I swallowed hard. “I thought we were family.”

“We are,” she whispered. “But I was insecure.”

Tears burned in my eyes. “I got dressed up to celebrate you, only to find out I wasn’t wanted. That’s cruel.”

Debra’s voice wavered. “I told everyone you had a school conflict.”

I shook my head. “That’s messed up.”

Her eyes glistened. Suddenly, she hugged me. “I’m sorry. I let my insecurities get the best of me. But I do want you here.”

I hesitated before sighing. “Fine. But not for you—for us.”

Her smile returned. “Thank you.”

The ceremony was beautiful, but at the reception, I kept to the edges. Ryan found me.

“Why the long face?”

I sighed. “Did you know Debra didn’t invite me?”

His eyebrows shot up. “What? Why?”

“Because Brian’s family thought I was too pretty,” I said flatly.

“That’s ridiculous.”

“Yeah, well. We talked it out. Sort of.”

Just then, a voice interrupted. “You must be Kylie.”

I turned to see Eleanor, Brian’s mother, elegant and composed.

“You know, when I saw your picture, I told Debra you could be a model,” she said.

I stiffened.

“I know Debra didn’t originally invite you,” she continued. “But you handled it with grace. I admire that.”

So she knew. They all knew.

As Eleanor walked away, I let out a breath. Insecurity can make people do terrible things—but love and family always find their way back.

Debra and I had a long way to go, but at least now, I knew the truth.