Smiled for photographs when invited.
At dinner, she spoke warmly to relatives she had not seen in years.
For a while, Chloe thought perhaps they might survive the evening without reopening old wounds.
Then came the speeches.
Her father went first.
He kept it short.
Of course he did.
He talked about Chloe learning to ride a bike.
About how she used to sleep with one shoe on because apparently removing both was too much work.
Everybody laughed.
Then he looked at her husband.Get Marriage Tips
“Love her when she’s easy.”
He paused.
“And when she isn’t.”
More laughter.
“Show up.”
His voice changed.
“That’s most of it.”
Chloe looked down because she was already crying.
He raised his glass.
“To Chloe and Ben.”
Everyone applauded.
Then Elena stood.
Nobody had asked her to speak.
She picked up a glass.
“I know some of you are surprised to see me.”
