Claire started crying.
“I think sometimes you know what I need before I do.”
“And apparently, sometimes what I need is to see you wearing my father’s suit and walking towards me.”
She laughed through her tears.
I continued. “I love you. I love how much care you put into people.”
“And I promise I will spend the rest of my life trying to give you the same kind of love you give me.”
We exchanged rings.
Then we kissed.
The photographer got a picture of us immediately afterward that is now probably my favorite photograph from the whole day.
Claire is laughing.
I’m crying.
My mother’s crying behind us.
Aaron looks like he’s trying not to.
And Claire is absolutely swimming in my dead father’s suit.
After the ceremony, we took pictures in it before she changed.
My mother insisted on getting one alone with Claire.
She stood beside her, touched the sleeve, and said, “Richard would have thought this was hilarious.”
