Chapter 2

Forty-eight hours later, I saw my mother's name on the welcome sign outside the hotel. Beneath it was another name: Adrian Cole.

The ceremony room doors stood open. Victoria was among the flowers, wearing the wedding dress I'd once shown Adrian.

It had a straight neckline and tiny pearls down the back. One night on his sofa, I'd shown him a picture while we talked about marriage. I didn't want my mother choosing my dress or deciding what kind of bride I should be.

"Then wear the one you want," he'd said. "I'll be waiting at the end of the aisle."

I'd imagined walking toward him in that dress, with no father left to walk beside me.

Now my mother wore it. The waist had been altered to fit her, but every pearl was where I remembered. Adrian stood beside her in the charcoal suit I'd chosen. At his cuffs were the silver links he'd refused to return.

He saw me and touched one cuff. He didn't take it off.

Victoria gathered her skirt and came toward me. The photographer turned with her. I folded the invitation in my hand until its edge dug into my palm. She took my hand and gave the guests a smile.

Then she leaned close. "Isn't it lovely? Adrian mentioned once that you liked this dress. I tried it on, and it suited me."

The skirt brushed my shoes. I knew where every pearl would be if she turned around. She knew I couldn't explain it in front of the camera.

"Would you straighten the back for me, Lenora?" She turned just enough to show me the pearls.

I let go of her hand. "You have a coordinator."

The coordinator arrived with a schedule. "Ms. Vale, you'll present the rings." My name was printed beside Daughter presents rings. My mother hadn't told me about her wedding, but she'd decided where I would stand in it.

As the ceremony began, the coordinator placed a velvet box in my hand. The rings moved softly inside. Victoria held out her hand, speaking loudly enough for the guests to hear. "You're my only daughter."

Her other hand was on Adrian's arm. The photographer waited for me to bring them the rings. I set the box on the table between us.

"I never agreed to take part in your wedding."

My mother's hand hung in the air. She didn't look worried. Adrian stepped forward and opened the box himself. One of my cuff links flashed as he reached for a ring, his knuckles brushing the pearls on her dress.

He put the ring on Victoria's finger and turned to the guests. "Please don't make this hard for her. She just hasn't gotten used to the fact that I'm with her mother now."

Someone in the front row sighed. They thought I couldn't bear to see my mother marry. Adrian knew what I was looking at and let them pity me. He kissed Victoria; the silver at his cuff touched her shoulder. I hadn't handed them the rings. I didn't look away.

After the ceremony, he passed close enough to speak quietly. "I only mentioned the dress once. I didn't know she'd buy it."

I looked at his sleeve. "You knew what she was wearing today. You still stood beside her in the suit I picked for you."

He went back to Victoria without answering. She took his arm, and the pearls moved as she turned.

The coordinator handed me a dinner program. The final item was already printed: A blessing from the daughter.