Dad stared straight ahead.
Ryan heard it.
I know he did.
His eyes darted to Madison.
Then to me.
And the corner of his mouth twitched.
Barely.
But enough.
That hurt more than Madison’s words.
My father leaned in.
“After this, don’t come to the private reception unless Ryan invites you personally.”
“I have an invitation.”
He frowned.
“To the family reception?”
I looked at him.
There were really two gatherings after the ceremony.
The family reception.
And a smaller official one for command staff, instructors, senior personnel, and invited guests.
My invitation was to the second.
Dad didn’t know that.
“No,” I said.
He breathed out as if relieved.
“Good.”
Then he dropped his voice.
“It’s a military crowd, Emily. People will ask questions.”
“What questions?”
He gave me an impatient look.
