Dad Looked At Me And Said: “Unlike You, Your Sister’s Making Us Proud, Don’t Ruin Her Day.” I Stood Up During The Toast And Everyone Went Completely Silent When I Said: “Funny Thing Is…”
Family Told Me To Stay Quiet At My Sister’s Wedding, “Unlike You, She Makes Us Proud”; But I kept hearing those words echo in my head every time I caught my reflection in the hotel mirrors.

My dad said it that morning in the bridal suite at the Fontaine Hotel in Nashville, straightening his tie, eyes on himself instead of me. I was standing there holding the garment bag with my bridesmaid dress—the one I’d paid for—inside a venue that existed because I’d written a $47,000 check when my parents said they “couldn’t possibly afford” my sister’s dream wedding.

“Don’t ruin her day,” he added. “This is Brooke’s moment. She deserves to be happy.”

Apparently, I did not.