1 day before my sister’s wedding, she texted: “You’re out of my wedding—only real family belongs here.” I replied: “Good. Real family can pay for the venue themselves.”

Gail Hail entered the picture.

Brandon’s mother was sixty-one, with a silver bob and pearl earrings that probably cost more than my car payment. She ran the women’s auxiliary at church and organized the town’s annual Founders Day gala.

She could make you feel underdressed while standing in your own kitchen.

I first met her at a bridal-shower planning meeting nobody had bothered to tell me about.

Colleen found out after seeing a photo on Jessica’s private story.

Gail looked across the table at me and said, “You’re very involved