He talked about Chloe learning to ride a bike.
About how she used to sleep with one shoe on because apparently removing both was too much work.
Everybody laughed.
Then he looked at her husband.
“Love her when she’s easy.”
He paused.
“And when she isn’t.”
More laughter.
“Show up.”
His voice changed.
“That’s most of it.”
Chloe looked down because she was already crying.
He raised his glass.
“To Chloe and Ben.”
Everyone applauded.
Then Elena stood.
Nobody had asked her to speak.
She picked up a glass.
“I know some of you are surprised to see me.”
The room became quieter.
Chloe felt one of her sisters stiffen beside her.
Elena smiled sadly.
“I wish things had been different.”
Chloe’s father lowered his eyes.
Elena continued.
“For years, I wanted a relationship with my daughters.”
Chloe stopped breathing.
“But sometimes one parent makes that impossible.”
