A month after the wedding, Brittany came to Rose’s house.

She did not arrive unannounced.

She had asked through Brandon whether Rose would be willing to see her, and Grandma had spent several days thinking about it before agreeing.

I was there because Rose wanted me there, although we had agreed I would not speak for her.

Brittany stood on the porch holding a small bunch of white daisies.

Without the dress, makeup, and frantic wedding-day energy, she looked younger and much less sure of herself.

“Thank you for letting me come,” she said.