Brandon explained that his father, Ronald, and Natalie’s Aunt Helen would be walking her down the aisle instead of me. Since Margaret was gone, he said, having them escort Natalie together would look more “balanced.” I stood silently in my kitchen, holding the envelope that contained the final payment for a wedding where apparently I wasn’t even considered part of the ceremony.

I didn’t shout. I simply thanked Brandon for telling me and ended the call. Then I contacted the venue coordinator, Priya, and asked her to confirm the program. She quietly read it to me. Under the processional were Ronald Whitlock and Helen Archer. My name appeared only once, buried in a thank-you to family and friends for their generosity. Because the contract was in my name, Priya reminded me I could change things. I looked at that $63,000 payment and made my decision. “No,” I said. “Leave everything exactly as it is.”