A few moments later, the wedding coordinator knocked.

“Twenty-five minutes.”

Everything seemed ready.

Or so I believed.

Five minutes later, Corrine appeared at the doorway.

“Jessica.” She smiled warmly. “May I borrow you for just a second?”

I followed her into the hallway.

“I wanted to tell you how beautiful you look.”

“Thank you.”

She brushed at an imaginary wrinkle on my sleeve.

“There’s been one last change.”

I smiled.

“What kind of change?”

“When those doors open, Rosalie will walk down the aisle before you.”

I waited for the punchline.

It never came.

“I’m sorry?”

“My daughter will make the bridal entrance first.”

I laughed.

Not because it was funny.

Because I honestly thought I’d misunderstood.

“Rosalie isn’t the bride.”

“I know.”

“Then why would she walk before me?”

Corrine’s smile never faded.

“It’s important to our family.”

I stared at her.

“What does that even mean?”

“It means I’d appreciate your understanding.”

“My understanding? The ceremony starts in 20 minutes.”

“I know.” She nodded. “The wedding coordinator already has the updated processional.”

My stomach sank.

“You changed the ceremony?”

“It was only a small adjustment.”

“You did this without asking me?”

“I knew you’d never agree.”

For a moment, I couldn’t even respond.

“You knew I’d say no…so you did it anyway?”