Now, I love my backyard. It’s not huge, but over the years I’ve poured my heart into it. I’ve planted flowers in every color of the rainbow, shaped little pathways with stepping stones, and even built a small koi pond.

It’s my sanctuary—a place of peace after long days. Mark and I often sit outside in the evenings, sipping tea and watching the fireflies. It’s not just a yard to me—it’s home.

So when Amanda casually declared at a family dinner, “We’ll just have the wedding at your place,” I nearly choked on my drink.

Mark immediately frowned. “Wait, Amanda, you can’t just—”