“Did I interrupt something?”
We had a small ceremony in Arthur’s backyard.
Arthur looked handsome in his navy suit. I wore cream. I had no interest in pretending I was anything other than exactly who I was: a woman who had already loved deeply and had somehow found room in her heart to love again.
As I stood there holding his hands, I felt excited. That’s what breaks my heart when I think back on it.
“I do,” I said before the pastor could finish.
People laughed softly. Arthur smiled.
Just like that, I was a wife again.
That’s what breaks my heart when I think back on it.
Linda stood off to the side, watching. Even after everyone else started dancing.
Every time I looked over, she wore the same pained expression.
I couldn’t take it anymore. She’d been cold and strange, and if she didn’t like me (as I suspected was the case), then it was best to clear the air now.
I crossed the yard to her.
“Linda, it’s time we had a heart-to-heart,” I said.
“I couldn’t agree more.”
She took my hand and led me away to a quieter spot. Then she said the most unexpected thing.
“Linda, it’s time we had a heart-to-heart.”
For the first time, her face softened.
“You’re a wonderful woman, Caroline,” she said in a low voice, “and I’m worried my father is deceiving you.”
“What are you talking about?”
She glanced back toward the main gathering. When she looked back at me, her eyes were filled with tears.
“I can’t just stand by and watch this anymore. He’s not who he says he is. The man you married died 20 years ago. Come to the basement. I’ll show you everything.”
“My father is deceiving you.”
She started toward the back door.
After a moment’s hesitation, I followed her.
The basement smelled like dust and damp cardboard. In the far corner sat a scratched metal box.
“It’s in here.” Linda’s hands shook as she unlocked it.
Inside were photographs, envelopes, and yellowed documents. She handed me a photo first.
“This is a photo I took of my father, 23 years ago.”
