I have something I’d like to give you.”

That exchange did not happen as soon as Elena stepped through the doors.

There was a ceremony first, a marriage, a beautiful hour in which I thought she might let our daughter have the day.

The accusation returned later, amplified beyond a private greeting.

That was when Chloe called for the box.

It was large and white, tied with satin ribbon, and it had spent most of the afternoon near the gift table without attracting attention.

Charlotte and Evelyn brought it forward.