His face changed.
For a moment, he seemed physically unable to remain standing.
He placed one hand against the celebration table.
The beautiful arrangements of flowers and crystal suddenly looked grotesque.
He stared at the cake.
A tiny decorative pair of baby shoes sat on top.
He had chosen them.
He remembered discussing colors with the baker.
Claire had smiled and said pink and ivory would be beautiful.
He had been so happy.
So completely unaware.
Daniel looked toward his mother.
"Did you know?"
Evelyn's face was pale.
For several seconds, she did not answer.
Then she took a breath.
"Daniel, I can explain."
He stared.
The words confirmed what Claire had said more completely than any confession.
His mother knew.
Not suspected.
Knew.
Daniel looked toward the guests.
People were whispering now.
Several phones remained raised.
He felt heat rise into his face.
"Everybody out."
His voice was low.
Nobody moved.
Daniel raised it.
"I said everybody out!"
The guests began shifting.
A photographer lowered his camera.
Several people moved toward the doors.
Evelyn stepped forward.
"Daniel, you cannot speak to our guests that way."
He turned.
For one moment, she flinched at the expression on his face.
"They were invited to celebrate a child who doesn't exist."
The room went silent again.
Daniel pointed toward the doors.
"Leave."
The event staff began guiding people toward the exits.
Mara did not wait.
She lifted Sophie's small hand.
"Come on, sweetheart."
Sophie looked toward Daniel.
"Daddy?"
He turned.
And the sight of his daughter standing in her white princess dress nearly broke him.
She was frightened.
Her cheeks were wet.
She had watched an adult shove her mother.
Then she had seen the entire room erupt after she pointed out something she did not understand.
Daniel crouched.
"Sophie."
The little girl looked toward the floor.
"Did I do something bad?"
His chest tightened.
He shook his head.
"No, baby."