Instead, Ashley rolled her eyes.

“Oh, for God’s sake. She’s not going to die because she has to wait a few days for her medicine.”

Daniel’s expression changed.

Ashley continued speaking, seemingly unaware.

“And honestly, everyone’s watching, the photos are going to be ruined, and I can’t believe you’re all making such a huge deal out of…”

Daniel looked toward Grandma again.

She sat with her hands tightly folded, desperately trying to appear unaffected.

Her chin trembled once.

Then he turned back to Ashley.

“Enough of this,” he said.

He walked away from her and headed directly toward me.

My stomach dropped.

I assumed he was furious that I’d disrupted his reception and was about to demand that I leave.

Ashley apparently thought the same thing.

She sighed with relief.

“Thank you,” she said. “Finally. Somebody around here has some sense.”

Daniel stopped beside my chair and extended his hand.

“Give me that.”

I looked down at the spoon, having almost forgotten I was holding it.

I hesitated briefly.

Then he took it from my fingers.

He turned toward the cake.

Ashley smiled triumphantly and began smoothing her hair, apparently preparing for the photographer.

Daniel approached the four tiers.

For a long moment, he studied the beautiful ivory layers and delicate sugar roses Grandma had spent four days shaping with her aching hands.

Then he plunged the spoon directly into the center.

It sank deep into the cake.

He scooped out a huge, uneven portion of sponge and frosting, lifted it, and put the entire mouthful into his mouth.

Ashley gasped.

Several guests gasped alongside her.

Daniel continued chewing as the room fell completely silent.

“Daniel!” Ashley screamed. “What are you doing?!”

He didn’t even glance at her.

After swallowing, he turned and called across the hall.

“Grandma, this is wonderful.”

Grandma stared at him in disbelief.

Her mouth opened, but no words came out.

Daniel placed the spoon on the cart and crossed the room as every guest watched.

When he reached Grandma’s chair, he knelt before her in his wedding suit and took both her hands.

“Thank you,” he said, his voice breaking. “For all the hours you put into this. I’m so sorry for how Ashley treated you.”

“Oh, sweetheart.”

Grandma blinked rapidly.

“Please don’t be upset. It’s your wedding day. I never wanted…”

“You did nothing wrong,” he said. “Nothing. Do you hear me?”