Then Daniel Heard the Phrase That Changed Everything
Megan pulled Daniel several feet away.
“I just want a few traditional photos first.”
“What does that mean?”
“You know what I mean.”
“No, I don’t.”
Megan looked around.
Her family was waiting.
The photographer was waiting.
Guests were starting to arrive.
She sighed.
“I want some pictures that are just us.”
Daniel nodded.
“Us means me, you and Lily.”
Megan’s face tightened.
“Daniel.”
“What?”
“She’s your daughter.”
“Yes.”
“But she’s not my daughter.”
Daniel stared at her.
Megan continued before he could respond.
“I just want a few pictures of the family we’re starting together.”
Daniel’s expression changed.
“We are already a family.”
Megan became frustrated.
“You’re twisting what I’m saying.”
Then Lily walked closer.
Neither of them had realized she was within earshot.
Megan turned toward her and said:
“Lily, sweetie, can you just wait inside for a little bit? We’ll do your pictures later.”
Lily looked at Daniel.
Then she asked quietly:
“So I’m not part of the family pictures?”
Nobody answered immediately.
And that silence made everything worse.
