It was Brad.
My husband’s face was tattooed on my best friend’s body like a private shrine.
I couldn’t stop staring at it.
It was enough to show me all I needed to see.
Behind me, from outside, people cheered.
“We’re ready for cake!” someone shouted.
Ellie got the box down and turned around.
Brad’s voice called from outside, warm and easy. “Babe? You okay in there?”
I closed my eyes.
This was the moment where women like me usually swallowed disaster to protect the event and our family’s reputation.
“We’re ready for cake!”
I thought of all the years I had done exactly that.
When Brad forgot birthdays and anniversaries, or when he disappeared into work or golf. When Ellie canceled on me last minute.
When I convinced myself that little odd moments meant nothing because the alternative was uglier.
Then I thought of Will.
“Aunt Ellie has Dad.”
He had said it like he was telling me something fun.
I opened my eyes. I knew what I needed to do now.
Then I thought of Will.
Ellie was only too happy to carry Brad’s birthday cake out for me.
I stayed a step behind her as she placed it on the center table. She and Brad exchanged smiles. I tried not to throw up.
Everyone gathered around and brought out their phones.
“All right, all right,” Brad said. “No speeches, please.”
“Just one,” I said.
People quieted. Brad smiled at me, unsuspecting.
“No speeches, please.”
“Okay then,” he grinned. “Who am I to tell my wife that she can’t shower me with praise on my birthday?”
The guests laughed.
I looked at him, then Ellie, then back at him.
“I’ve spent all day making sure this party was perfect for you,” I said.
My mother-in-law put a hand to her chest like she thought this was about to get sentimental.
“The food, the guests, the decorations. Everything. So I think it’s fair to ask one favor before we cut the cake.”
My mother-in-law put a hand to her chest.
Brad gave a little laugh. “Okay…”
I turned to Ellie. “Ellie, do you want to show everyone your tattoo?”
Ellie’s eyes widened, then her hand flew to her side.
Brad frowned. “What’s this about? Why should we all see Ellie’s tattoo?”
“Because it’s such an extraordinary likeness of you, Brad.”
His jaw dropped. He glanced between Ellie and me in horror.
“Ellie, do you want to show everyone your tattoo?”
“Since she went to the effort of getting your face permanently marked on her body, I figured she might want to show it off to everyone. Or is it just for you?”
A murmur moved through the crowd.
“What?”
“Hold on — did she just say what I think she said?”
Ellie looked like she might be sick.
Brad looked at her, and that was answer enough.
“Or is it just for you?”
I turned to the guests.
