When the call ended, I opened the photographer's email. Marilyn finally spoke. You're really doing this? I looked at her. You said yes to John.
I know what I said. Then you know why I'm cancelling. She folded her arms. I thought you'd want to talk first. We are talking.
No, you're making decisions. Someone has to. She looked away. I went through the wedding list on my phone. Photographer, caterer, florist, hotel block, transportation.
I canceled the vendors one by one. Some asked what had happened. I gave them the same answer. The wedding is cancelled. I didn't explain Marilyn's decision to strangers.
There was no reason to. After the fifth call, Marilyn sat at the kitchen table. Are you angry? Yes. She looked surprised.
You don't seem angry. I'm not going to throw things or scream at you. I didn't say you should. Good. I finished the last call and put my phone down.
Marilyn stared at me. Do you hate me? No. Then why are you acting like this doesn't matter? I leaned against the counter.
It matters. That's why I'm acting like this. She swallowed. I didn't plan for this to happen. I looked at her for a moment.
Did John know you were still engaged? She hesitated. Yes. That answer told me more than she probably intended. And he still proposed.
Yes. When? 3 days ago. Where? At a restaurant.
I nodded. So, you had three days to tell me. I was trying to figure out what I wanted. No, you were trying to decide which life you wanted. Her face tightened.
That's not fair. It is. She stood. I didn't ask you to cancel everything tonight. You shouldn't have to.
What does that mean? It means I shouldn't have to wait for you to decide whether I'm worth keeping. She stared at me. For several seconds, neither of us spoke. Then she said quietly, "I never wanted to hurt you.
I believe you. " That seemed to confuse her even more. I walked toward the hallway. I'm going to sleep somewhere else tonight. Where?
I'll figure it out. Harry, you don't have to leave. I do. This is still your home. Not anymore.
I grabbed an overnight bag from the bedroom and started packing. Marilyn followed me. What are you going to tell people? The truth, which is my wedding was cancelled. She lowered her voice.
And me? I stopped packing and looked at her. You're with John? Her eyes filled with tears. I haven't actually moved on with him.
You accepted his proposal. That doesn't mean everything is decided. It does for me. I zipped the bag. Before leaving, I checked the shared bills and transferred my half of the upcoming payments into the account.