We arrived at the venue after the ceremony ended, right when guests were flowing into the reception. The place was beautiful, with soft lights, white tents, and that warm buzz of celebration.
Everything looked perfect on the surface.
Sophie squeezed my hand the entire walk from the parking lot. “Is Daddy here yet?” she whispered.
“Yes, sweetheart,” I said, brushing her hair back.
“He’s right inside waiting for you.”
My daughter had no idea what was waiting for her, too.
Eric spotted us almost immediately and crouched down with his arms wide. “There’s my girl!”
Sophie practically flew toward him. “Daddy!”
For a brief moment, it looked exactly how I’d hoped… simple, sweet, and harmless.
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