My boss called me at 11 p.m. and said, « Come to the hotel with me tonight. If you don’t come, you’re fired—and don’t tell anyone. » I went… But when I opened the door, saw him waiting for me inside, and heard what he wanted, I couldn’t believe my ears.My boss called me at 11 p.m. and said, « Come to the hotel with me tonight. If you don’t come, you’re fired—and don’t tell anyone. » I went… But when I opened the door, saw him waiting for me inside, and heard what he wanted, I couldn’t believe my ears.

« THANKS. »

« Don’t let me regret this. »

He opened the door.

The room was lightly scented with flowers and medicine.

An elderly woman was lying near the window, propped up on some pillows.

When she saw us, her face completely changed.

“Daniel.”

I had never heard anyone call Mr. Harrison by his first name.

He immediately crossed the room.

« Mom. »

Then she looked at me.

Her eyes filled with tears.

“So you’re Emma.”

I forced a smile.

« Yes. »

She held out her hand.

I came to get him.

Her fingers were thin and cold.

“You are more beautiful than he said.”

I watched Mr. Harrison.

He looked embarrassed.

Her mother laughed softly.

Then his face became serious.

“Take care of him.”

My throat was tight.

 » I’ll try. « 

She smiled.

Pastor Keller spoke a few simple words about love, loyalty, and the fact that one does not have to face life alone.

No oaths were taken.

No document.

No promises.

A dying mother holding her son’s hand, while I stood beside him with a ring on a finger that wasn’t mine.

When it was all over, she seemed happier than I had seen her in a long time.

I thought that would be the end.

But when Mr. Harrison leaned over to kiss her on the forehead, she whispered something.

He froze.

« What? »

She looked at me.

« I know she’s not really your fiancée. »

Silence reigned in the room.

My heart stopped.

Mr. Harrison slowly sat up.

« Mom… »

She gave a faint smile.

« I may be sick, Daniel. But I’m not stupid. »

I stared at her.

« Then why did you ask him to bring me here? »

She took my hand again.

« Because for two years, every time my son talked about work, your name was the only one that made him smile. »

Mr. Harrison turned as red as a tomato.

I didn’t know what to say.

Her mother closed her eyes for a moment.

Then he whispered:

« I didn’t need to see him get married. »

She shook my hand.

« All I asked was that he finally stop hiding from his own life. »

And suddenly, the fake wedding no longer seemed to be the strangest element of the evening.