My daughter brought her new husband over like it was supposed to be a normal milestone. Instead, the moment I opened the door, I felt my entire past step into my living room. And at their wedding, he pulled me aside and said there was a truth he’d been holding onto for decades.

She graduated college, got a job, moved into her own place. I tried not to hover.

Then one night she called, buzzing.

“Mom, I met someone.”

“Okay,” I said. “Tell me.”

“He’s older. Don’t start.”

“How much older?”

Every time I asked for details, she dodged.

“Just meet him first,” she said. “I don’t want you stuck on a number.”