My sister lifted her glass, called me “just a nurse” in front of the entire wedding, and the room laughed with her—until the groom’s father looked straight at me like he’d seen a ghost and said five words that changed the air in the room

No one noticed what was missing.

Because you only notice someone’s absence if you knew they were supposed to be there.

I sat there, two empty chairs beside me, a centerpiece already starting to wilt, and I listened to my sister thank everyone in her world except me.

James leaned toward her afterward.

“You didn’t mention Reagan.”

Victoria touched his cheek.continue reading …