She laughed weakly. “Is humor part of the service?”

“Only for premium events.”

Her eyes filled. This time she didn’t stop the tears. They slid down her cheeks, leaving tracks through makeup that had survived the ceremony, the whispers, and the first two courses.

Eli reached for a linen napkin. He didn’t touch her. He simply set it within reach. Maddie pressed it beneath her eyes.

“I really believed him.”

“I know.”