I took her hand.
Near the entrance, my mother hurried toward us.
“Annie.”
I stopped.
“At least stay for the family photographs.”
I almost laughed.
“Mom.”
“For Amelia’s sake.”
Amelia looked at her grandmother.
“Mom came because I needed her.”
My mother went quiet.
Amelia held up the candle.
“That’s supporting family.”
For once, Mom had nothing to say.
She picked Amelia’s coat off a nearby chair.
Then helped her put it on.
That small act meant more to me than an apology would have in that moment.
Behind us, the photographer began arranging people.
“New family portrait!”Family
I felt Amelia’s hand tighten around mine.
Ryan looked toward us.
There was apparently a place reserved beside him and Lina for Amelia.
She didn’t move.
Neither did I.
Eventually, Lina walked toward Ryan.
They stood together beneath the flower arch.
The photographer raised the camera.
