Chapter 20
The wedding was the following June.
Perfect weather. Blue sky. Warm sun.
We had it in our backyard, under a canopy of white roses and twinkling lights.
Maya was breathtaking in her dress.
Ethan was so handsome in his tuxedo, I could barely breathe. My little boy. All grown up. Getting married.
Lily was the maid of honor. She gave a speech that had everyone laughing and crying in equal measure.
“Ethan has been the best big brother anyone could ever ask for,” she said. “He taught me how to ride a bike. He beat up the kid who bullied me in third grade. He even let me win at Mario Kart sometimes. Okay, never. But still. He’s the best.”
She looked at Maya.
“And now we get you. And I’m so excited to have a sister. Finally. Because let me tell you, living with two brothers—well, one brother and one dad who acts like a brother sometimes—is exhausting. I need someone on my team.”
Everyone laughed.
“Welcome to the chaos, Maya,” Lily said, raising her glass. “We love you already.”
Grace was the flower girl. She scattered rose petals with dramatic flair, stopping halfway down the aisle to do a little spin for the crowd.
When the priest said, “You may kiss the bride,” the cheer was so loud the birds flew from the trees again.
At the reception, I danced with Ethan for the mother-son dance.
He held me tight.
“I love you, Mom,” he said.
“I love you too, baby. More than words.”
And as we spun around the dance floor, surrounded by everyone we loved, I looked at Daniel, watching us with tears in his eyes. At Lily, dancing with Jake. At Grace, dancing on Clara’s feet. At Maya, laughing with her new in-laws.
I thought about that night at the gala.
I thought about holding my crying, bleeding five-year-old daughter, promising that no one would ever hurt her again.
I thought about all the battles. All the fear. All the pain.
And I thought about this.
This perfect, beautiful, ordinary moment.
May you like
It had all been worth it.
Every single second.
