Ileana’s chest tightened as Rex collapsed at her feet.
His eyes—those loyal, watchful eyes that had followed her through life—were beginning to dim.
Her father, Mihai, knelt beside her, his voice soft and steady.

— Sweetheart, I think we need to take him to the vet.

But Ileana already knew. She could feel what Rex was trying to say without a single word.

— He waited — she whispered, her throat thick with emotion. — He waited to see me in my wedding dress.

At that moment, Constantin, still in his sharp wedding suit, came down the steps of the church.
He knelt beside them, placing a comforting hand on Ileana’s shoulder.

— What’s going on? — he asked gently.

— I think… he’s saying goodbye — Ileana murmured, as tears slid down her cheeks.

Constantin took her hand and reached out to stroke Rex’s head with the other.

The wedding guests, sensing the gravity of the moment, stood still.
A hush fell over the gathering—no one moved, no one spoke.

Then, to everyone’s astonishment, Rex stirred.
His frail body trembled as he pushed himself up one last time.
With great effort, he stepped toward Constantin and gently licked his hand—his blessing, his farewell.
Then he turned, curled up beside Ileana once more, and quietly slipped away.

Tears welled in the eyes of those watching.
No one had expected such a heart-wrenching goodbye on what was meant to be a joyful day.

But within that sorrow, something extraordinary occurred.

A radiant white dove descended from the sky, landing softly on Ileana’s shoulder.
It looked at her with calm, knowing eyes that sent a chill down her spine.
There was something familiar in that gaze—something that stirred her soul.

— Ileana — her mother, Elena, said gently, stepping forward — this is a sign.

The dove stayed for a few moments, then took flight, circling above the church before disappearing into the vast, cloudless sky.

The ceremony went on, but it had shifted into something deeper.
It was no longer just a wedding—it had become a tribute to love in all its forms:
Between husband and wife, and between a girl and the dog who had never left her side.

Father Adrián gently altered his words to honor Rex, acknowledging the place he had held in Ileana’s heart.

And as the vows were spoken, everyone could feel it—
Rex’s presence, loyal, loving, and eternal.