Then he said something I did not expect.
“I’m sorry she put you in the position of having to leave to give everyone else comfort.”
Emily flinched.
I almost told him not to apologize for her.
Instead I said, “Figure out what you need to figure out.”
He looked toward the officiant.
The man had remained near the altar, waiting without interfering.
Daniel walked back toward him.
Emily followed two steps behind.
“Daniel.”
He picked up the small card holding the vows he had prepared.
For a second, I thought the ceremony was going to continue.
Emily seemed to think so too.
She straightened her shoulders and handed her bouquet to a bridesmaid.
Then Daniel folded the vow card once.
“I can’t say these today.”
Emily stopped.
He did not throw the card.
He did not tear it up.
He simply handed it back to the officiant.
“I need to stop the ceremony.”
Linda stood so quickly her purse slipped against the pew.
“Daniel, please. You two can talk privately.
