I forced a smile. “I’m fine, sweetheart.”

But Noah shook his head. “She was mean to you.”

I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t want to spoil this night for him. But before I could answer, he said something that surprised me.

“I want to say something.”

My stomach dropped. “Noah…”

But he looked at me with calm determination. “Mom, she shouldn’t treat you like that. Uncle Daniel should know.”

There was no stopping him. I saw it in his eyes—the same look his father used to get when he believed in something with his whole heart.

I took a deep breath. “Okay,” I whispered.

We walked back inside just as the emcee invited guests to share toasts. Noah squeezed my hand, then let go and marched toward the stage.