- 23.
Before I was fourteen, my parents were
strangers who appeared only on holidays. Afterward, they were just providers who made sure I had enough money. Did they love me? Probably. But fourteen years of absence had created a chasm between us. I always told myself that’s why they were so affectionate
with my younger brother. When I told them
about the wedding, my mom simply asked
about Alex’s background and gave her blessing.
Ethan and I had been the “it” couple in our
social circle, but now he was publicly defying
his parents for his new girlfriend. I was the
laughingstock. A decent guy willing to marry
me? They probably wanted me gone. The
wedding was set for a month later. I wanted
something small, but Alex insisted. “I can’t give
you a lavish wedding,” he said, “but you’ll have
everything other brides have, even if it’s just a
formality.” He was thoughtful and meticulous.
