Then her neck.

“The dress is lovely,” she finally said.

Then she asked:

“Does it come with a jacket?”

Derek immediately looked suspicious.

“A jacket? Why?”

“Churches can be chilly.”

“In June?”

Patricia hesitated.

Then she said quietly:

“It might be useful for the photographs.”

I understood exactly what she meant.

So did Derek.

But I convinced myself not to start a family argument over one comment.

That was my mistake.

PART 2

On our wedding day, Lily was thrilled.

She wore her pink flower-girl dress and carried a little basket filled with petals.

Before the ceremony, she needed to wait in a small room near the aisle.

Patricia volunteered to stay with her.

Something inside me hesitated.

Before leaving, I looked directly at Patricia.

“Her dress stays on.”

She gave me an offended smile.

“Obviously.”