I didn’t know they were doing this. A videographer walked around filming as Ethan and Veronica opened presents in front of everyone. Designer luggage, expensive china, and envelopes thick with cash. Each gift got applause and squeals of delight.
Veronica lifted the box and smiled at the camera. “This one’s from Grandma Maggie!”
People clapped politely. I smiled, my heart racing.
She pulled out the quilt and held it up. The whole room went quiet for a moment. Then she laughed, this bright tinkling sound that cut right through me.
“Oh my gosh, you made THIS?”
Her bridesmaids started giggling. One of them whispered loud enough for half the room to hear, “It looks like something from a thrift store.”
Veronica smirked at the camera. “Maybe we’ll hang it in the attic. You know, next to the Christmas decorations.”
Laughter rippled through that enormous hall like a wave I couldn’t stop. My hands started trembling in my lap. Heat crawled up my neck and into my face. I wanted to melt right into my chair and never come back.
I forced my mouth into a smile even though my lips were shaking. “It’s okay, dear. I just wanted you both to have something from the heart.”
“Excuse me,” I whispered to no one in particular.
I stood up on legs that felt like water and walked out.
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