My voice shook.
“The girls have been counting flower petals.”
I swallowed.
“And because Grant has spent three years making people believe he is joining our family out of love.”
Reverend Ellis nodded slowly.
“So you want to correct the record.”
“Yes.”
“Then do it carefully.”
“I will.”
My final call was to Elise, the wedding coordinator.
She listened without interrupting.
When I finished, she asked:
“Do you want the reception canceled?”
“No.”
“The catering?”
“Keep it.”
“The cake?”
“Definitely keep the cake.”
That made her laugh despite everything.
Then:
“What about the projection system?”
“There will be one audio clip.”
“How long?”
“Less than three minutes.”
I had learned something since the previous night.
Nobody needed nine minutes.
Nobody needed every financial detail.
Nobody needed Colleen’s voice dissected word by word.
The reason for ending the wedding could be proven with three moments.
Once she signs, we restructure.
The kids are why she’ll cooperate.
And:
I’m tired of pretending I enjoy that noisy little household. I just need to get through Saturday.
That was enough.
Grant called that afternoon.
“You sound strange.”
“I’m tired.”
“Second thoughts?”
The question was playful.
Almost.
“No.”
Technically true.
I had no second thoughts at all.
“Good.”
He relaxed.
“I knew you’d get through the stress.”
I closed my eyes.
“I always do.”
After the call, June stared at me from the back seat.
“Aunt Mara?”
“Yes?”
“Are you sad?”
Children notice everything adults try to conceal.
“A little.”
“Because of the wedding?”
I thought carefully.
“I learned something important.”
Her eyes widened.
“Bad?”
“Yes.”
“About Grant?”
I looked at her.
“Yes.”
Maisie immediately turned around.
“What?”
“I’ll explain more after Saturday.”
June looked nervous.
“Are we safe?”
That question destroyed me more than anything Grant had said.
“Yes.”
I reached back and took her hand.
“You are safe.”
Saturday morning arrived beneath a perfectly clear sky.
Guests crossed the lawn of the restored orchard outside Lititz while sage-green ribbons moved gently in the breeze.
The same ribbons from the call.
I stood upstairs in my ivory dress while Tessa helped fasten the back.
Maisie and June wore their green dresses.
Their flower crowns sat slightly crooked.
