of manipulation. He ran a hand through his perf

or everyone to hear. "This is exactly the kind of drama I was worried about. My fa

father, who flinched a

s traditions. The bride' s family contributes. Without that money, I don'

brother Mike, looked smug. Jennifer was examining her long, painted nails, a smirk

y arm. "Gabrielle, let' s just

' t leavin

whole pathetic, greedy scheme laid out before me. They

my voice steady and ca

cking on the concrete patio. I pulled o

nt to

anged a confused glance. Jennifer finally l

ve it all to your dad." He knew I' d just finished a small freelance design gig, that I

said, my voice even. "I wa

pleading. "No, honey. Don' t.

the same way my mother had. "It'

he game was a