“My mother is sitting in the second row, and people are asking questions.”

I adjusted my silver wristwatch and stood my ground on the brick walkway.

“The wedding is over, Seth,” I said.

He pulled us both by the wrists through the side entrance and back into the church fellowship hall, away from the front steps where guests were milling around.

Aunt Clara and two of Seth’s cousins were standing by the folding coat rack, holding paper cups of lukewarm coffee.

“You’re choosing a dental office over family,” Seth said, his voice carrying across the linoleum.