ON MY SON’S WEDDING MORNING, OUR FAMILY DRIVER PUSHED ME INTO THE TRUNK AND THREW A BLANKET OVER …

I stepped out.

My heels clicked on pavement.

Guests turned.

Smiled.

Waved.

“Beautiful day for a wedding, Mrs. Hayes,” someone called.

I smiled back.

A perfect mask.

They had no idea that in less than an hour I would shatter everything.

The cathedral was magnificent.

Soaring vaulted ceilings.

Polished wooden pews.

Massive pipe organ gleaming in afternoon light.

Flowers everywhere.

White roses and lilies cascading down aisles, filling the air with perfume.

Sunlight streamed through stained glass windows, casting jeweled patterns across marble floors.

Everything perfect.

Exactly as Blake and Natasha had planned.

Every guest dressed impeccably.

The cathedral hummed with elegant conversation and anticipation.

Everyone who mattered was here.

I stepped inside, immediately surrounded by greetings.

Business partners.

Family.

Friends.

People Bernard and I had known for decades.

All smiling.

Celebrating.

Expecting a beautiful day.

“Margot, you look stunning.”

Walter approached—Bernard’s old business partner, kind eyes crinkling.

“Bernard would be so happy seeing Blake settled like this.”

I forced a smile.

“I hope so, Walter.”

“That Natasha is a real gem,” he continued warmly. “Smart, gracious, devoted to Blake.”

“You raised a good man who found a good woman.”

My stomach twisted, but I kept smiling.

“Thank you, Walter.”

He patted my shoulder and moved toward his seat.

I watched him go, wondering how many people in this room I was about to disappoint.

“Mrs. Hayes.”

Tyler rushed over, grinning.

“Blake’s back there freaking out a little. Normal groom stuff. You want to see him?”

“Yes, please.”

Tyler led me behind the altar to a small preparation room.

Blake stood before a mirror, fumbling with his tie, anxiety radiating from him.

“Mom, thank God.”

Relief flooded his face.

“I’m losing my mind here.”

My heart shattered.

“That’s normal, sweetheart.”

“Is it?”

He laughed nervously.

“I just want everything perfect for her. For us.”

I stepped closer, gently moving his hands aside and fixing his tie the same way I’d done before his prom, his graduation.

Every important moment.

“Blake, I need you to know something.”

He looked at me, eyes so much like Bernard’s.

“What?”

I chose words carefully.

“No matter what happens today, I love you always. And everything I do is to protect you.”

Blake’s brow furrowed, confused.

“What could happen, Mom? Everything’s perfect. She’s perfect.”

I nearly collapsed.

But held firm.

“I know, son.”

He pulled me into a hug.

“Thank you for accepting her, for supporting us, for giving us your blessing.”

“It means everything, having you here happy for us. It makes this complete.”

Over his shoulder, my eyes filled with tears.

“I love you so much, Blake.”

“Ten minutes, man,” Tyler called from the doorway. “Guests are seated. Time to go.”

I pulled back, straightening Blake’s collar.

“You look handsome, just like your father.”

“Thanks, Mom.”