Instead, she had learned that the man she intended to marry had concealed four children.

“Kesha,” she said quietly, “could we speak?”

I didn’t want a private conversation that left my children wondering what was being decided about them.

Lena, who had accompanied us on the journey and remained nearby as my trusted colleague, offered to stay with the children at the refreshments table within my sight.

I asked each child whether that was all right.

Only after they agreed did I join Vanessa by the window.