She found Jessi in the bridal suite and immediately pulled her into an exaggerated hug.
“My beautiful girl! We’re finally together again. You have to understand, leaving wasn’t my choice. It was your father’s fault. He was poor and lazy. A woman like me had no choice.”
I stood nearby and felt fifteen years of anger rise inside me, but Jessi simply smiled.
“Of course I understand, Mom. Actually, I have something for you.”
Chloe brightened instantly.
“You shouldn’t have!”
Minutes before the reception dinner, Jessi led her into the main hall. Two venue employees rolled out an enormous wooden crate wrapped with a shiny silver bow and placed it directly in front of the head table, causing every guest to turn toward it.
Jessi took the microphone.
“Go ahead, Mom. Open it.”
Chloe stepped forward, smiling for the cameras, and lifted the lid. The room went completely silent as guests in the front row gasped.
