That evening, Lily sent a voice message from Vanessa’s phone.

She thanked me for inviting her to the wedding and said the lemon cake was the best cake she’d ever eaten.

I smiled and recorded a response thanking her for dancing with me during the afternoon.

I did not mention the adults.

Children deserve ordinary memories that aren’t recruited into adult disagreements.

PART 15

Autumn settled over the valley, turning the trees along our road copper and gold.

The wedding flowers became photographs in an album, and the barn returned to hosting other people’s celebrations.