At my sister’s wedding, she “toasted” me as a single mom no one wanted—and my mom joined in, calling my son “defective.” The room roared with laughter… until the groom slowly stood up. When he took the mic, every smile in the ballroom d.ie.d.

Felicia tilted her head with theatrical sweetness. “My sister is a single mother,” she continued, voice cheerful and sharp at the same time. “Unwanted by anyone. So I figured I would ask tonight if somebody here wants to pick her up. The kid comes included.”

The word kid landed harder than the rest. It made Grayson sound like luggage rather than a child.

A ripple of laughter moved across the room. At first it was hesitant because people were checking whether the bride really meant it, but once the first few laughed the sound grew stronger.

Felicia continued, enjoying the moment. “She is very brave though,” she added with mock admiration. “Still trying, still showing up to family events like a vintage item someone forgot to throw away.”

Someone near the bar snorted loudly.

Then my mother leaned toward the microphone at her own table and spoke with delighted energy. “Well she is technically a used product,” Judith said, her eyes shining with amusement. “But she still works and she even comes with a challenging little boy. Two for one.”

The room exploded with real laughter this time.