“You look beautiful, dear.” Madge dabbed at tears in her eyes as she gazed at her daughter. “Simply gorgeous.”

"Thanks, Mom." Angela pulled her in for a hug, careful not to muss her dress. It was a white mermaid cut dress, fitted to the knees and then flared out slightly, resembling a tulip. The back was open down to the waist, and the sleeves were lace cutouts. She had done her hair in loose curls that fell over her shoulders and applied just enough makeup to bring out her features. “But if you don’t stop crying, I’m going to start crying, too.”

Her mother laughed, dressed in a royal blue...