“Because it’s…” Dana searched for a word that wouldn’t sound as cruel as the one in her head.

“Embarrassing?” Maddie offered. Dana’s silence answered for her. Maddie smiled, though the muscles in her face felt like cracked glass. “What’s embarrassing is promising to marry someone and disappearing two hours before the ceremony.

Eating chicken in a formal dress is just unusual.”

“You’re in shock.”

“Probably.”

“Then come home with me.”

“I can be in shock here. The chairs are nicer.”

Dana’s eyes filled with helpless tears. “I love you.”

“I know. Go home to your kids.”

“What will you do?”

Maddie glanced toward the swinging kitchen doors through which Eli had disappeared. “I’m going to have dinner.”

Dana finally left. So did the aunts who’d been whispering behind centerpieces. So did Tyler’s coworkers, several of whom slipped out without saying goodbye.