Evelyn did not move.
“Into my house?”
Daniel lifted his hands, trying to sound reasonable.
“Into the guest wing, Mom. They won’t touch your things. They sold their house in Pasadena and need space. You have plenty.”
The sentence fell over Evelyn like wet soil.
“You have plenty.”
Not “Can I ask for your help?” Not “Would you be willing?” Not “I’m sorry for bringing this up at my wedding.”
Just an order disguised as need.
Claire stepped closer, her veil still pinned into her hair.
“My family can’t live cramped together when you have empty rooms. Besides, Daniel already said yes. And now we’re family.”
Evelyn looked around the ballroom. Claire’s parents’ table was empty. Megan, the younger sister, was missing too, along with two cousins who had been taking photos near the dessert table earlier.
They weren’t in the restroom.
They weren’t dancing.
They weren’t in the reception area.
Evelyn understood everything with brutal clarity.
“Where are your parents, Claire?”
The bride lifted her chin.
“Taking care of family matters.”
