The first stars were coming out over the gardens, and behind us the laughter and the music of the reception went on, growing softer as we went, until it was just a warmth at our backs.

Lily hummed to herself and swung our joined hands between us as we walked down the stone path toward my modest, faithful sedan.

“Mommy?” she said, looking up at me, her dark eyes shining in the last of the light.

“Yes, Lily?”

“I love you.”

I squeezed her small warm hand, and something in my chest that had been held tight for the better part of a decade let go, all at once, and what flooded in behind it was the most complete peace I have ever known.

“I love you too, sweetheart,” I said.