What I Finally Understood
I stood and pulled my brother into my arms.
For once, neither of us made a joke.
“I never wanted you to pay me back,” I whispered.
“I know,” he said. “That’s why I had to.”
Emily joined the hug, followed by Claire and our parents. For several moments, we stood together in the middle of the reception while our guests applauded.
Later, Ryan admitted he had practiced the speech for weeks.
“You could have warned me,” I said.
“That would have ruined the revenge.”
“You nearly stopped my heart.”
He grinned. “Worth it.”
Then he grew serious again.
“I was never angry about you and Emily. You found each other when you were ready. That has nothing to do with what happened when we were kids.”
I looked across the room at my new wife, laughing with Claire.
“I’m lucky,” I said.
Ryan nodded. “You are. So is she.”
