully, who could see her worries and joys alike without judgment. Eleanor was more than a friend; she was family in every sense.

They spent the next hour going through Daphne’s wedding plans. Each small detail was carefully discussed. Eleanor pointed out ideas Daphne hadn’t thought of, suggested small touches that would make a big difference, and laughed when Daphne fretted over minor issues. It was a partnership, a gentle collaboration that made Daphne feel both calm and excited at the same time.

By the time the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the living room, Daphne leaned back against Eleanor again, sighing softly. “I’ve missed this… missed having you around, Ellie. It feels… right, having you here.”

Eleanor squeezed her hand gently. “I’ve missed you too, Daphne. Always have, always will.”

For the first time that day, Daphne let herself fully relax, letting the warmth of friendship, family, and love fill her completely.