Three weeks after my son’s wedding, the wedding coordinator called and told me, “Sir, I recorded something awful. Come alone, and do not tell your children.”

She nodded. “Ethan and your daughter, Marissa. Vanessa was there too.” PlanFamily Trips

I nearly laughed because my nerves had nowhere else to go. “They probably said something stupid. Weddings are stressful.”

Claire did not smile.

She pressed play.

At first, all I heard was muffled music. Then my daughter’s voice came through clearly. PlanFamily Trips

“Dad looked so pathetic during the father-dance speech. He really thinks Ethan loves him.”

Ethan laughed.

My heart seemed to stop.

Vanessa said, “Just keep him emotional until he signs the lake house transfer. After that, we can stop pretending.”

Marissa replied, “He’ll sign. He’s lonely. Mention Mom and he’ll do anything.”