His professional smile disappeared.
He read the message again.
Then he looked directly at Evelyn.
And began making his way through the crowded tables.
Marcus noticed.
“Mom, what are you doing?”
Evelyn slipped her phone back into her handbag.
“Something I should have done before you ever walked down that aisle.”
Brielle rolled her eyes.
“Oh, don’t be so dramatic. Nobody wants another one of your lectures.”
But when Daniel reached them, he didn’t address the bride.
He turned to Evelyn.
“Mrs. Carter,” he said quietly, “I received your instruction.”
She nodded.
“Thank you, Daniel.”
He hesitated.
“Are you absolutely certain you want to proceed?”
“Yes.”
Marcus’s face went pale.
“Proceed with what?”
Daniel looked toward the ballroom’s main doors, then back at Evelyn.
“I believe it would be best if we discussed this privately.”
Brielle gave an impatient sigh.
“Can somebody explain what’s happening? We have photographs in ten minutes.”
Evelyn looked at her daughter-in-law.
“Yes, Brielle. We do need to explain something.”
Then she turned toward Marcus.
“And this time, sweetheart, you’re going to have to speak for yourself.”
Evelyn had never intended to become the center of attention at her son’s wedding.
In fact, she’d spent the previous nine months trying to remain invisible.
