But my eyes remained on Colin.
“I cannot start a marriage where my mother’s memory is treated like trash. So I need to know. Will you stand with me, or with your mother?”
Colin slowly turned toward Linda.
She laughed sharply.
“Oh, don’t be ridiculous. That thing looked like rags.”
“Mom, did you destroy it?” he asked.
“I was protecting this family’s reputation.”
Shock and disgust spread through the guests.
Colin shook his head.
“No,” he said quietly. “You were protecting your ego.”
Her mouth opened.
“You’re choosing her over your own mother?”
“I’m choosing decency.”
He turned toward the ushers.
“Please escort my mother out.”
Linda looked around the room as if someone might defend her.
No one did.
As the ushers guided her toward the doors, she snapped, “You will regret this.”
The doors closed behind her.
Colin walked toward the table and gently touched the torn fabric.
“I’m so sorry.”
Then he turned to the guests.
