Wendy’s voice, sharp as shattered glass, cut through the soft chatter. “What is he doing here?”
Every head swiveled. Leo froze, his small hand still reaching for Matthew’s.
“He’s with me,” I said, my voice calm, layered with a steel I’d been forging for months. I kept my smile in place. “He just wanted to stand by his uncle for a picture.”
“This is a wedding party photo,” Wendy said, her smile tight enough to crack. She didn’t look at Leo. She looked at the photographer. “Not a… family reunion. He needs to leave. Now.”
Matthew shifted on his feet, his eyes darting from his new wife to his nephew. “Wendy, maybe just one quick one…”
“No.” The word was final. She took a step forward, her gaze now landing on Leo with a cold clarity that made my blood boil. “He is not in the wedding party. He is not my child. He doesn’t belong in these photos. Take him away.”
A horrified silence fell over the bridal party. Leo’s lower lip trembled. That was it. The quiet waiting was over.
“You’re absolutely right, Wendy,” I said, my voice clear and loud enough for everyone gathered to hear. I walked forward and scooped Leo into my arms. He buried his face in my neck. “He is not your child. He is my grandson. He is Matthew’s nephew. He is the son of my beloved daughter, who is no longer here to protect him.” I looked directly at my son, whose face had gone pale. “And if she were, she’d be heartbroken to see her brother allow his wife to treat her son like an unwanted accessory.”
