Behind me, the music continued.
The valet opened my car door.
Then shouting erupted from the reception hall.
“Mom!”
Daniel’s voice broke through the cold air.
I glanced over my shoulder.
He was running toward me, with Vanessa stumbling behind him in her wedding dress.
The smugness had disappeared from her face.
Now she looked terrified.
PART 2
Daniel reached the car before I could sit down.
“Mom, wait,” he said, struggling to catch his breath. His bow tie hung loose, and confusion flushed his face. “Please, just wait.”
Vanessa arrived seconds later, holding the front of her gown in both hands. One bridesmaid followed with her phone raised, openly fascinated by the scene.
I remained beside the open door.
“Daniel, go back inside. It’s your wedding.”
He swallowed.
“Why are you leaving?”
I nearly laughed, but there was nothing humorous left in me.
“Ask your wife.”
Daniel turned toward Vanessa.
