I watched her decide that fear of canceling had finally taken hold of me. She kissed my cheek. “You’re making the right choice.”

After Mom left, Sydney walked in. Her silver bridesmaid gown caught every point of light in the room. It was more dramatic than the design we’d chosen together, but that was typical of Sydney — she never simply entered a room, she made an arrival.

The other bridesmaids immediately admired the dress. Sydney rested one hand over her stomach and met my eyes in the mirror.

“Ready?”

“I’ve never been more ready.”

She gave me a careful smile. “You seemed upset last night.”