What I resented, quietly and beneath years of practiced calm, was how her happiness automatically became the center of our family’s universe. Every conversation revolved around her, around Michael, around their future home, their wedding plans, their potential children, their registry.
“You’re so lucky,” one older aunt said near Brooke. “Two carats! When I got engaged, we could barely afford any ring at all.”
My mother laughed warmly. “Well, things are different now. And Michael wanted to show how serious he is about taking care of our girl.”
Our girl.
Not one of our girls.
Just her.
I swirled the wine in my glass, watching the red liquid twist against the sides. Someone’s citrus perfume drifted past me. Nearby, a sharp laugh broke through the music, and I felt that familiar ache of being in the room but invisible at the same time.
A waiter passed with a tray of mini crab cakes and tiny pastries. I shook my head when he offered, and he moved on.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the DJ’s voice suddenly boomed through the speakers as the quartet faded out. “Let’s have another round of applause for our beautiful couple, Brooke and Michael!”
Everyone clapped obediently. I clapped too, swallowed by the sound around me.
The applause was just beginning to fade when I heard my father’s voice behind me, surprised and relieved.
“James! You made it!”
I didn’t turn immediately. People had been calling names all night. But that name—James—cut through the noise differently.
I looked over and saw him moving through the crowd toward our family: my Uncle James, my father’s younger brother, a suitcase rolling behind him, his jacket wrinkled from travel, his tie slightly loosened like he had rushed straight from the airport.
“Sorry I’m late,” he called, raising one hand. “My Denver connection was a disaster. I swear airports are trying to finish me off.”
