Page 77 of My December Darling

A few people clap before they’re shushed by the crowd.

“When Gabriela and my parents taught us that ‘sharing is caring,’ I don’t think they had boyfriends in mind.” More peoplelaugh this time, and some of the tension in my shoulders loosens. “I should’ve guessed it was a possibility given how my sister always stole my Ken dolls, but my parents said she would grow out of that phase…or so we thought.”

Thankfully, more people laugh this time.

“Anyone who knows Aiden understands why Gabriela would fall in love with him. In fact, I’m the first one to admit that she has impeccable taste.” I look over at her and wink, and Gabriela’s smile widens.

“See, my sister has dreamed of meeting her prince charming ever since she was a little girl who forced me into wearing our father’s suit for our pretend weddings while drawing a mustache across my upper lip with a Sharpie.” The group of women near the back of the room gasp. “Iknow. To think people call her the nice Martinez sister when she single-handedly gave me a permanent mustache during picture week.”

“I thought it was a washable marker!” my sister shouts.

“So you say…” A wave of chuckles follows my comment. “Anyway, Gabriela had this stage where she was obsessed with weddings. She would watch the video of our parents getting married like it was her favorite movie, pointing out everything she loved about their special day. The flowers. The big, puffy dress. Our father waiting at the end of the aisle for his ‘princess’ as she put it.

“But little by little, as Gabriela got older, her view on weddings and husbands matured. It wasn’t about the event, but rather the person she pictured standing at the end of the aisle. The man who would stick by her through the good and the bad. For richer and for poorer. In sickness and in health.” My eyes sting, and I’m surprised I’ve held off on crying up until now. I avoid locking eyes with my sister, who is sniffling loudly behind me, solely because I know that one glance at her and my tears will never stop flowing.

On the one hand, I’m so happy for her, but on the other, I yearn for a love like hers. A love that might not be perfect, but one that will stand the test of time and all the trials that life brings our way.

I sneak another look in Luke’s direction and catch the proud smile on his face.

You got this, he mouths, flooding me with enough confidence to continue despite the ache in my chest.

I take a deep breath to gather myself. “My sister always knew what she wanted, which is why nothing made me happier than the moment she realized Aiden was the man who she saw herself sharing a life with.”

Silverware clangs against water goblets and wineglasses again.

“The two of them are incredible people in their own right, but together? They’re the power couple we all aspire to be, and I can’t imagine two people better suited for each other. They make me believe that there is always room for love in our lives, so long as we are open to accepting the kind we think we deserve.”

I turn to face my brother-in-law.

“Aiden, you embody everything my father is to my mother, which is exactly what my sister wanted and more, so thank you for loving her as much as we do and then some. We’re happy to have you as part of our family, and I speak for every Martinez-Rivera here tonight when I say that we look forward to seeing your own family grow, along with your love for Gabriela. Congratulations, you two. I love you both more than words can express.”

My heart pounds in my ears, so I can hardly make out the sound of everyone clapping for me until I return the microphone to its stand and take a step away from it. My whole face warms up from hundreds of eyes on me, and I wish I could slink into the shadows. The DJ plays music, drowning out the sound of myheels clicking against the dance floor as I head back to my seat beside Luke’s.

“Be honest with me. How did I do?”

Luke drags my chair closer to his until our legs touch. “Amazing.” He pushes my wineglass into my trembling hand. “You were perfect up there and didn’t mess up once.”

“I heard some laughs.”

“And a few sniffles.”

“I’m sure my mom will give me a speech later about making my sister cry.”

“AndAiden.”

I push his shoulder with a laugh. “No way.”

“You didn’t see him discreetly dabbing at his eyes with the cloth napkin?”

“No. I tried to avoid looking at them directly.”

“Hopefully, the videographer recorded it so I can save it as his contact photo.”

I swallow my laugh. “So it went well you think?”

He tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “Yes, except I’m curious about that new part you added.”

My brows crinkle together. “What new part?”

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