She had told me that Christina was just jealous of our happiness.

She had said that Christina was overprotective and simply did not want another woman taking her late mother’s place in my life.

Those gentle words had flowed from Florence’s mouth so smoothly that I had never thought to question them for a single moment.

Now, looking directly into my grandson’s terrified eyes, I began to wonder how many cruel lies I had mistaken for loving explanations.

Behind us, romantic classical music began drifting softly from the main ballroom.

A hired string quartet was rehearsing the exact entry song I had personally selected for Florence’s grand walk down the aisle.