Morning found the Ashford's living room soft with daylight.
A pot of tea was brewing in the kitchen while the old floral sofa carried the indentations of a life of purpose.
On the muted TV, there was a replay of the Blackwood's Winter Gala drifting by in bits. On the screen now was Ashley and Julian arriving. Her dress caught the light and she looked magnificent.
"Look at our girl," her mother said, voice beaming with pride and astonishment. "She looks as steady as a lighthouse. That marriage has done her and us a lot of good. She looks so happy and content."
Dad eased into his armchair and held his mug with two hands, the way and manner he always did whenever he was lost in his thoughts.
On the screen, Julian was wearing a midnight tux and a voice captioned the video, Good evening. Thank you for lending your light. The room in the video leaned toward him, the Ashford living room did, too.
