Chapter 13 - The Wedding Daniel Attended
Emma married at twenty-seven.
The wedding was held at a vineyard outside Galena.
Daniel arrived two hours early.
I noticed.
He noticed me noticing.
“Growth,” he said.
I laughed.
Jonathan stood beside me.
Daniel shook his hand.
No tension.
No macho performance.
Just two adults.
Before the ceremony Emma asked both Daniel and me to walk her down the aisle.
Daniel cried.
So did I.
Halfway down, Emma stopped us.
Then walked the final steps alone.
Perfect.
At the reception Daniel asked me to dance.
Jonathan smiled and nodded.
We moved slowly.
“I used to think losing you was the punishment,” Daniel said.
“And now?”
“Becoming someone who understands why I lost you was harder.”
I looked at him.
“That sounds like therapy.”
“An offensive amount.”
I laughed.
He smiled.
“I’m glad you’re happy.”
“I am.”
“Do you love him?”
“Yes.”
Daniel nodded.
“Good.”
Then he said, “I loved you badly.”
That sentence stayed with me.
May you like
Sometimes love exists.
And still isn't enough.
