The speeches ended. Applause thundered through the church. Chloe was trembling with excitement. "Noah, this is the first time I've ever made it through a whole wedding ceremony... so this is what it feels like to be blessed."
She leaned her head on his shoulder, her voice soft and sweet. "If only Sister Elena were here. She could see how happy we are."
Noah didn't say anything. He was staring at his phone. The screen was lit. Our chat history was still open from the morning I'd left. The last message was from me: [Noah, when I get back, let's really talk.]
Noah drank a lot. Chloe was surrounded by her bridesmaids, all of them taking pictures. Laughter rippled through the group in waves, as if Chloe were the true bride of this wedding.
Someone asked, "Why didn't Elena come?"
"Maybe...
