Chapter 2 - A Celebration Built on Silence
Brielle’s engagement to Julian Cross became the most important event the Bennett family had hosted in years.
Julian came from a respected family of architects and investors. Unlike Richard, he disliked publicity, but he loved Brielle and agreed to the elaborate celebration because she claimed it mattered to her parents.
The Grand Bellamy Hotel was reserved for an entire weekend.
Lorraine ordered thousands of imported flowers. Richard hired musicians, photographers, and a celebrity chef. Invitations were sent to business leaders, politicians, journalists, and distant relatives Claire had not seen in years.
Claire received her invitation through an assistant.
No personal message accompanied it.
She considered declining, but Brielle called her that evening.
“I really need you there,” Brielle said.
Claire was sitting in Mason’s unfinished nursery, folding tiny clothes Lucas had never seen.
“Why?”
“Because people will ask questions if you don’t come.”
Claire closed her eyes.
“Do you want me there, or do you want to avoid questions?”
“Why does everything have to become a confrontation with you?”
“It was a simple question.”
Brielle exhaled dramatically.
“Of course I want you there. You’re my sister.”
Claire wanted to believe her.
Then Brielle added, “You’ll wear something that doesn’t look too bridal, right? And maybe don’t talk about the pregnancy unless someone asks. Mom is worried it will pull attention away from the engagement.”
Claire looked down at her stomach.
She was eight months pregnant.
“I don’t think the pregnancy is something I can hide.”
“You know what I mean.”
Unfortunately, Claire did.
She attended the family rehearsal dinner three nights before the celebration. Lorraine placed her at the far end of the table between two distant cousins.
When guests asked about the baby, Lorraine redirected the conversation toward Brielle’s wedding plans.
Richard barely spoke to Claire.
At the end of dinner, Julian approached her near the hotel elevators.
“I’m glad you came,” he said. “Brielle talks about you often.”
Claire smiled faintly.
“I’m surprised.”
Julian studied her face.
“Is everything all right?”
Before Claire could answer, Brielle appeared and slipped her arm through his.
“There you are,” she said brightly. “Dad needs you for a photograph.”
Julian allowed himself to be pulled away, but he looked back at Claire.
Brielle did not.
Later that night, Claire found her father alone in the hotel office.
“I may not be able to attend Saturday,” she told him. “My doctor is concerned that the baby could arrive early.”
Richard continued reading a document.
“Your mother has already finalized the seating arrangement.”
“I’m not discussing the seating arrangement.”
He finally looked up.
“Claire, your sister has waited years for this weekend. Please do not create unnecessary worry.”
“I’m telling you what my doctor said.”
“And I am telling you that we cannot reorganize the entire event around possibilities.”
Claire stared at him.
“No one asked you to reorganize anything.”
“Then why are we having this conversation?”
She did not have an answer he would understand.
Claire left the office and found Graham waiting in the lobby. He had come to the city for a military charity banquet taking place the same weekend.
One glance at her face was enough.
“What did he say?” Graham asked.
Claire shook her head.
“It doesn’t matter.”
“It matters if it hurt you.”
The kindness nearly broke her composure.
“My doctor thinks Mason may come early.”
Graham immediately became serious.
“Does your family know?”
“They know.”
“And?”
Claire looked toward the glittering engagement decorations.
“They have a seating arrangement.”
Graham’s jaw tightened.
“Call me if anything changes.”
“I’ll be fine.”
May you like
“That was not a suggestion, Claire.”
For the first time that evening, she smiled.
