I thought I’d be more nervous today. There are hundreds of people seated at the benches outside, but for once, I don’t care about what others think. Silvano is waiting at the end of the aisle, under the wedding arch that cost multiple thousands of dollars.

Does that make me the bride?

“I left because…” I’m struggling to find the words. I’m not like Silvano, who can spin anything into gold. I’m not like Sierra, even, who can instill passion in others. I’m just… me. “I left because I fell in love,” I say, my shoulders slumping. “You don’t pick who you fall in love with, Ma."