My legs moved before my mind caught up. I stood from the last row and walked the long aisle while two hundred faces turned to follow me. Emily’s hand was warm and trembling when I took it, and Paul’s eyes were wet. Behind us, Vanessa’s heels clicked fast against the floor. “Emily, sit down,” she hissed. “You are making a scene.”

Emily turned to her, calm and pale. “No, Vanessa. I have waited three weeks to say this.” She reached into her bouquet, past the blue handkerchief, and drew out a folded sheet of paper. Vanessa’s face drained of color. “Where did you get that?” she whispered. Emily lifted the page high so every guest could see it, and the entire church went deathly still.