Amber had given up on love, but sparks flew when she met Steve, an old friend of her father’s, at a backyard barbecue.
Their romance blossomed quickly, and within a few months, they were married. However, on their wedding night, Amber discovered a deeply unsettling secret about Steve—one that would completely change her perspective on him and what it truly meant to love someone.

Amber never imagined her life would change during an impromptu barbecue in her dad’s backyard. After a long day at work, she returned home to the smell of grilled meat and the sound of her father’s hearty laughter. The yard was filled with his coworkers from the auto repair shop, but it was the arrival of a special guest that marked the beginning of a new chapter.

Steve, tall, charming, and with a rugged appeal, was the friend her father had mentioned. From the first glance, Amber felt an unexpected connection. He was different from anyone she had ever met—attentive, calm, and with a warm aura. A casual conversation quickly turned into a dinner invitation, and before long, what started as a spark evolved into a full-blown romance.

Six months later, Amber stood in her childhood bedroom, dressed in a wedding gown, preparing to marry Steve. The wedding was a small, intimate affair filled with genuine emotions. Amber felt a sense of peace that she hadn’t experienced in years. For the first time, she believed she was building a solid future with someone who truly cared about her.

That night, after all the congratulations and embraces, they finally had a moment alone. As Amber changed into something more comfortable, her heart felt light and full. But when she reentered the bedroom, she was met with a shocking scene.

Steve sat on the edge of the bed, his back to her, speaking softly to someone… someone who wasn’t there.

“I wish you could see this, Stace. The day was perfect… I just wish you were here.” His voice was gentle, filled with raw emotion, and every word seemed to carry a deep, lingering pain.

Amber’s heart tightened. “Steve?” she whispered.

He turned slowly, guilt etched on his face. With a heavy sigh, he revealed the truth: Stacy, his daughter, had d.ied in a t.r.agic car a.c.cident along with her mother. Since then, he often spoke to her as if she were still present—especially on significant days like their wedding.

The revelation hit hard. Amber knew Steve had a daughter, but she never realized he still carried his grief so deeply. She didn’t feel fear or anger—just a profound sadness for the pain he had hidden. His vulnerability touched her in a way she hadn’t expected, and instead of pulling away, Amber sat beside him, holding his hand firmly.

“I understand,” she said softly. “You’re not crazy, Steve. You’re grieving. And you don’t have to carry this alone.”

Her words were a relief to him. Steve admitted that he had thought about seeking help but never knew how to start. Together, they decided it was time to talk to a therapist, to find a healthy way to cope with his grief, and, more importantly, to allow their love to grow by sharing this burden.

The journey wasn’t easy. Steve started therapy, and Amber stood by him every step of the way. They turned their house into a home where love and support thrived. Stacy was never forgotten, but her memory transitioned from being a solitary weight on Steve’s shoulders to becoming a cherished part of the story they built together.

In the end, Amber learned that true love wasn’t about fairy tales or perfection. It was about embracing each other’s scars, walking together through the pain, and celebrating every small victory. As they sat on the couch, wrapped in each other’s arms, Steve whispered, “I never thought I could feel this complete again.”

Amber smiled, knowing their love was real, genuine, and built not only in the happy moments but also in the shared shadows of grief.