Nora’s voice dropped lower. “This is my decision. I’m not changing my mind. If you insist, I’ll call the whole thing off.”
“You’re going to throw everything away? For what? Your niece’s big moment?”
She shook her head, avoiding my eyes.
“Don’t push me, Winston.”
I didn’t say another word. I stormed past her, grabbed my jacket, and drove straight to Sarah’s friend’s house. She came to the car, confused, backpack slung over one shoulder.
“You’re going to throw everything away? For what?”
“Dad? Aren’t we going home?”
I shook my head, managing a smile. “Not yet, honey. How about ice cream for dinner?”
Sarah’s eyes widened. “Seriously? On a school night?”
“Desperate times call for desperate sundaes.”
She buckled herself in, feet swinging. “Can I get extra Oreos on top?”
“You can get whatever you want.” My voice cracked a little, but she didn’t notice.
“Dad? Aren’t we going home?”
***
At the parlor, we slid into a red vinyl booth and ordered giant sundaes, and she chattered about school, about Abigail’s kitten, about how she was going to help decorate for the wedding even if she couldn’t be a flower girl.
I nodded, but inside I was spinning.
