After the wedding, Lydia and Bronx returned to their new home, while I accompanied my stepfather and mother back to ours.

Nash drove, with my stepfather and mother in the back seat. My mother, beaming with happiness, praised Lydia for finding such a great partner and remarked how perfectly matched she and Bronx were.

Then laughing, she turned to Nash and playfully asked when they could expect to meet the special someone in his life.

As she spoke, she held my stepfather’s hand and continued to boast about how well-behaved and accomplished her children were.

The mood in the car grew somber.

I guessed they were probably thinking of me....