The wedding was set for October.

Tristan had promised Kelsey a wedding on a private island in the Bahamas. Then, in August, the island “fell through.” Something about a problem with the owner.

So the wedding moved to Carolina Oaks Country Club, just outside Charlotte. Still very fancy. Three hundred guests.

Then Tristan asked Dad for a favor.

“Ron, my money's tied up in a huge deal right now. Can you front the deposit for the venue? Eighty thousand. I'll pay you back with interest next month. Family helps family, right?”

Dad paid it. Out of his savings. Without telling Mom first.

When I found out, I told Dan. I'd never seen him look so tired.

He was sleeping badly. Getting up at three in the morning. Working late every night. Sometimes I'd find him sitting in the dark kitchen, just looking out the window.

Once, I saw him watching Kelsey's Instagram. A video of her trying on wedding dresses, laughing, happy.

He looked so sad.

“Dan,” I said softly. “Whatever this is. Are you okay?”

“I'm okay,” he said. “I just wish I could tell her.”

“Tell her what?”

He shook his head and kissed my forehead.

“After October,” he said. “I promise. I'll tell you everything.”