"And to my brother Nate," she continued, fixing him with a playful grin. "Don't worry, I've already given Susan all your embarrassing stories. It's only fair!"

The room echoed with laughter again, and I couldn’t help but let out a bubbling giggle. Nate groaned playfully, rolling his eyes, but his arm remained steady around me—a beacon of warmth and security.

"But all jesting aside," Emily sobered slightly. "I am over the moon to see my brother and my best friend embark on this beautiful journey together. Nate, I've never seen you happier or more yourself than when you're with Susan. I know you will fill each other's lives with joy, love, and plenty of humor.”

"To Susan and Nate!" she concluded, raising her glass.

"To Susan and Nate!" our loved ones chorused. The sound filled me with joy.

Nate slipped his arm around me as we clinked glasses, sealing this magical moment. Our next chapter was just beginning.

The party moved smoothly, with the crowd mingling and laughing as they played the games Emily and I had prepared.

I walked around the room, chatting with friends and family as they puzzled over trivia questions about our relationship milestones.

"When was their first date?" Lizzie asked, tapping her chin in concentration.

"Hmm, I think I remember Nate gushing about some Italian restaurant," Ethan replied. They scribbled their guess, giggling together.

Nearby, Frances and her boyfriend stood before the timeline along the wall, debating over significant moments.

"Definitely pin their engagement here," Frances insisted, fastening a heart beside the correct date.

I smiled as they recounted treasured memories. Each heart pinned felt like validation, a reminder of how far we'd come.

Winners received themed gifts—vintage bookends, tea samplers, and framed quotes from our favorite novels. The games brought joy and deepened connections.

As the evening wound down, I slipped outside for some air, emotionally overwhelmed. Nate followed, lacing his fingers through mine. We gazed up at the vast sky in contented silence.

I thought back on the night—the laughter and love surrounding us—and my heart swelled with gratitude. Each person here illuminated our journey. This community would be there, lighting our way no matter what came next.

Epilogue

Nate

Two and a half years later…

I took a deep breath of the fresh morning air as I unlocked the clinic doors. It was barely sunrise, but I liked arriving early to prepare the place for our little patients. I made my way past the cheerful waiting area, adorned with hand-painted murals of woodland creatures, and headed to my office to turn on the computer.

As I walked, I stopped to appreciate the comfortable reading space Susan had arranged in a bright corner. The spacious beanbag chairs were covered with soft teddy bears, and lions peeked out from the bookshelves. Susan had done a fantastic job creating a small haven for the children.

I was in the office, looking over notes for my patients, when I heard the front door open and close. I peered out to see Susan maneuvering the stroller inside, a huge grin lighting up her face. She looked radiant, the early sunlight catching her eyes. Our three-month-old son, Michael, was nestled snugly in his stroller, bundled up in a light blanket covered in Superman logos.

“Well, good morning, my two favorite people!” I said, emerging from my office.

Susan rolled her eyes dramatically. “Oh, so you’re a morning person now, too? Unbelievable.” But her smile gave away her true feelings.

I leaned down to drop a kiss on her lips. “Only when I get to start the day with you.”

Susan playfully swatted my shoulder. “You’re such a charmer, Dr. Reynolds.”

I grinned and knelt to adjust our son’s blanket. “I see we’ve got a little Superman fan this morning,” I said, giving Susan a knowing look.

She laughed. “Alright, you caught me. I may have intentionally picked that blanket to get a reaction out of you.”

“I knew it!” I said triumphantly. Though I’d never publicly admit how much I loved seeing our boy dressed in superhero clothes. That was just between Susan and me.

Once I had settled the baby, Susan headed over to the reading nook, greeting a few kids who had already gathered on the beanbag chairs. I watched as their little faces lit up when they saw her, crowding in close as she sat down with a storybook in hand.