That is a different and harder truth than a vague absence, and it was Daisy’s to have now, because she was old enough for it, and because the truth about her own life belonged to her.” Laura’s voice climbed toward shrillness.

“You have no right to pull a childish stunt like this at a family event!” And Samantha looked her mother straight in the eye and said, quietly, “It’s my wedding.”

That correction, two words, landed harder than any accusation could have, because it was simply and unanswerably true.

This was not a family event Laura had any standing to police.

It was Samantha’s wedding, and Samantha would decide what happened at it.