The wedding planning began on a Tuesday.
Emma woke to a text from Eleanor — not a call, not an email, a text. The woman who had once refused to use a smartphone was now sending messages in all caps with multiple exclamation points.
Eleanor: VENUE TOUR. THURSDAY. 10 AM. I'M SENDING A CAR.
Emma stared at the screen. Nick was still asleep beside her, his arm draped across her waist, his breathing slow and steady. She showed him the phone.
"Your mother texts in all caps," Emma said.
Nick opened one eye. "She's excited."
"She's terrifying."
"She's both."
Emma sighed. "What have I gotten myself into?"
Nick pulled her closer. "A family. Congratulations."
---
Thursday arrived cold and bright.
The car came at 9:30 AM — a black sedan with tinted windows and a driver in a suit. Emma wore
