My brother’s wedding planner called and said, « Your family canceled your invitation… but they want to keep the $50,000 deposit you paid. » I paused, then replied, « Cancel the whole wedding. » She gasped in surprise. « But sir, you’re not the groom… » I smiled. « No. But I own the venue, the caterer… »

My brother’s wedding planner called and said, « Your family canceled your invitation… but they intend to keep the $50,000 deposit you paid. » I paused, then replied, « We’re canceling everything. » She took a deep breath. « Sir, you’re not the groom… » I smiled. « No. But I own the venue, the caterer… and the hotel chain they booked for their guests. » There was a deathly silence. And in that moment, I knew someone was going to have to apologize to me before the day was out.

My brother’s wedding planner called me, her voice was choked with stage fright like I’d never heard before.

« Hello, Mr. Carter, » she said quickly. « I… I’m not quite sure how to explain this tactfully. »

I walked away from my desk, already ready for action. « Say it. »

She sighed. « Your family has cancelled your invitation, but they fully intend to keep the $50,000 deposit you paid. »

I didn’t reply immediately.
Not that I was surprised. I wasn’t. My brother, Logan, had always considered me the most useful, the one who paid discreetly and stayed out of it. My parents had fostered this mentality for years.