Emily Still Refused to React

At dinner, she told Natalie:

“Please leave it alone.”

Natalie stared at her.

“You’re actually okay with this?”

“No.”

“Then why aren’t you saying something?”

Emily looked around the reception.

Her grandparents were laughing.

Daniel’s father was talking to old friends.

Children were dancing near the DJ booth.

“Because I want to enjoy my wedding.”

Natalie sighed.

“Fine.”

Emily should have known her sister better.

Susan Made a Toast

That was when everything changed.

Susan hadn’t originally been scheduled to speak.

But after the best man’s toast, she approached the DJ and asked for the microphone.

Daniel looked surprised.

Emily was already nervous.

Susan began warmly.

She talked about Daniel as a little boy.

His first day of school.

His first car.

His first apartment.

Then she said:

“And now another woman gets to be the most important woman in his life.”

Some guests laughed.

Emily smiled politely.

Susan continued:

“I’m still getting used to that.”

More laughter.

Then she looked directly at Emily.

“Take good care of him. I’ve spent thirty-one years training him.”

Daniel looked embarrassed.

Emily remained silent.

Natalie did not.

From her table, she muttered loudly enough for several people to hear:

“Apparently she also spent thirty-one years preparing for his wedding.”

A few guests laughed.

Susan heard it.