“No coward is ruining it.” Maddie promised to eat two servings.

By twelve thirty, the remaining employees had left. The tables had been cleared, but Martin let the flowers and decorations stay until morning. Maddie sat on the edge of the low stage, barefoot, her heels abandoned beneath the head table, her wedding dress spread around her like fallen snow.

Eli approached with two glasses of water.

“You’ve been here since what time?” she asked.

“Three this afternoon.”

“You must be exhausted.”