The morning sun shone brightly over the outdoor wedding venue in sunny Miami Florida.
White chairs lined the neatly trimmed green lawn for the large gathering of waiting guests.
A large American flag fluttered gently from a tall pole near the decorated altar.
Sarah adjusted her gorgeous lace gown while holding her soft round pregnant belly tenderly.
She was twenty-four weeks pregnant and deeply in love with her handsome fiancé Mark.
Mark stood at the head of the aisle looking sharp in his charcoal suit.
Her father was running slightly late due to an urgent business meeting across town.
Sarah smiled warmly at her closest friends while taking a deep steadying breath.
Everything felt like a wonderful dream that she had wanted for many long years.
Then Mark's older sister Evelyn stepped onto the white runner with a dark scowl.
Evelyn carried a thick leather folder packed tight with printed white financial documents.
Sarah felt her racing heart sink as Evelyn marched straight toward the flower arch.
The cheerful background music suddenly faded away into an uncomfortable and heavy silence.
Mark shifted nervously on his feet as his wealthy sister pulled out paper sheets.
Sarah took a slow step backward while holding onto her silk white gown.
She wondered why her groom was not stepping forward to protect her right now.