high spirits. Family members had traveled from across the country to attend, including relatives we hadn’t seen in years.
Our parents looked happier than I had seen them in a long time. My father proudly walked Emma down the aisle, and my mother cried through most of the ceremony.
Nothing seemed out of place.
If someone had told me that our entire family dynamic was about to explode before the night ended, I would have laughed.
The Reception Begins
After dinner, the speeches started.
The best man delivered a funny but heartfelt speech about meeting Emma’s husband in college. The maid of honor shared embarrassing childhood stories that made everyone laugh.
Then it was my uncle Robert’s turn.
Robert had always been known as the family comedian. Every gathering included one of his stories, impressions, or practical jokes. Most of the time they were harmless.
He stood up, raised his
