Dad looked surprised.
“Of course. He’s your brother.”
I nodded.
“I understand.”
He seemed relieved.
He mistook my calm response for agreement.
But my plans had nothing to do with embarrassing anyone.
Mara was coordinating the proper handling of the evidence and financial investigation.
Daniel and I had also discussed what we needed to do to protect our wedding day.
I wanted to celebrate our marriage without pretending my family had done nothing wrong.
And I wasn’t going to allow my father’s expectations to dictate my choices any longer.
At the rehearsal dinner, Dad raised his glass.
He praised Evan’s business achievements.
Called him ambitious.
Said he represented the future of the family.
Evan smiled proudly.
Then he looked across the table at me.
I was sitting beside Daniel, my injured shoulder supported beneath a loose wrap.
My brother’s expression suggested he believed everything had returned to normal.
