“I’m sorry to interrupt your evening. I just thought of saying a few words before, you know, the party really got going and everyone started seeing two of me up on stage.” There was a round of generous laughter at this. Nihal Fonseka was, after all, nothing if not charismatic and likable. Everyone wanted to be his friend. It was what stood out most about him.

“I just wanted to thank you’ll for being here today to kick off the festivities. I know this wedding was a bit of a surprise for everyone, but you know we Fonsekas love our surprises.”

I heard a hmph go around my table while some of the aunties exchanged knowing looks.

“And what a wonderful surprise this is. You know, most fathers would have a heart attack at the idea of their daughter suddenly deciding to get married, but not me. I have every confidence in my Kaavi, who is smart and kind and, of course, beautiful. She has done us proud in every way, from the way she conducts herself, to the way she has been an essential part of my business, to the wonderful work she’s doing with her own charity—Pink Sapphires—which, mind you, she set up completely on her own. And now she’s brought us Matthew, who, much like those of us in my own alma mater, S. Thomas’ College, goes by his last name, which is Spencer.” There was a round of laughter and cheers at this, too, especially from a table of uncles who were already red-faced—his classmates, no doubt. Mr. Fonseka never made a speech without referencing his college at least once. Imogen once said that guys who refer to themselves by their last names are douchebags, and I was inclined to agree with her at the time.

“Spencer, too, is a self-made man. A very successful one, I might add, and I appreciate how much time he has put into getting to know my family. It’ll be nice to have another man around. We’ll still be outnumbered, but at least I won’t be alone.”

Another round of laughter.

“Of course, I’m only joking. Everyone here knows how much I simply adore my three girls.”

My heart jumped out of my chest, but it was just for a moment. He meant Nadia now. I wasn’t one of his three girls anymore. Of course I wasn’t.

“Can you believe this, ah?” one of the aunties leaned in and whispered to Aunty Josephina. “I was so surprised that Nihal agreed to give her in marriage to a suddha. But then, I guess he’s not one to talk about morals, no?”

Aunty Josephina was about to reply, but she was drowned out by Mr. Fonseka continuing.

“Fiona and I are blessed to have a new son, and my girls are lucky to have an older brother.” The seafood quiche I ate earlier started to swirl in my stomach. “I couldn’t be happier than I am right now to welcome you into our family. I only wish, Spencer, that your parents were alive and here with us today, to share in our joy. But I know they must be so proud of you and the man you have become.