After giving up on love, Amber meets her father’s old friend Steve at a BBQ and flames ignite. Everything appears great when their whirlwind relationship leads to marriage. On their wedding night, Amber finds Steve’s dark truth, changing everything.

I drove up to my parents’ home and glanced at the yard full with automobiles.

“What’s this all about?” I mumbled, preparing for a family surprise.

I grabbed my handbag, locked the vehicle, and hurried home, hoping for little chaos.

When I opened the door, I smelled barbecued meat and heard my dad’s booming chuckle. I entered the living room and looked out the rear window.

Of course, Dad was having an informal BBQ. Most of his car repair business customers occupied the backyard.

“Amber!” Dad’s words interrupted my thoughts as he flipped a burger in his old apron. Come have a drink and join us. Just the guys from work.”

I tried not to moan. I said, “Looks like the whole town’s here,” taking off my shoes.

Before I could join the customary chaos, the doorbell rang. Dad dropped the spatula and wiped his hands on his apron.

“That must be Steve,” he thought to himself. I saw him look at me as he grabbed the doorknob. “You haven’t met him yet, right?”

Dad threw open the door before I could respond.

“Steve!” he shouted, clapping him on the back. “Enter—you’re in time. Meet Amber, my daughter.”

My heart raced as I glanced up.

Steve was tall and ruggedly gorgeous, with graying hair and warm, deep eyes. He grinned at me, and I felt an unanticipated flutter in my chest.

“Nice to meet you, Amber,” he offered his hand.

His voice was steady. I shook his hand, self-conscious about my appearance after hours of travel.

“Nice to meet you, too.”

I kept looking at him after that. Everyone felt comfortable with him since he listened more than spoke. When our eyes locked, I felt this tug, while trying to concentrate on the discussions around me.

It was ludicrous. I hadn’t considered love or relationships in years. Not after my ordeal.

I’d given up on finding “the one” and concentrated on work and family. Steve made me rethink, even if I wasn’t ready to confess it.

I said farewell and went to my vehicle as the day ended. Naturally, the engine stuttered and died when I started it.

I sighed, “Great,” collapsing in my seat. A tap on my window prevented me from returning inside to beg Dad for aid.

It was Steve.

“Car trouble?” he inquired, smiling like this occurred often.

I sighed. It’s not started. “I was going to get my dad, but…”

“Don’t worry. I’ll look “He volunteered, rolling up his sleeves.

I saw his smooth, expert hands work. My vehicle restarted in minutes. I didn’t know I was holding my breath until I exhaled.

He remarked, “There you go,” wiping his hands on a cloth. “Should be good now.”

Gratitude made me grin. “Thanks, Steve. I suppose I owe you.”

His shrug and gaze made my tummy flip. How about dinner? Call it even.”

A moment of pause. Dinner? Does he want me out?

I had that familiar uncertainty, the voice in my brain telling me of all the reasons I shouldn’t say yes. Something in Steve’s eyes pushed me risk it.

“Yeah, dinner sounds good.”

Just then, I agreed. I had no idea Steve was the guy I needed to mend my heart, or how badly he injured me.

Six months later, I stared at myself in a wedding dress in my childhood bedroom mirror. Actually, it was bizarre. I never thought this day would arrive after all I’d been through.

At 39, I’d given up on the fairy tale, yet here I was, preparing to marry Steve.

We wanted an intimate wedding with family and friends.

Standing at the altar, staring into Steve’s eyes, I felt peaceful beyond belief. My doubts were gone for the first time in a while.

“I do,” I muttered, trying to hold back tears.

Steve replied, “I do,” with intense passion.

Suddenly, we were married.

After all the congrats and hugs, we had some alone time that night. Steve’s home, now ours, was silent, with strange rooms. I changed in the bathroom, feeling light and happy.

However, when I returned to the bedroom, I saw something surprising.

Steve was seated on the bed edge, chatting gently to someone with his back to me. someone absent!

My heart jumped.

Stace, I wanted you to see. My day was great. I wish you were here.” His voice was gentle and emotional.

I remained stopped at the doorway, trying to understand what I heard.

“Steve?” My voice was weak and uncertain.

Turning slowly, shame flickered on his features.

“Amber, I—”

Unspoken comments filled the air as I approached. “Who… who were you talking to?”

The shoulders slumped as he inhaled. “I spoke to Stacy. My girl.”

I gazed at him, absorbing his words. He informed me he had a daughter. I knew she died. But I didn’t know about this.

“She died in a car accident with her mom,” he said, stressed. I occasionally chat to her. I understand it may seem odd, but… I think she’s with me. Especially now. I wanted her to know you. I wanted her to witness my joy.”

Not knowing what to say. I had trouble breathing and my chest was constricted. Everything seemed weighty because Steve’s sadness was fresh and real between us.

But I wasn’t afraid. I wasn’t mad. Very sad. For all he’d lost and bearing it alone, I felt sad. His sorrow felt like mine.

My hand touched his as I sat alongside him. “I get it,” I whispered. “I do. You’re not insane, Steve. You mourn.”

He shakily breathed and looked at me with such vulnerability that it almost shattered my heart. I’m sorry. Wish I’d told you sooner. I didn’t want to frighten you.”

“You’re not scaring me away,” I squeezed his hand. Some things haunt us all. We’re in this together now. Together, we can achieve this.”

Steve started crying, and I hugged him, feeling his agony, love, and fear all at once.

“Maybe… We could discuss it with someone. A therapist, maybe. No longer just you and Stacy.”

Nodding into my shoulder, he tightened his hold. “I considered it. I had no idea how to begin. Amber, I appreciate your understanding. I didn’t realize my necessity.”

I retreated to look him in the eyes, my heart swelled with love I’d never experienced. Steve, we’ll work it out. Together.”

While kissing him, I knew we would. We were imperfect, but we were genuine, and that was enough for once.

But love is like that, right? Find someone who’s eager to share their scars, not a flawless person without any.