My dad laughed and told me to walk myself down the aisle because I was marrying a nobody. Mom sat beside him in the back row while I walked alone, gripping my bouquet.

Later that evening, Caleb found me outside on the patio.

The air had cooled. Spanish moss swayed gently from the oak trees beyond the lights. Music drifted softly through the walls from inside.

Caleb leaned against the railing, repeatedly turning the expensive watch Dad had given him after graduation.

“I used to think you were dramatic,” he admitted.

I laughed tiredly.

“Great opening.”

“I’m serious.” Shame filled his face. “Whenever you fought with Dad, I thought you were making it worse. I thought if you just ignored him, he’d stop.”

“He never stopped.”

“I know that now.”

Silence settled between us.

Finally Caleb spoke again.

“The foundation paid for my condo deposit.”

I turned toward him.

His eyes were wet.

“Dad said it was from a bonus account. I didn’t ask questions.”

My chest tightened.

“Caleb.”

“I don’t know if it was illegal money. I don’t know anything. But I’m going to tell the investigators.”