Tom sighed, looking genuinely sorry. "I didn't want to spring this on you last minute. I wanted to find the right time to tell you, but things have been so hectic. I didn't realize how much this would upset you."
I took a deep breath, trying to hold back my frustration. "I get that it's a traditional thing, but it doesn't make it any easier. She's been there for me through everything and I want her to be with me on this too."
"I know," he said, reaching out to hold my hand. "But we'll figure it out. Maybe she can be involved in other ways, just not the traditional ceremony."
"So what do you expect me to tell her? What am I really supposed to tell her?"
Tom sighed as he ran his hand through his face. "The truth. It's a traditional thing and it doesn't involve outsiders, and she is an ou
