“He told Richard Hail you’d leave right after the photos because you couldn’t face the town.”

“I am not leaving,” I said.

“No matter what Dad says tonight,” Clare whispered, her voice tightening, “please stay.”

“I am staying, Clare,” I said.

“All night.”

Clare reached out with both hands and took mine, gripping my fingers tightly in the bridal dressing room.

The organ music faded through the courtyard glass as the wedding guests streamed out toward the stone fountain.

Gerald stepped into my path before I reached the coat check, two tall flutes of champagne balanced between his fingers.