“It’s a surprise.”
***
On the wedding day, the church smelled of lilies and floor polish.
I helped Hazel into the little cardigan I’d chosen, kissed the crown of her head, and told her she was going to be the most graceful flower girl anyone had ever seen.
Twenty minutes before the ceremony, one of the bridesmaids poked her head into our small waiting room.
“Vanessa wants Hazel in the bridal suite. Alone.”
I became still.
I helped Hazel into the little cardigan.
“Alone?” I asked.
“That’s what she said.”
Hazel skipped out the door before I could catch her hand. I told myself I was being ridiculous, that Vanessa was doing something sweet.
I paced. I checked my phone. I paced again.
When the door opened, and Hazel walked back in, I didn’t recognize her at first.
I told myself I was being ridiculous.
The flower girl dress she’d dreamed about for months was gone.
