And she said yes.
The wedding was already being planned.
I didn’t know what to say.
Part of me felt angry. Another part of me felt numb. I was still trying to process losing my mother, and suddenly my father was marrying her sister.
But he looked so certain.
So convinced this was the right thing.
Eventually I told myself maybe this was just how he was coping with grief.
Maybe this was his way of surviving.
Victoria moved quickly with the wedding plans. She seemed excited, almost energized by the whole thing.
I didn’t want to be involved.
I didn’t help choose flowers. I didn’t go dress shopping with her. I didn’t attend any of the planning meetings.
The only promise I made was to show up.
For my father.
The wedding day arrived sooner than I expected.
The venue was full of people—family, friends, neighbors. Music played. Guests laughed and hugged my father and Victoria like this was the most normal thing in the world.
Everyone seemed happy for them.
I forced myself to smile.
I shook my dad’s hand and told him I hoped he’d be happy.
Then I stepped away into the crowd.
I was trying to stay calm when I suddenly felt someone tap my shoulder.
I turned around.
