Tabitha’s POV

Mom stands in the center with her bouquet raised high. A cheer ripples through the crowd as the women push closer. I step into the back of the group, trying not to get elbowed.

“Ready?” Mom calls out, smiling wide.

“Yes!” several women shout back.

She tosses the bouquet into the air. For a moment it spins above us before it tips toward Melanie. She lifts her hands and catches it with ease. Applause breaks out. A few women groan in defeat, but most of them laugh and clap for her. Melanie beams as her friends surround her.

I head back to my seat. Arthur leans in. “Knew...