“The Stone Family Foundation board voted last night to remove Mom and Dad after my audit was reviewed. Every donor in this church will receive a copy of the findings. The gala next month is canceled. The house, the lake property, and both business accounts are under temporary restraining order pending recovery of stolen trust assets.”
Paige whispered, “My condo…”
“Purchased with traceable funds,” Marcus said. “Yes.”
Her expression collapsed.
Dad turned on Mom. “You said the transfers were clean.”
Mom struck his chest with the envelope. “You signed them!”
The church erupted.
Grandpa squeezed my hand. “Walk, sweetheart.”
So we continued.
Past my mother’s panic.
Past my father’s ruin.
Past my sisters’ sudden poverty.
At the altar, Daniel took my other hand. His eyes glistened, but his voice remained steady. “Still want to marry me after all that?”
I laughed through the tears I had refused to give my mother. “Only if you promise our children never earn love like a paycheck.”
“I promise.”
Behind us, two uniformed officers entered the church. They didn’t interrupt the vows. They waited until after the kiss.
It was the kindest thing anyone did for my mother that day.
