The room remained quiet.
He looked uncomfortable.
“Chloe, everybody’s staring.”
“Let them.”
The music began.
Her father placed one hand carefully on her back.
“You’re ruining your makeup.”
“You paid for half of it.”
He laughed.
That familiar laugh.
The one that had been in every difficult year of her childhood.
Chloe rested her head against his shoulder.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“You know.”
“No.”
He shook his head.
“This is what fathers do.”
She looked up at him.
“No, Dad.”
Her eyes filled again.
“This is what you did.”
Then one of her sisters stepped onto the dance floor.
“Can we cut in?”
Before he could answer, another joined.
Then another.
Soon all six daughters surrounded him.
Maya wrapped both arms around his waist.
The oldest sister rested her head against his shoulder.
Someone laughed.
Someone cried.
Their father looked completely overwhelmed.
