Then I began the long walk up the cobblestone driveway, and I was not alone.

On one side of me walked Eric.

On the other, a notary.

And behind us, unhurried, in dark tactical uniforms, came two court officers.

I could hear the party before I could see it — cheerful music, the practiced bright laughter of people performing enjoyment for one another, the clink of glasses drifting over the garden wall.

It was a beautiful morning for it.

And as the five of us came around the curve of the drive and into view, the sound began to die.