We are getting married
After finally distracting Lily with her favorite cartoons in the living room and ensuring she was happily absorbed, we slipped out, closing the door softly behind us.
I glanced back once, double-checking that she wouldn't overhear anything she didn't need to hear. She was sitting cross-legged on the floor, utterly enthralled by the animated creatures dancing across the screen.
Good. The last thing I needed was more questions about "bruises" or "wrestling" explanations.
Ciara squeezed my hand reassuringly as we headed to the dining hall, where my parents were waiting with their typical mix of concern and curiosity.
My mother had already started setting the table, her hands fussing over napkins and placemats even though we weren't actually having a meal.
My dad stood by the window, hands clasped behind his back, trying for a composed expression but glancing over with thinly veiled anticipation.