Barbara shook her head.
“Brandon—”
“She is my daughter.”
His voice was louder now.
“In every way that matters.”
Barbara opened her mouth.
He didn’t let her speak.
“And if Emily and I have more children someday, Lisa does not become less my daughter just because another child shares my DNA.”
I stepped beside him.
Then I looked directly at Barbara.
“And anyone who refuses to accept that does not get to be part of our family.”
Barbara stared at me.
Then at Brandon.
“You’re really going to let her speak to me like that? I’m your mother.”
Brandon didn’t hesitate.
“She speaks for both of us.”
Then he asked,
“Do you want to be part of this family or not?”
Barbara looked around the room.
I think she expected someone to defend her.
Nobody did.
Her sister looked at the floor.
One of Brandon’s cousins slowly shook his head.
Even the pastor looked stunned.
Barbara grabbed her purse.
Then she walked out.
The doors closed behind her.
For several seconds, nobody moved.
Barbara was gone.
But the little suitcases were still attached to my dress.
Lisa sniffled against Brandon’s shoulder.
“Are you still getting married?”
A few guests laughed.
Brandon looked at me.
“Are we?”
I looked down at the train.
Eight little suitcases remained.
