Their Mother Had Been Trying to “Solve” Two Problems

Diane finally admitted what she had done.

Hannah and Luke had wanted to get married quickly.

Luke’s father had been diagnosed with a serious illness, and they wanted him to be present at the wedding.

But Hannah and Luke didn’t have enough money for the kind of ceremony Hannah wanted.

At the same time, Diane had become convinced that Claire and Marcus shouldn’t be getting married.

Claire stared at her.

“Based on what?”

Diane hesitated.

“Things Marcus said.”

Claire frowned.

“What things?”

Diane said Marcus had complained privately about money.

About the cost of the wedding.

About feeling unsure.

So Diane came up with what she apparently believed was a solution.

She persuaded Marcus to postpone the wedding.

Then she told Hannah that Claire had voluntarily given up the venue.

The paid deposits wouldn’t go to waste.

Hannah could get married.

And Claire would eventually realize Marcus wasn’t right for her.

Claire was speechless.

“You transferred my wedding to Hannah because you decided my relationship wasn’t good enough?”

Diane shook her head.

“I was trying to protect both of you.”

“No.”

Claire’s voice became quiet.

“You were making decisions for both of us.”