Later, after the cake was cut and the first dances were shared, Robert pulled me aside. His face looked a touch more solemn than it had earlier in the day.

“Maggie, we need to leave. Now,” he murmured, his voice barely audible over the laughter and music.

“Why?” I asked, taken aback by his sudden urgency.

“I’ll explain in the car,” he insisted, with a firmness that left no room for argument.

Reluctantly, I said quick goodbyes to my family, making excuses about an early start the next day. Jessica gave me a knowing look, her eyes twinkling with curiosity, but she didn’t press. Robert and I made our way out into the cool evening air, the stars sparkling like diamonds against the inky sky.