The man who stepped in when my father refused to walk me down the aisle

water instead of champagne. His face looked older than it had three days earlier. ” He shifted his weight. ” I waited. “I should have…” He stopped. I could have rescued him. I had done that my entire life. Finished sentences. Softened moments. Made everyone more comfortable. I didn’t. Dad looked toward the dance floor. ” I did. I looked at him. ” He met my eyes. ” His mouth opened. Then closed. There are questions people can answer quickly when they already know the truth. Dad did not answer quickly. Mom appeared beside him. ”