We stayed at the reception until the last guest left, until Maya and Jake departed in a shower of sparklers and laughter, until the band packed up and the caterers cleared the final plates. I coordinated the cleanup with half my attention, the other half caught on Lucas across the tent, breaking down centerpieces with the groomsmen, our eyes meeting every few minutes like a pulse.

By the time everything was handled and the vendors paid and tomorrow’s brunch confirmed, it was nearly midnight. I stood outside the tent, suddenly exhausted and wired at once, my clipboard finally set aside, my tie loosened, and I felt him approach before I...