Every scrap of happiness I thought I'd had was nothing more than overflow from Guy's love for Mabel. Scraps tossed my way from a feast that was never mine.
My heart seized as though an ice-cold fist had clamped around it and twisted. The pain bent me double. I couldn't breathe.
A voice broke through from outside the door. "Ma'am, if we don't leave now, we'll miss the funeral."
I bit down hard, swallowing the urge to tear Guy apart with my bare hands. I copied the last recording from the speaker, steadied myself on shaking legs, and left with the assistant for the funeral.
The service was nearly over. I had just worked up the nerve to confront Guy when Mabel appeared, a hint of a smile in her eyes, carrying a bouquet of white chrysanthemums in one hand and a paper bag in the other.
Her face wore a mask of tender concern. Then she opened the bag and pulled out the papers inside, one by one.
"Big sis, I brought you three gifts. You're going to love them."
She handed me the first sheet, smiling sweetly. "Gift number one: Guy's vasectomy certificate."
Whispers rippled through the crowd.