The reception was winding down. Eight pm. Most guests had left. Just close family and friends scattered across tables. Music playing softly. Cleanup crew starting to gather centerpieces.
Noah found Leighton near the dessert table. Talking to one of the bridesmaids. Laughing at something. Her face flushed from champagne and dancing.
He touched her elbow. "Can I steal you for a minute?"
She turned. Smiled. "Sure. What's up?"
"Just want to show you something. Outside."
They walked through the reception hall. Out the back doors. Into the garden where the ceremony had been.
The chairs were gone. Flower arrangements dismantled. But the fairy lights still glowed. String lights wrapped around trees. Casting soft gold over everything.
"It's beautiful," Leighton said. "Even without all the de
