"Then why are you carrying a baby through my reception?"
Naomi looked uncomfortable.
"Because she needs me."
Claire laughed.
"She needs you?"
Naomi nodded.
"Yes."
Claire stepped closer.
"Who gave you permission?"
Naomi looked around.
People were watching.
Her face became red.
"I don't need permission to hold a baby."
Claire's voice rose.
"That isn't your baby."
The room went silent.
Naomi looked at her.
The baby stirred.
Naomi gently rocked her.
"Please don't wake her."
Claire stared.
"How dare you."
Naomi whispered,
"I'm not trying to cause trouble."
"Then leave."
Naomi swallowed.
"I can't."
"Why?"
Naomi looked at the child.
"Because her mother asked me to stay."
Claire's eyes widened.
"Her mother?"
"Yes."
"Who?"
Naomi looked at her.
"You."
The room seemed to stop breathing.
Claire's face turned white.
"You are lying."
"No."
"You think you can walk into my wedding and hold my child?"
Naomi looked confused.
"I thought you wanted me here."
"I never invited you."
"Daniel did."
"Daniel doesn't make decisions for me."
Naomi lowered her voice.
"He made one very important decision."
Claire stepped forward.
"What are you talking about?"
Before Naomi could answer, a man pushed through the crowd.
Daniel Whitmore.
He was six feet tall.
Broad-shouldered.
Dressed in a perfectly tailored navy suit.
His face was usually calm.
Tonight, it wasn't.
He looked furious.
"Claire."
She turned.
"Daniel, tell her to leave."
Daniel looked at Naomi.
Then at the baby.
His expression changed.
He walked toward them.
"Is she okay?"
Naomi nodded.
"She's sleeping."
Daniel touched the baby's blanket.
Then looked at Naomi.
"Thank you."
Claire stared at him.
"Daniel."
He turned.
"Yes?"
"What's going on?"
Daniel looked around the ballroom.
Everyone was watching.
He took a deep breath.
Then said,
"Claire, we need to talk."
"Now?"
"Now."
She shook her head.
"No."
Daniel's voice became firm.
"Yes."
Claire looked at Naomi.
"Who is she?"
Daniel didn't answer immediately.
Then he said,
"She's Naomi Brooks."
"I know her name."
"She saved our daughter."
The room erupted in whispers.
Claire's eyes widened.
"What?"
Daniel continued.
"Three weeks ago, our daughter was born prematurely."
Claire stared at him.
"Daniel..."
"You were told she was healthy."
"She was."
"No."
Claire's face changed.
Daniel looked at Naomi.
"She wasn't."
Naomi lowered her eyes.
Daniel continued.
"She stopped breathing twice."
Claire covered her mouth.
"No."
"Yes."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Daniel's voice cracked.
"Because you weren't awake."
Claire shook her head.
"I don't understand."
Daniel looked at the crowd.
Then back at her.
"The doctors told us our daughter needed immediate care."
Claire began crying.
"What does Naomi have to do with this?"
Daniel answered,
"Everything."