She had seamlessly woven herself into our family, and even Karen’s parents approved.As wedding preparations began, lines started to blur. Amy was excited to be the flower girl, but Emily suggested her nephew take that role instead. “What changed? I thought Amy was going to be the flower girl,”
I asked, puzzled. Emily replied, “Oh, she can still be involved. I just think it might be cute to have little Joey as the flower boy.” “ No, Emily. Amy is my daughter and she’ll be the flower girl. They can do it together, but Amy will have her moment.” Emily didn’t argue further, but I noticed a flicker of annoyance cross her face. I brushed it off, thinking it was just pre-wedding stress.The night before the wedding, I found myself sitting in Amy’s room, tucking her into bed. “Are you excited about tomorrow?” she asked. “I am, sweetheart,” I replied. “But it’s also a little scary, you know? Big changes.” “Do you think Mom will be happy?” she asked. “I think she would be, Amy.” The day of the wedding arrived, and everything seemed perfect. However, I overheard Emily’s bridesmaids planning to lock Amy in a room to prevent her from being a part of the wedding. They said Emily couldn’t stand seeing Amy because she reminded her of my late wife.Anger surged through me. How dare they plan to exclude my daughter? I composed myself and found Amy. “Dad!”
