The pastor spoke about Lily’s kindness.
Her laughter.
Her love for children.
Her excitement about becoming a mother.
My mother cried silently.
My father stared at the floor.
I couldn’t stop looking at Jason.
Because something kept screaming inside my head.
This wasn’t right.
None of it was right.
When the final hymn ended, people slowly stood.
Then a man in a gray suit walked toward the front.
He appeared to be in his late fifties.
Calm.
Professional.
He carried a leather briefcase.
“Excuse me,” he said.
The church quieted.
“My name is Daniel Hayes.
I was Lily Reed’s attorney.”
Jason’s head snapped toward him.
“Now?”
Mr.
Hayes looked at him.
“Yes.
Now.”
Jason frowned.
“We’re at my wife’s funeral.”
“I am aware.”
“Whatever legal business you have can wait.”
Mr.
Hayes didn’t move.
“Your wife left very specific instructions.”
Jason’s face changed.
“What instructions?”
Mr.
Hayes opened his briefcase.
