Noreen shifted to give the camera a different angle on her jaw line. “Dissatisfied and trying to make sure everyone else is, too.” She tipped her chin up. “The dog goes with you or it goes to the vet. That’s all there is to it. This is the humane thing to do.”

Smile, smile, smile. “I don’t have my own apartment, and I travel nearly seven days a week. I can’t have a dog.”

Noreen put her hand on Natalie’s arm and smiled up into her face. “No man, no home. No wonder you’ve been trying all day to ruin my wedding.”

Natalie pulled away. “That is not true. I have not been trying to ruin anything.”

“Smiles,” the photographer said pointedly. “Let’s remember to smile.”

“Sarah thinks you’re unaware of your behavior, but I think you know exactly what you’re doing,” Noreen told her in a musing sort of voice.

Sarah? She was lined up against her, too? The sharp pain of betrayal she’d experienced earlier came back now, even more keenly. It had always been her and Sarah against the world.

Or so she’d thought. A knot began to form in Natalie’s stomach.

“One more and we’re done,” the photographer said. “Let’s make it a candid. Anything you want. Ladies’ choice.”

Natalie wondered if vomiting on your shoes was an option, but before she could suggest it Noreen pulled her close and tilted to rest her forehead on her daughter’s. Smiling into her eyes, Noreen said, “Your father is dead, Natalie. It’s time to accept that. There is nothing in the world less attractive than a daddy’s girl without a daddy.”

The words affected Natalie like a physical slap, jolting her, waking her up from the complacent stupor she’d been in and making it clear what she needed to do next.

“Marvelous. Just beautiful,” the photographer said. “I think you’re going to be thrilled with those. Real mementos of a very special day.”

The inside of Natalie’s head was so noisy she probably would not have heard it if someone had tried to stop her from leaving, but no one did. You’re not wanted here, but you’re needed at work, her brain kept saying. Then fury replaced confusion and she was filled with a sense of purpose that quickly silenced any doubts, any misgivings. She’d go where she was welcome.

It took her less than ten minutes to shed the bridesmaid’s dress, put on her jeans, and pack her bag, leaving the discarded gown hanging in the closet. She’d have enough baggage courtesy of her mother without that.

She looked down at Cronkite, staring expectantly up at her. “Yes, boy, you, too.” She didn’t know what she was going to do with him, but she was definitely not going to leave Cronkite here to be downsized to make more room for sex swings.